Try To See The Heart Before Writing Off!

Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a den of robbers.’ ” Matthew 21:12.

Why did Jesus do what He did? He overturned the money changers’ tables and the benches of those selling doves. He said to them, “It is written, “My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers.”

At the first outset, we may think Jesus got angry suddenly without thinking properly- a sudden lash at the people and tables. Those who cast their lot with the movement of political correctness would undoubtedly come up with such a conclusion. Such people look at the words and are not bothered to understand the feelings behind them.

Many times we also do not look beyond the words and actions of good people. We must genuinely consider the feelings and zealousness of Jesus for the temple and what it must do in people’s lives. If you do not want to make mistakes, you need to learn to look beyond people’s hearts’ outward expressions. When people feel very strongly about their good and Godly convictions, they try to look beyond mere words and actions. If so, you can better relate to and profit from what is said.

Sometimes people say certain things not because they hate, disrespect, or despise. Their words may be the result of the pain they felt inside. If you do not see it, then you missed the point. You also lost great learning or improvement opportunity.

Of course, Jesus was concerned about the temple’s purpose in the people’s lives. The temple is meant for prayer, sacrifices, and worships. However, people in those days mixed these divine expectations with their selfish market interests (buying and selling) of animals and birds. The right and righteous anger of Jesus aroused inside Him. This is the reason why He did what He did.

I believe there is a lesson for us to learn here. We must understand what is going on in other people’s minds before labeling them out of tune or outcasts. To arrive at such a mindset to honestly figure out the hearts and intentions takes humility and active listening skills.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I am sorry I failed to see the hearts and good intentions behind the words and actions. I understand I need to figure out people’s intentions without declaring them out of tune or caste. I am sorry for my sins in this matter. Help me, Lord, to learn from other people. Please help me to develop humility by actively listening than becoming judgmental. I know Jesus was silent when he was accused, and He carried my sins and then died in my place to save me. Please forgive my sins and save me today. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ.