16-Merchants-Bankers-Widow-A

And We Thought We Knew You:
Soul Journey With the Real Jesus

Vol. II: Dream Maker

Merchants, Bankers and a Widow
TREASURE OF DOOM

April AD 27
Jerusalem, Judea

�� Most people just call her the Widow Tamar.� That is, if she ever comes up in the conversation.� She never does anything for the community.� People smile at her out of politeness, but really don't know anything about her.� They never asked.

�� "Oh Lord.� We come to you now full of humility knowing the holy challenge before us in determining this year's budget....Amen."� Gentlemen, you may be seated.

�� The widow Tamar is especially diswrought today.

�� "Oh Lord," she cries.� "How am I ever going to make it?� I hardly have anything to feed my children.� Why did my husband have to die?� Why, God?� What am I going to do?"

�� She rises and walks over to her jar of flour.� There is such a little left.� She must make do.

�� "Thank you, Jedediah," the high priest responds.� "Now we will proceed with business.� The first committee report will be from WORLD MISSIONS COMMITTEE."

�� "Gentlemen of the Sanhedrin.� We have done a great deal of research on missionary needs throughout Africa, Persia, India, the Mediterranean and the barbarian north....But most continents, excepting our own, need to be converted.... [1]� Our hearts went out to them all....

�� "....And, so, gentlemen, we are recommending [2] 4,000,000 shekels to send missionaries to Africa, 4,000,000 shekels to send missionaries to Persia, 20,000,000 shekels to India, 4,000,000 shekels to the Mediterranean countries and 40,000,000 shekels to the barbarian north.� Our request, therefore, is for 72,000,000 shekels for world missionary work."

�� The Widow Tamar smiles as she feels the warm little hands slip around her neck.

�� "Good morning, little girl.� Did you sleep well last night?"

�� "Mommy, I'm hungry."

�� Breakfast will be ready soon.� It will be special this morning.� A neighbor gave us some grease from some lamb they roasted.� I am going to pour it over our bread this morning and it will be so yummy!"

�� "Thank you, Gamaliel. �Now closely related to the missionary work is the building of local synagogues.� May we now hear from the SYNAGOGUE COMMITTEE?"

�� "Yes, we are pleased with the progress of God's work world wide.� We have found that the presence of a synagogue in a village helps to convert people from pagan religious with their local Temples.� Including those that need to be built in Palestine, world-wide we must build twenty synagogues at an average of 1,000,000 shekels each.� We, therefore, request 20,000,000 shekels to build synagogues."

�� "Mother!� Make Jehoiakim give me my sandal!"

�� The Widow Tamar continues with her cooking, but shouts loud enough her son can hear.

�� "Jehoiakim!� You come down here this minute and give your sister her sandal!"

�� The boy appears, throws his sister sandal playfully at her, and asks, "What's for breakfast?� The same thing we always get?"

�� "Mommy says it will be special this morning.� The bread will taste like lamb."

�� "Thank you, Obadiah. [3]� Let us now go to the BENEVOLENT COMMITTEE."

�� "Brothers in the mercy of God.� We thank you for this opportunity to bring to your mind famine....earthquakes....political....Helplessness and hopelessness was everywhere....

�� "....We are pleased to announce that the third-year welfare taxation of an additional tithe was successful.� With 600,000 wage earners [4]� averaging 8,000 shekels annual earnings, we were able to collect 480,000,000 shekels for our welfare program.� Drawn out over three years, that amounts to 160,000,000 shekels per year which is quite sufficient...." [5]

�� "Where are the twins?� Twins!� Come down for breakfast!"

�� The Widow Tamar brings the bread out of the oven, pours the hot lamb grease over them, and puts them on a plate in the middle of the table for each one to help themselves.

�� "Mother, all my tunics are torn.� When am I ever going to get something decent to wear?"

�� "I don't know, sweetheart.� We just have to grin and bear it.� You know we had to sell the house to cover your father's debts."

�� "Thank you, Nichodemus. [6] We are indeed touched.� Now we will hear from the BUILDING MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE."

�� "Thank you High Priest Caiaphas. [7] As you know, your palace plays a very important role in keeping Judaism in tact, providing quarters for both religious and political figures among our people when they travel to our capital city....

�� "We have made a room-by-room survey of the needs of the high priest's palace and, if we exercise restraint,� will be able to get by with 40,000,000 shekels this year. [8]

�� "And it need not be said that we must maintain our glorious Temple.� Keeping up buildings and walls and courtyards covering thirty acres is expensive.... [9]� We are therefore requesting ~ and we consider this a very conservative figure ~ 86,700,000 shekels....We believe you, our honorable Sanhedrin, will concur with this."

