The account of Jesus scourging money-changers in the Temple at Jerusalem is considered, today (see John 2: 13-21, KJV). Also, there is more on the origins of baptism. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Painkiller” (Level 1 with 168 points, a member since May 6, 2013) posted the following:
Why did Jesus chase off the money-changers?
What if he needed to exchange his Shekles for Doubloons?
THE BATTLE AXE: Origins of Baptism? (06/22/2013)—Christian believers are encouraged to understand the crossings of the Red Sea and Jordan River as depictions of baptism. These crossings were shared experiences to further bind and cement together those that left Egypt to be joined as a new nation, rather than a collection of nomadic tribes. The crossings were to set them apart and sanctify them just as hearing Almighty GOD proclaim the covenant law to their assembly at Sinai. See 1st Corinthians 10: 1-4, Galatians 3: 26-28 and Hebrews 11: 29, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. (Hebrews 9: 11-15, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Children, not the Dogs (03/17/2013); Why Jesus Must Be A Jew (03/18/2013); The Need to Purify Heaven (01/17/2013); Blessings, Curses and Woes (10/03/2012); After We Die? (10/04/2012); The First Jews (02/20/2012); Upon This Rock (02/21/2012); Entered Into Heaven (02/07/2012); Poem: “The Magician: Franco Gaskin” (02/08/2012)
“Painkiller”, here are some points to consider that may provide you greater appreciation and grasp of the ministry of Jesus in the earth:
(1) After many visits to the Temple at Jerusalem in obedience to continuing Mosaic law binding the first-born and head of households to GOD, Jesus realized that the Temple at Jerusalem was being used by many as a “public forum,” a “business district” and a “market place.” Many subtle, and barely visible transgressions of divine will were in regular practice—even working on the Sabbath day—and the house of prayer, was little more than a den of thieves.
(2) The Temple community included priests, Levites (i.e., maintenance and service workers), scribes, lawyers, factions (i.e., Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, Zealots), livestock dealers, beggars, petitioners, those being examined or cleared regarding ceremonial uncleanness, and the followers of independent rabbis and teachers that were permitted to publicly advance scriptural instruction. While only the priests were consecrated and appointed as agents of GOD, the entire Temple community had influence, and an unhealthy grip throughout the nation.
(3) In accordance with the Scriptures, Jesus declared the presence of money-changers upon holy ground and within the sacred precincts, another tradition that violated the divine covenant. Even before their crossing the Jordan, dispensations from the time of Moses gave rise to the practice of providing exchange services, and allowing purchase for sheep, goats and other sacrificial animals at the Tabernacle. This made it possible for travelers to come from far distances, and to present substitute goods of equal value instead of their irreplaceable holy tithes and offerings.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4) Driving out the money-changers was to be recognized as a prophetic demonstration (i.e., actions in place of words) signaling both atonement and cleansing of the Temple in the earth as well as cleansing of the Sanctuary within the Holiest of Holies in Heaven. Therein Jesus is revealed as High Priest of a new and greater covenant.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
No comments:
Post a Comment