Cleansing the Temple
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fear fell upon the people. Those nearest Jesus instinctively drew as
far from him as the crowd would permit. With the exception of a few
of his disciples the Saviour stood alone. All sound was hushed; the
deep silence seemed unbearable, and when the firm, compressed lips
of Jesus parted, and his voice rang out in clarion tones, there was an
involuntary groan or sigh of relief from all present.
He spoke in clear accents and with a power that caused the people
to sway as if moved by a mighty tempest: “It is written, My house is the
house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” He descended
the steps, and, with greater authority than he had there manifested
three years before, with indignation that quenched all opposition, in
tones that rang like a trumpet through the whole temple, commanded,
[24]
“Take these things hence.” The displeasure of his countenance seemed
like a consuming fire; there was no questioning his authority; all fled
in the greatest haste from his presence, taking with them, and driving
before them, the cattle and merchandise that had desecrated the temple
of the Most High. Here Christ evidenced to the world that, with all his
infinite love and mercy, he could execute stern justice.
Three years before the dignitaries of the temple had been ashamed
of their precipitous flight before the command of the youthful Jesus,
and had since wondered at their own fears and unquestioning obedience
of a single humble man. They had felt that it was impossible for such
an undignified surrender on their part to be repeated. Yet a second
time they were more terrified and in greater haste than before to obey
his command. After the buyers and sellers had been expelled, Jesus
looked upon the flying crowd with the most profound pity. Many
remained anxiously hoping that this man, who assumed such power
and authority, was the longed for Messiah.
The crowd, rushing from the temple courts, driving their cattle
before them, met a throng that came, bearing with them the sick and
dying, and inquiring for the great Healer. The flying people gave the
most exaggerated report of the act of Christ in cleansing the temple.
Upon hearing this some of those who were hastening to find Jesus
turned back, fearing to meet one so powerful, whose very glance had
driven the priests and rulers from his presence. But a large number
pressed their passage through the hurrying throng, eager to reach Him
who was their only hope, and feeling that should he fail to relieve them
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