Four Gospels

Hello Amy:

After reading the account of when Jesus went into the temple and overturned the tables of the money changers and chased people out, I would like to add my understanding of this event.

The temple was of course a holy place. In fact, one area of the temple, the Holy of Holies, was closed off by a very tall curtain. This area housed the Ark of the Covenant. Only the High Priest was allowed in this area and only once a year, I believe. The temple was the house of God and these merchants, thieves and moneychangers were disgracing this holy place by conducting business, showing how they valued money over God, and, no doubt, committed many other sins. Jesus saw this in the same way that anyone would if they found vandals defacing their parent's home.

As for the story of the fig tree, perhaps Jesus was demonstrating what happens to disciples that do not bear fruit. In this very graphic way, Jesus is demonstrating that he can cast you off with a look if you do not bear spiritual fruit. As Jesus said it in Matthew 10, "So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven."

Take care, and may God bless you,

Glenn Kirkland,

"Most people give-up just when they're
about to achieve success." ~ Ross Perot

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