�� Tears come to the eyes of the Widow Tamar.� She quickly leaves the room so her children cannot see it and lose their own courage.� She looks out a window and raises her eyes to the early morning sky.

�� "Oh, my God, what are we going to do?� I've sold all of Uzza's tools.� Yesterday I sold enough chicken eggs to buy a little oil for our lamps.� What am I going to do?� Abiathar, why did you have to go away?� Oh, Abiathar....� Oh, my God...."

�� "Mommy!"

�� The children need her in the other room.� They must not see her like this.� She wipes her face on the bottom of her tunic, brushes back her hair, puts on a smile, and walks back out to her children.

�� "Bathsheba is hitting me!"

�� "Bathsheba, don't hit your sister."

�� "Well, she started it."

�� "Now children, I've got to go into the market today to try to sell some sewing I have completed.� You know what your chores are.� And be sure to keep the younger ones away from the oven.� You know how easy it is to get burned while it is still hot."

�� "Maybe I will find someone to have the Passover meal with tomorrow night." [10]

�� "Thank you Joseph and everyone for your contribution today.� We will take into consideration every plea and weigh it against our monetary resources.� It is noon.� We will adjourn for lunch, then reassemble for reports from the Treasury Committees."

�� "First, we will hear from Jeremiah and the CENSUS COMMITTEE."

�� "Thank you.� Our yearly census revealed some 600,000 men, 600,000 women, and 1,800,000 children, totalling approximately 3,000,000 Jews.� We collected the one-half shekel per person which totalled 1,500,000 shekels. [11]

�� "Next, Uzzah, the FIRST-BORN REDEMPTION COMMITTEE."

�� "Thank you.� Last year there were 50,775 first-born sons in our young Jewish families world wide.� At five shekels to free each one from automatic life-time service to the Lord, we collected 253,875 shekels. [12]

�� The widow Tamar walks to the market.� She shows her garments to three shop owners.

�� "Don't let yourself get discouraged," she says under her breath.� "Keep smiling.� Keep smiling.'

�� A fourth shop owner spends a little longer looking them over, but decides to postpone carrying them.

�� A fifth.� A sixth.

�� "Oh, God, my children.� I need to feed my children," she whispers to herself.

�� "Aren't these lovely!� I will take them all.� Are two shekels enough?"

�� The Widow Tamar accepts the offer.� It is a little low, but she needs the money.� Next she goes over to a weaver and purchases a little more fabric.� Then, before returning home, she purchases enough fresh food for the evening meal and breakfast.� She sees some bruised figs and talks the shop keeper into reducing the price on them.� Her children will be so pleased.

�� She has half a shekel left.

�� "Now we will hear from the DAILY FOOD SACRIFICES COMMITTEE."

�� "As you know, people come to the Temple from all over the world.� We see an average of 250 visitors per day, all wanting to make donations to God's work.� They donated various grains in gratitude for God's goodness. [13] The value of grains donated was 1,000,000 shekels.� The value of meat sacrificed and donated in payment for sins or thanksgiving came to 2,600,000 shekels. [14]

�� "We kept much of it for part of our wages, also stipulated in the Law of Moses.� The rest of the grain we put in bins in the Temple's outer courtyard for people to purchase....the same with the animals, putting them in stalls or tying them up in the Temple's outer courtyard, all for the convenience of the worshippers.� Of course, everything was 100% profit, having no overhead.� We made 2,000,000 shekels...reselling the donated grain to then be donated back to us.� We profited 5,200,000 shekels from reselling the meat.� Praise God!"

�� The Widow Tamar works her way out of the market.� "How can I thank you, God?"� She is in tears.� Her smile trembles.

�� She turns toward home.� "Oh, God.� How am I going to make it without you?"

�� She looks over at the Temple which can be seen from everywhere in the city.� A little side trip is what she needs.� Her children will be okay until she gets home.

�� "Thank you, Naboth, for your report.� Sacrificial giving:� That's what we like to hear.� This money was surely put to good use in God's cause throughout the world.� Now the ANNUAL COMMEMORATIONS COMMITTEE."

�� "At Passover and the other annual events, we had food donations of both grains and meat.� First the grains report.� We took in 1,800,000 shekels....Reselling most of it, since we can't eat all that much bread and cake, we profited 3,600,000 shekels...then sold it to be re-donated back to us.� The meat donations....We were given 8,000,000 shekels worth of meat, profiting 16,000,000 shekels....

