Who is Jesus? Cleansing the Temple

Verses:

'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

'“In your anger do not sin” : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, '

Ephesians 4:26

'So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. '

John 2:15

Devotional:

Have you ever felt the urge to act out in anger? Maybe someone cuts you off in traffic, and you want to honk, brake-check them, or give them a piece of your mind? Or perhaps someone disrespects you, and everything in you wants to respond in frustration? In moments like these, have you ever wondered if anger itself is a sin?

Thankfully, Scripture provides clarity. Ephesians 4:26 tells us to not sin in our anger. This means anger itself isn’t wrong, but how we respond to it can be. Jesus, our perfect example, shows us how to handle anger righteously.

In Matthew 21:12-13, Jesus enters the temple and sees corruption. People who traveled long distances to worship couldn’t bring their own sacrifices, so they were forced to buy them at the temple. But the merchants and money changers were exploiting them by charging unfair currency exchange rates and overpricing sacrificial animals. Instead of serving God’s people, they were taking advantage of them.

Jesus was justifiably angry, but He didn’t react impulsively. John 2:15 tells us He paused and took the time to make a whip of cords before taking action. This wasn’t an uncontrolled outburst—it was a deliberate response. He drove out the money changers, overturned tables, and restored the temple to what it was meant to be: a house of prayer. His anger was not sinful because it was rooted in justice and love for His Father’s house.

Reflect:
When anger rises, what’s your response? Do you lash out or do you take time to cool down? If someone cuts you off in traffic, instead of reacting, pray for their safety. If someone disrespects you or treats you unfairly, pause and ask God for wisdom in how to respond. Jesus was passionate, but He remained in control.

Respond:
Pause. Pray. Let anger become an opportunity to reflect Christ’s character. When frustration comes, take a step back and allow God to guide your response. Just as Jesus took time before acting, so should we.

Pray:
Lord Jesus, help me stay focused on You when I feel angry. In those moments, shift my anger into prayer for that person who upset me. They are sons and daughters of Yours and I need to mirror You in all I do. Thank You for bringing this to the forefront of my mind. I love You, Jesus. In Your name, amen.