Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

Teacherman

Monday, December 14, 2009

Matthew 21:23-24
When Jesus had come into the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and said, "By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?"

Jesus said to them in reply, "I shall ask you one question ..."

Frank McCourt, author of Angela's Ashes, 'Tis and Teacher Man, was a feisty Irishman. His stories of awakened wonder in the classrooms of New York are rooted in both his respect for and tough love with his students. Like every good parent he was not satisfied with either love or firmness. He insisted on both.

Rabbi Jesus comes into Jerusalem riding on a donkey and surrounded by hosannas. At Passover the Jewish citizens brought or bought sacrificial animals to be killed in atonement for their sins. Priest-butchers in the temple did the killing for them, and the offering-up as well. It was a thriving business, this ministry to the people and for the people.

Jesus also went to the temple, as he had before at age 12 and perhaps often since. This time he didn't buy a bird or lamb. Jesus the carpenter and teacher rolled up his sleeves and threw tables over. He snapped his belt and swept all the traders' wares to the floor. Birds squawked and flew against their cages. Silver and gold flew, chased by panicked men. Grabbing their money they ran for the door. "This is a house of prayer!" Jesus screamed.

As the moneychangers ran away, many people ran in to find Jesus, to ask him for healing. They brought children and grandparents. Jesus healed them all. All this was yesterday. Today Jesus returns to the temple. He begins to teach. He will be teaching much of the day. He will be telling stories and finding new ways to look at old things. And he will challenge the Pharisees, who begin by challenging him.

Of course he turns the question back onto them. Jesus rarely answers questions in the discourses of the New Testament. He often asks a better question instead. And then he tells a story.

Would you like to follow this tough-love-guy marked with such great compassion, strength and intelligence? I sure would. There would be a painful break with the conventional, with the comfortable ... and then pure joy.

This invitation still stands. Jesus beckons.

So I lift up my soul to you, oh Lord. And put my hope in you. Show me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me. Your loving kindness is better than life. Remember not the sins of my youth. Remember me instead according to your love. (Psalm 25)

Devotions Archive

Teacherman

Monday, December 14, 2009