�� "We are grateful for all those worshippers out there willing to pay double value to purchase their sacrifices so that the treasury of the Lord will never go dry, and his cause will never go stagnant in the world."

�� The Widow Tamar arrives at the grand gate into the Temple grounds.� It is extra busy, what with the Passover coming up.� Still, she would love to find someone to share this morning's success with.� She looks around.�

�� Everyone is so busy.� Selling sacrificial animals.� Exchanging foreign currency for Temple shekels.� Rushing over to talk to some important scribe.� Rushing another place to deliver a set of new scripture scrolls.�

�� Rushing.� Rushing.� Rushing.

�� Still the Widow Tamar looks.� She slows down her pace.� She spends more time looking for some friendly face.� A stranger would do.� Everyone busy talking to everyone else.� Everyone but the Widow Tamar.

�� Slower her pace.� She stops.� Isn't there anyone who cares?

�� "Thank you, Joram.� We know the Lord will reward these people generously both now and some day in heaven.� Now the VOWS COMMITTEE."

�� "The Law of Moses has been most helpful in raising funds this past year.... [15]

�� "Men alone who dedicated themselves to God's service, even for a month, came to 14,400.� At 200 shekels per vow for the whole year, that is 34,560,000 shekels given for the service of the Lord worldwide just by the men.� Adding women and children dedicated to the Lord brought a total revenue of 70,000,000 shekels.� Many worthy causes will be helped because of this movement."

�� The Widow Tamar notices people at the free-will money box.� She has always been careful to tithe in accordance with the Law of Moses.� But she wants to do more.

�� For awhile she just watches people come and go from the box.� Some have people gathered around them and are making their donations ceremonially.�

�� Loud speeches.� Cheers.� Applause.� Holding up the money toward the heavens to declare it is all for the glory of God.� More cheers.� More applause.

�� The Widow Tamar hesitates.� And waits.� And watches from afar.

�� "Thank you, Barak, for that moving report.� Now, last but not least is the FOREIGN MONEY EXCHANGE COMMITTEE."

�� "Thank you for this opportunity to show you what we have accomplished for God's glory this past year....The greatest number of visitors used Persian drachms, Greek denarii and the official tetradrachms of various countries....also have six others tables, each representing a continent and accepting minor currencies.� With an exchange rate against one Temple shekel, we were able to take in 98,000,000 shekels by exchanging foreign currency into shekels.�

� �� "These tables have proven very popular with the people since they no longer have to stand in lines at banks....this new program to his honor globally."

�� The Widow Tamar waits for a long time.� The Temple is so busy today.� She finds a bench and sits on it.� She lowers her head.� Some think perhaps she has fallen asleep.� Those that notice, that is.

�� "Oh, my God.� Thank you for your many blessings.� My clothes may not be good.� But I am clothed with love from you.� My food is not much, but I feed on you.� My home is small and bare.� But heaven is reserved for me...."

�� She feels someone tap on her knee.� She looks up.

�� "Oh, excuse me.� I was trying to avoid walking into that man and must have bumped you.� Sorry, ma'am."

�� She smiles.� He does not see the smile.� He is already gone.

�� Still she waits.� And sometimes prays.� Now and then she adds, "And help me get a turn soon so I can return home to my children.� Oh my children.� Help my children...."

�� "Thank you, everyone, for your work in presenting these reports.� The decisions of the Sanhedrin will be made in the next moon and a formal budget presented at that time.� May we close this long but fruitful day with a prayer." [16]

�� "Oh Lord of heaven and earth....Bless us now as we make these difficult decisions on who to help with the bounty of money you have granted us.� Amen."

�� Jesus and his apostles arrive in Jerusalem for Passover.� They rent a room, then walk over to the Temple.� The great Temple.� One of the wonders of the world.� An edifice dedicated to the glory of God. [17]

�� The time is now, Jesus.� Show them how much you love them.� Show them that all their struggles to do missionary work and feed the hungry and spread Judaism worldwide do not go unappreciated by the God of heaven.� Show them that they will no longer have to be ruled by foreign despots, but will be ruled by a benevolent God.� Tell them you are ready to be their priest-king. [18]

�� There are lines of people trying to get inside.� They wait their turn.� Finally they are able to walk into the courtyard.� Jesus' apostles are all smiles.� Yes, sir!� This is the day of God!

