Holy Wednesday

Jesus said, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” (Matthew 23:37-39 ESV).

The Scripture is silent concerning the events of Wednesday before the crucifixion and resurrection. We do know that Jesus went to the Temple every day when he was in Jerusalem. This would be true for the last week of ministry before his death. Our reading today comes from those events ascribed to Tuesday. This is a culmination of a day of truth. He could speak truth to power and stand up for the people that the power was crushing. Every day, Jesus brought truth to those who did not want to hear it, for it meant that they would have to change their ways and start living according to the plan of God rather than their own plan. They would not have it. Every day Jesus came to them temple, he met opposition, derision, and people trying to trap him at every turn. Since we believe, in light of Scripture, that our very bodies are Temples that are meant to be kept holy and pure, we can also understand this day in light of that teaching. The Apostle Paul said: Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. (1 Corinthians 3:16-17 ESV). We are meant to act as living sanctuaries, bringing hope, healing, and wholeness to those in desperate need of it. The Son of God is within that Temple, this very Holy Wednesday, speaking truth to power. My hope is that we will listen to his cry for justice, mercy and humility. We can do this by placing ourselves in His plan for our lives. While that is often difficult, it is always best. Of course, we may oppose, deride and ignore Jesus’ cry. We may sit in silence and reflect on the Son of God’s call for change upon your life; however, it cannot be overlooked that His call to us is to begin to rebuild our Temple in God’s image. While I do not know what that specifically means in your life today; I do know it is a clear call of our Savior. Perhaps it will be a renewal of your prayer life; or, it could be a deeper interest in the study of the Scripture; or an increased interest in some aspect of ministry within the circle of your influence. Whatever building your Temple looks like, begin today!