On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, (Mark 11:15)
Jerusalem temple clearing incident was the most important cause that determined Jesus’ destiny. So, all four gospels are dealing with this incident. John’s gospel sets it up at the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry while other synoptic gospel the last week. It was important for Jesus was directly confronted by the leaders of Jerusalem temple at this incident.
Jew’s system centered round Jerusalem was like a stronghold. Firstly the history and tradition of Jerusalem was great. If we trace back the history of Jerusalem temple to its origin there are David and Solomon. David prepared material foundation to build the temple and Solomon practically built it. If we trace a little more back we can meet Moses. In the law he received all the detailed enforcement regulations about temple and worship activities.
Jerusalem temple not merely exercised the religious vested rights but collected a fixed temple tax from the pilgrims. They could collect much money and goods at the important festival. Imagine how much the amount would be. The government of Roman Empire, the ruler of Israel didn’t interrupt such activities of the leaders of Jerusalem temple. Think of the offering of those mega churches in Korea. Of course other religions also have the same phenomena.
In common parlance, Jesus a rustic from Nazareth fought against the power of Jerusalem temple, the origin of Israel religion. The result of this fighting was forgone conclusion. The temple clearing incident was a catalyzer to make his destiny of crucifixion earlier.
Jerusalem temple clearing incident was the most important cause that determined Jesus’ destiny. So, all four gospels are dealing with this incident. John’s gospel sets it up at the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry while other synoptic gospel the last week. It was important for Jesus was directly confronted by the leaders of Jerusalem temple at this incident.
Jew’s system centered round Jerusalem was like a stronghold. Firstly the history and tradition of Jerusalem was great. If we trace back the history of Jerusalem temple to its origin there are David and Solomon. David prepared material foundation to build the temple and Solomon practically built it. If we trace a little more back we can meet Moses. In the law he received all the detailed enforcement regulations about temple and worship activities.
Jerusalem temple not merely exercised the religious vested rights but collected a fixed temple tax from the pilgrims. They could collect much money and goods at the important festival. Imagine how much the amount would be. The government of Roman Empire, the ruler of Israel didn’t interrupt such activities of the leaders of Jerusalem temple. Think of the offering of those mega churches in Korea. Of course other religions also have the same phenomena.
In common parlance, Jesus a rustic from Nazareth fought against the power of Jerusalem temple, the origin of Israel religion. The result of this fighting was forgone conclusion. The temple clearing incident was a catalyzer to make his destiny of crucifixion earlier.
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