Jesus and His Father were not fans of those who took advantage of the poor and broken. On Monday of Holy Week, we saw Him turn over the tables of the money changers in the temple. He made a whip out of small cords to drive out the livestock being sold for sacrificial offerings. His actions to run off the actual human scammers included flipping their tables and scattering their corrupt earnings. This was not Jesus losing His temper as much as it was righteous indignation toward the misuse of His Father’s house and its being used to take advantage of the poor. On this day, we saw Him both throw out the corrupt money changers and also curse the fig tree, letting His followers—and us—know He was not fond of hypocrites either. There are those in similar situations today. Jesus calls His followers to take a stand on their behalf. He is not asking us to stand on corners with signs telling everyone that there are poor people, or even telling others to help the poor. He calls us to action on their behalf. Because I’m not Jesus—and I suspect you are not either—we are not to physically assault the businesses of those we suspect are hurting the less fortunate. He calls us, over and over in Scripture, very clearly, to help them ourselves. In church the other day, I heard of a group that was putting care packages of food and supplies together for people who had missed their paychecks for months. That surely aligns with the heart of our Savior. Today, do for others what Jesus would. #BeTheEdge
“This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles.” Psalm 34:6 NIV