�� Jesus stands and surveys the activity, the citizens of his coming new kingdom.� His companions do the same.� Ah, yes.� They will listen to you, Jesus.� You're going to be their new king some day.

�� But Jesus says not a word.� He just stands there.� What's wrong Jesus?� What do you see?

�� There are tears in Jesus' eyes.� Cut it out, Jesus!� That's no way for a king to act.� But these people - oh how he loves them.� He will be a good leader.� He has compassion and understands their eagerness to please God.� Look at all the money they are taking in from the stables and grain bins.� Money to feed the hungry.� Look at all the money they are taking in from the exchange of foreign currency.� Money to spread the gospel throughout the world.� Oh, Jesus, they are trying so hard to please God.� Look at them, Jesus.� Yes, weep for them.� They love God so. [19]

�� Jesus takes off his belt.

�� Jesus, what are you doing?� Getting ready to don your priestly garments?� We hadn't thought of that.�

�� "Take your belts off," Jesus orders.

�� His companions look at him in puzzlement.� But they're learning to trust him.� Seldom does he explain what he's about to do.� He just does it.� Explaining doesn't help much.� It just postpones the action.� So, a little embarrassed, they grin sheepishly at each other and take their belts off.�

�� Apparently he is going to get priestly garments for them too.� Probably he'll perform some kind of miracle and turn their plain suits and shirts and ties into those garments.� Yes, that's probably it.

�� Jesus takes one belt and ties it to his.� Then the next belt is connected.� And he wipes a tear.

�� Jesus, what are you doing?

�� Now he looks up.� Past the crowd to those farsighted leaders collecting the benevolence money to God's glory.�

�� But his expression has changed.� Jesus' tears are gone.� He is looking through piercing eyes.� The veins on his forehead are showing.� He is clinching his teeth.� He is snapping the belts together.� Jesus is angry!

�� Angry at those soldiers guarding the government's interests of course.� Angry at the soldiers spying and reporting everything the worshippers do to the foreign governors.� Angry that God's people would be taken advantage of like this.

�� Yes, surely now Jesus will take control and free everyone of those atheistic governors.� Even with a whip made of belts.

�� He walks forthrightly toward the soldiers.� That's right, Jesus.� This is your moment. �

�� He snaps his whip as he goes.� Snap!� Snap!� To his right.� To his left.� People rush out of his way.� What is going on?� Snap!� Snap!� Go get 'em, Jesus!� Show 'em whose in control now, Jesus!

�� But he's walking past the soldiers.� Snap!� To his right.� Snap!� To his left.� He's headed toward the animals being purchased by the worshippers and donated as meat.� He's opening the stalls and untying the others at the posts.� Snap!�

�� "Yahhhh!� Yahhhh!"� Snap!� Snap!

�� What are you doing, Jesus?� You're scattering the animals.� They're stampeding all over the courtyard.� People are scattering to get out of their way, rushing to safety.

�� Yahhhh!"�

�� Snap!� Snap!

�� Jesus, stop that!� You're creating chaos!� Don't do that, Jesus!� You're having a temper tantrum over who knows what.� But don't take it out on the Lord's people.� They are just doing the best they can.

�� "Yahhh!"

�� Snap!� Snap!

�� The men selling the animals to be used as donations to the Lord rush out of the way to the edge of the crowd.� A few brave ones try to get close to the maniac, but they have to stay out of the way of his whip.� Still, they shout.

�� "Hey, you can't do that!"

�� "Guards!� Get that man out of here!"

�� "Are you insane?"

�� "Stop that man!"

��

�� The government soldiers stand there, more in amusement than amazement.� That man's got nerve.

�� All the while, the money changers stay close by their tables, for they will defend the treasury of the Lord no matter what.� They can't take the chance of thieves taking it, even in the Lord's house.

�� But they are not exempt from Jesus' strange behavior.� Jesus now goes over to the tables.

�� Snap to the right!� Snap to the left!� Then he throws down his whip.� With strong arms - stronger than anyone thought from a man who doesn't eat all that regularly ~ he pushes over one of the tables.� Foreign and Temple coins spill everywhere.� They roll across the floor.� The crowd bends over in glee and begins to grab at them and pocket them.

�� "What kind of man are you?� That's the Lord's money!"

�� Jesus picks up his whip again.� Snap.� Snap.� At the next table he again throws it down and overturns that table.� Hrumpppp!� Again the coins spill with a loud, echoing jingle and tinkle and hypocritic tune.� Across the pavement.� Away from the money changers.� Toward the awaiting crowd.� Now they're laughing. [20]

�� Jesus works his way down the row of tables now without the use of his whip.� The people and the leaders are so stunned by his audacity that they stand there in furious stupefaction.� Table after table.� Drachms.� Denarii.� Tetradrachms.� Shekels.� Mites.� Rolling.� Escaping.� Oh great deliverance.

