There is a story in the Gospels, which most probably know as Jesus cleansing the Temple. I could just imagine Jesus’ disciple’s jaws drop as they watch Him roll up in the Temple flipping tables, and driving people out with a bull whip. If you want to read this for yourself check out John 2:13-25, I encourage you to do so. Throughout my life at church I was told what Jesus did merely showed His anger for the religious leaders and how they have turned His Father’s house into a market place. Although this is partly true, it completely misses the big picture. The Temple in 1st century Jerusalem was the center of everything in the Jewish world. It was where the Spirit of God resided; it contained the Holy of Holies, where Heaven and Earth met, where all records were kept, and many times where a small market was held. When Jesus came driving these people out, He was portraying His authority, that there was a new Ruler in Jerusalem. He was establishing His Kingship over the world and rebuking the old rulers of the Temple. Jesus was here to proclaim His Father as King, and to bring Heaven, not just to the temple, but to the entire world.
When Jesus preached “The Kingdom of God has come near,” He was not only implying that God will one day return to judge all and take Christians to Heaven, but that Heaven was coming to Earth. Heaven is a reality that we can experience here on Earth, but it is up to us, Disciples of Christ, to make this true! While on Earth, the mission and vision of Jesus was to create a group of followers who would be these Kingdom-Bringers. This was ultimately the message behind Jesus cleansing the Temple. He was chasing out the old ways, the old rulers, and establishing His authority. He was there to destroy the old power and build it up again with Him being the Chief Cornerstone. God is now in charge and has called us to bring His Kingdom to the rest of the world. Our Savior didn’t die to start a meek and mild religion, but to initiate passion within His followers to proclaim this very message!
Ephesians 1:10 says “to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.” Because of Christ, and His resurrection, he has called us to live out this passage; to spread the Gospel to all and make this connection between Earth and Heaven a reality.
While on this mission trip I pray that my team and I will live up to this calling that Christ has placed on our lives. Not just to go out and teach others about Jesus, but to truly bring Heaven, the presence of the Almighty God, where ever we may step foot. My prayers also go out to everyone, the Christian Church, and the whole body of Christ, that we will all do our part and be these Kingdom-Bringers!!
