Asleep At The Switch

Luke 19:41-48

The Jews had been looking for Messiah’s coming for hundreds of years. Daniel’s last prophecy was written about five hundred years before Christ was killed, and many others were even older.
As a result, the Jews were expecting Jesus to come and set up the kingdom at any time. Realizing this, it is shocking that when he came, only a very few realized what was happening.

At his birth, only a few shepherds were aware of what happened. A couple of devout older people knew who he was when he was dedicated in the temple. A small group of wisemen from a far country came to bring him gifts. The priests and Pharisees were oblivious until the wisemen asked where it happened, as were the vast majority of the people. After three years of hearing his teaching and seeing his miracles, most were still undecided and the leadership was convinced his death would be necessary to protect Israel from retaliation by the Roman authorities. Jesus was fully aware of their attitude.

“And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.” (Luke 19:41-42)

Jesus was saddened by their failure to believe what was so obvious. Had they just accepted his teachings they could have had the peace God wanted to give them. Just as the failure of Israel to believe God in Moses’ day, as described in Hebrews 3 and 4, resulted in the forty years in the wilderness, Israel would suffer terrible judgment for their unbelief. Its like they were asleep at the switch, knowing what was happening, and what they needed to do, but so focused on other things they missed the very thing they were hoping for.

“For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.” (Luke 19:43-44)

In sixty A.D. Rome would fulfill Jesus’ prophecy, surrounding the city, knocking down every wall, and killing most of the population to stop their rebellion. It all took place because they would not yield and obey God. From there, he went to the temple and found people trading in the temple.

Many Jews who had been scattered around the world by the Assyrians in II Kings 17:6 came to Jerusalem for the Passover. Because of the distances, it was easier to carry money to buy sacrifices with than to bring the sacrificial animals themselves. Money changers were needed to convert different currencies to enable people to buy sacrificial animals locally. For the convenience of worshippers, sellers of sacrificial animals and moneychangers were allowed to set up booths inside the outer court of the temple.

Early in his ministry, Jesus had condemned the practice in John 2:16, telling them, “Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise,” using a scourge to drive them out. Three years later, they were again using the temple as a place of business, buying and selling items for religious use.

“And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought; Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.” (Luke 19:45-46)

As Jesus chased them out again he reminded them that God intended his house for a place of worship, not a place for making money. Because the people who came to the temple were far from home, they were forced to buy at whatever price the temple vendors asked, rather than the going rate for local people. His actions further antagonized the priests and business leaders who were profiting from this trade.

“And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him, And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him.” (Luke 19:47-48)

There is an old saying that if you really want to hurt someone, hit him in the pocketbook. Jesus’ action was definitely cutting into the profits, giving additional incentive for getting rid of him.

Ever wonder what Jesus would say about the sale of books and recordings and the fund raising programs that are so common in churches today?