�� Then all is quiet.� Jesus stands and faces the religious leaders who had been buying and selling and exchanging money.� He is breathing deeply and he is fuming.� The crowd awaits his pronouncement.

�� "Take these outside of the Temple!� Do not make my father's house a sales shop!"

�� Jesus' passion for his father's house is consuming.� How can they turn it into something besides a house of prayer, and be proud of it? [21]

�� Now, wait a minute, Jesus.� We're doing this for the Lord.

�� What's this about your father?� Are you actually claiming God is your father?�

�� One of the braver religious leaders stands forward.� "What sign will you show us in defence of your doing these things?"

�� "Yes!� If you are doing God's will by stopping our fund raising, prove it's his will." [22]

�

�� They won't listen, Jesus.� They have their own way of doing things.� It's been successful so far.� Don't go changing things.�

�� Jesus replies in an allegory.� They won't understand it, but some day they will recall the words.� Then they might.

�� "Destroy this Temple, and I'll rebuild it in three days." [23]

�� Oh, brother!� What crazy talk is that?

�� "They've been building on this Temple for forty-six years," someone laughs in response, "and will you erect it in three days?" [24]

�� "Come on!� Don't play games with us.� Show us a real sign.� Turn some water into wine, if you're such a hot shot, Jesus!"

�� "Do a miracle!� How about tearing down the Temple and re-erecting it in the blink of an eye?� That would convince us."

�� Jesus says not a word more.� He has made his statement and will not be diverted with side issues.� He will not take the focus of his actions off the people buying and selling in the Lord's house to himself.� This is a house of prayer.� A house of prayer.� Not fund raising.� Prayer.

�� Jesus makes his way to the door.� His companions join him.� He leaves behind angry religious leaders, upset that Jesus doesn't like the way they raise money for God.� Angry religious people, upset that Jesus would take away the convenience of buying and selling and exchanging money at the Temple instead of people's homes or in shops or banks way in town.� Angry religious people.� Upset people.� Confused.� But even they don't realize how really confused they are.

�� Jesus walks out knowing that some day his allegorical prediction will come true.� It will happen in this very city.� It will happen in Jerusalem.� He will be sent to the cross to die in dishonor.� But three days after his death and funeral, his body will be re-erected from his grave.� God will make his body, his Temple, alive again! [25]

�� A sign?� Yes, Jesus has a sign all ready for them.� Will they believe it?� His death will be so public.� They will believe it.� Will they admit it?� Probably not.

�� A few days later, Jesus and his companions pay for the last day in their rented room and leave Jerusalem.� Jesus has other people to talk to.� Other people to reach.� To warn.� To comfort. �To teach.� Hungry people.� People begging for the bread of life.� So much to do.� So little time to do it.

AD 28-30
Around the Province of Judea

�� He travels from town to town, hardly ever resting, like he's always in a hurry.� Talking to people in the markets.� At the city well.� At oases.� In the synagogues.� Great sermons.� Mountain-top sermons.� Tell everyone.� Tell everyone that the Lord has come.� Angels declared it.� Hardly anyone heard it.� He must tell everyone himself.� He must touch as many lives and souls as possible.

�� So many people to work with.� Finalize his apostles; he's decided to have twelve.� Reach out to Samaritans and Romans and Egyptians around the country; sometimes with strange beliefs, but they're only searching.�

�� Heal people.� People with serious illnesses.� People with epilepsy and paralysis and cancer and withered limbs.� People who are blind or hearing impaired.� Prove to people that he's from God.

�� So many people to warn.� Don't follow those religious leaders that pat you on the back to get you to do things inconsistent with the scriptures.� Don't follow those religious leaders that smile and praise and laud you to get you to believe things inconsistent with the scriptures.� Stop!� Read the scriptures for yourselves!� Investigate the scriptures for yourselves!� Draw your own conclusions!�

�� Control nature.� Stop storms in a moment.� Actually walk on water.� Make two little sardines expand to feed thousands of people.� Prove to people that he created all this.��

�� So many people to teach.� Sermons.� Allegories.� Explaining everything in small-group discussions.� And walking along with a friend.� At dinner parties.� In places of worship.� In parks.�

�� Raise the dead too.� Yes, actually raise a dead person right at the funeral.� And another one after he's been in the grave three whole days.� Prove to people that he IS God.

