SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, February 28, 2021

Dear Friends in Christ —

‘Meek and mild shows up mad!’

It’s Monday. Just a day after entering Jerusalem to the cheers of the people, Jesus of Nazareth continues to astound. The population has swelled. The city is fortified by the Roman garrison. Security is tight. He heads to the Temple and tears it up, sealing his fate. It was bad enough when this backwater itinerant embarrassed the scholars, when he and his group flouted the dietary, purity and Sabbath laws. Now he has attacked the seat of stability, secured by complicit Temple authorities. He teaches with impunity and the people love him. How quickly this will change.

Jesus cleansing the Temple is related in all four gospels. Details may differ, but the result is the same. He’s no longer just an irritant. Jesus is a threat.