When they arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, and he stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace. Mark 11:15-16
One of the most provocative acts of Jesus was to disrupt the economy of the temple, flipping tables and chairs of money changers and those selling animals for sacrifices. His direct action not only drew attention to the oppressive economic system, but was primarily done to advocate for the proper use of the Court of the Gentiles – the only part of the temple mount that was accessible to them for prayer. Who can you think of that doesn’t have access to the physical, mental or spiritual resources they need? What could you do to draw attention to their exclusion? How could you advocate for them?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, as you fearlessly confronted the forces of injustice – even turning over the tables of those who profited from oppression and acting boldly for the inclusion of outsiders in God’s reign – so grant us grace to courageously contend against evil and to make no peace with oppressors. Help us to employ our freedom to maintain justice in our communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy Name. Amen. Adapted from BPC (For Social Justice)
Tongue on Fire 