It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; he also saw dealers at tables exchanging foreign money. Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers’ coins over the floor, and turned over their tables. Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” Then his disciples remembered this prophecy from the Scriptures: “Passion for God’s house will consume me.”
John 2:13-17
Yesterday, at the office, a little bird flew in. He or she flew from the lobby straight into the office area. This has happened before and it makes sure for entertainment every single time. We have tall windows, so I opened one and tried to shoo him towards it. Birdie was clever and chose to fly out the way it came in, through the door, except instead of flying out the front door, it flew into another part of the building and ended up in the kitchen. Being scared and stressed, it fluttered up and down. I tried to get it out of there as quick as possible, but also aware that I shouldn’t spook it too much. It flew back out and finally I managed to open the right window to set it free again.
When I was in my extended year of high school (better papers, woop woop!) we had a teacher that came back from a few months being out. To show our appreciation, but also being true to our scheming selves, we bought him a canary. They guy handing it to him ‘accidentally’ set it free while bringing it to him. Poor little bird, chased by a dozen of wild chefs.
I grew up in a bird store. Yes. So I know how confused and scared birds will react. Fly all over, get stressed, not good, also, they will stress out the other birds that are around. So indeed, I went from the ‘Clearing of the Temple’ to scared little birds. Why? Well, read the above Bible passage again:
He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers’ coins over the floor, and turned over their tables. Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here.
John 2:15-16
Do you see what Jesus does here? He First chased the people out, then He drives out the sheep and cattle, throws the money over the floor and turns over the tables. Then. Then! Only Then, he goes over to the dove salesmen, saying: ‘Get these things out of here.’ So nice. So loving. So caring. No scared, stressed, confused birds flying up against the walls or doorposts. No. Take them out. He wasn’t out for chaos, He was out for peace. The Temple was chaos with all the animals and salesmen. He made peace, and while doing that, took care of the birds. I know that was not the point, but He was gentle while making the point, and as such, making the point.
What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
Matthew 10:29-31
I can see the gentleness of Jesus towards the doves in an eventful, emotional, shocking happening. I can see Jesus saying that the Father knows all about little birds and what happens to them. I can see a caring and gentle God that promises that He cares even more about us! We are valuable!
Photo by Shantanu Goyal
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