Basic HTML Version
350
From Heaven With Love
He who had Himself given these prophecies now for the last
time repeated the warning. In fulfillment of prophecy the people
had proclaimed Jesus king of Israel. He had received their homage
and accepted the office of king. In this character He must act. He
knew His efforts to reform a corrupt priesthood would be in vain;
nevertheless, to an unbelieving people the evidence of His divine
mission must be given.
Again the piercing look of Jesus swept over the desecrated court
of the temple. All eyes were turned toward Him. Divinity flashed
through humanity, investing Christ with a dignity and glory He had
never manifested before. Those nearest Him drew as far away as the
crowd would permit. Except for a few of His disciples, the Saviour
stood alone. The deep silence seemed unbearable. Christ spoke
with a power that swayed the people like a mighty tempest: “It is
written, My house is the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den
of thieves.” His voice sounded like a trumpet through the temple.
“Take these things hence.”
John 2:16
.
Three years before, the rulers of the temple had been ashamed of
their flight before the command of Jesus. They had felt it impossible
for their undignified surrender to be repeated. Yet they were now
more terrified than before, and in greater haste to obey His command.
Priests and traders fled, driving their cattle before them.
On the way from the temple they were met by a throng who
came with their sick inquiring for the Great Healer. The report given
by the fleeing people caused some of these to turn back, but a large
[394]
number pressed through the crowd, eager to reach Him. Again the
temple court was filled by the sick and the dying, and once more
Jesus ministered to them.
After a season the priests and rulers ventured back to the temple.
They expected Jesus to take the throne of David. Upon entering the
temple, they stood transfixed. They saw the sick healed, the blind
restored to sight, the deaf receive their hearing, and the crippled leap
for joy. Children were foremost in the rejoicing. Jesus had healed
their maladies; He had clasped them in His arms. Now with glad
voices the children sounded His praise. They repeated the hosannas
of the day before and waved palm branches triumphantly before the
Saviour.