For Whom?

As from today we kick off our mission month, let us read the Gospel of Mark. Mark 11 offers valuable insights into the mission of Jesus as he clears the temple of its animals, moneychangers, and merchandizers.

First, this is not a loss of temper. Jesus arrives at the temple the day before and looks around, but departs because it is late, returning with sober intentionality the following day (v. 11).

Second, his citing of Scripture (v. 17) informs the socio- economic thrust of his concern: “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations.” In requiring sacrificially correct animals (which were more expensive), to be purchased with Jewish (not Roman) coin, the poor were thereby excluded from ritual purification—denied access to God’s blessed righteousness.

Third, in looking up the passage quoted from Psalm 56 (v. 7), the emphasis is on the second phrase: “for ALL people.” Thus, God’s blessedness on Mount Zion’s temple is extended to the foreigner, the eunuch, and the outcasts of Israel (vv. 1-8). Israel’s leaders are blind, caring for themselves and not those they serve (vv. 9- 12).

Often times we miss out on the core aspect of the mission, that is to create equality, promoting unity and fairness. We overlook the important factor God's family is inclusive of ALL. It is FOR ALL!