Cleansing the Temple
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temple, and regarded a word spoken in its disfavor as blasphemy. They
were rigorous in the performance of ceremonies connected with it, yet
allowed the love of money and power to overrule their scruples, till
they were scarcely aware of the distance they had wandered from the
original purity of the sacrificial ceremony instituted by God himself.
When the Lord came down upon Mount Sinai, the place was
consecrated by his presence. A divine command was given Moses to
bounds around the mount and sanctify it, and the word of God was
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heard in warning: “Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the
mount, or touch the border of it. Whosoever toucheth the mount shall
be surely to death. There shall not a hand touch it, but he shall surely
be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live.”
All the people were cleansed and sanctified for the presence of the
Lord. In direct contrast to this example, the sacred temple, dedicated
to the Almighty, was made a market-place and a house of merchandise.
As the youthful Galilean entered the enclosure, he stooped and
picked up a whip of small cords that had been used in driving some of
the animals. Jesus ascended the steps of the temple and surveyed the
scene with a calm and dignified look. He saw and heard the traffic and
bartering. His expression became stern and terrible. The eyes of many
turned instinctively to look at this stranger; their gaze became riveted
upon him. Others followed their example till the whole multitude were
regarding him with a look of mingled fear and amazement.
They felt instinctively that this man read their inmost thoughts
and their hidden motives of action. Some attempted to conceal their
faces as if their evil deeds were written upon their countenances to be
scanned by those searching eyes.
The confusion was hushed. The sound of traffic and bargaining
ceased. The silence became painful. A sense of awe overpowered the
entire assembly. It was as if they were arraigned before the tribunal
of God to answer for their deeds. The Majesty of Heaven stood as the
Judge will stand at the last day, and every one of that vast crowd for the
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time acknowledged him their Master. His eye swept over the multitude,
taking in every individual. His form seemed to tower above them in
commanding dignity, and a divine light illuminated his countenance.
He spoke, and his clear, ringing voice, echoing through the arches of
the temple, was like the voice that shook Mount Sinai, of old: “My