�� Forgive sins.� So many people to forgive.� Yes, forgive adulterers and prostitutes and those who go to prostitutes.� Forgive liars.� And thieves.� And murderers.� Associate with these people.� Have dinner with them.� Delve into the lives and souls of people, and forgive them if they're really trying.� Prove to people that he can help them avoid hell and walk into heaven instead, despite what Satan tries to get them to do.

�� Jesus finishes off his year in a frenzy of activity, trying to get to as many people as possible.� Then another year.� Coming and going.� Traveling, arranging lectures, exposing the world to God's will.�

April AD 30
Jerusalem, Judea

�� Another year.� And another.� It is now three years since Jesus was in the Temple.� The year he upset the apple cart.� The year he upset the religious leaders for not liking the way they raised funds for the needy.� Jesus got mad.� But surely he's gotten over it.� Just a temper tantrum.� No reason to get so excited.� Life has continued on for them as usual.� No changes.�

�� Except they've placed a price on his head.� In subtle ways.� Hoping someone of the loyal worshippers will assassinate Jesus and take everyone out of their misery.

�� Jesus with his close-knit group of twelve apostles ~ his future ambassadors ~ once again arrives in Jerusalem.� No change in the political climate of the occupying government.� Except Jesus has made them madder.� They've changed in that way.� Some would have him executed, but others think he's not worth the bother.

�� The people have changed over these three years too.� He's taught so much.� They've listened.� He's performed so many signs proving he's from God.� They've believed.� Surely now he will take over the country and become the king of the new kingdom of God.

�� The twelve go out to find a beast of burden for Jesus to ride into Jerusalem on the next morning.� One is donated.� Jesus rides down the streets of the nation's capital, waving to the people, they line the streets and shout.� Passionately.� Victoriously.� Free at last!� Free at last! [26]

�� Will he now go to the nation's capital to make his declaration as the new king of the Jews?� No.� He goes to the Temple.� He also plans to be the new high priest.

�� Once more Jesus walks through the gates of the grand edifice, the Temple built for the glory of God.� He walks through the grand, sprawling court yard.� And once again he sees the fund raisers.� Making money on the holy grounds.� Buying and selling.� Exchanging foreign money into Temple currency for a profit.� Once again Jesus' soul burns within with that same old passion for his father's house.

�� A crowd has already gathered there to hear his declarations.� They will see a lesson, but not one they expect.�

�� Jesus is in control.� The people have given him control.� They stand back to watch this man who is pure dynamite.� This man who is about to explode.

�� Jesus walks over to the people buying and selling food donations.� People watching suddenly recall what he did three years before.� Oh, yes.� The word had really spread about that one.� Would they see a repeat performance?�

�� Jesus walks up and down in front of the stalls and bins.� A few customers tell him to get in back of the line.� Most back off.� But Jesus leaves the food donations intact.� Instead he draws attention to the stubborn-willed people doing the buying and selling.�

�� The clerks stand, not knowing what to expect.� This is a man who can raise the dead and has raised the dead.� Surely he can strike people dead too.

�� "Get out of here!� Stop buying and selling inside the Temple.� Get out!� Go!"

�� Jesus stands there.� An ordinary man, with an extraordinary message.� Jesus stands there.� A man of ordinary stature, with an extraordinary distinction about him.

�� The clerks are afraid.� As Jesus stalks in front of each of them, they run away and hide in the shadows.� Don't strike us dead, Jesus.� We were just trying to help.� Don't make such a mountain out of a mole hill.

�� Then Jesus turns his attention to the money exchangers.� Ah, yes.� All that money he threw on the floor three years ago.� The crowd gets ready to pick up the coins he will spill all over the place.� The Lord's money.

�� With physical power, with soul power, with spirit power Jesus proceeds to each of the tables and turns them over.� This time he doesn't have a whip to scare the money exchangers off.� He doesn't need it.� Those in charge are scared.� They run away.� But not to repent.� Only to regroup.� They will never stop this practice.� It makes good money for the Temple.� So stubborn.� They've always done it, so that makes it right.� So stubborn.

�� Then he draws attention to the delivery people no longer bothering to use the back door.� Bringing in Temple supplies across the outer courtyard and toward the inner courtyard where the sanctuary is and where people are trying to worship.� Hauling lumber to be used to repair the stairway.� Carrying the laundry of priestly vestments.� Do they have no respect for people trying to worship here?

�� "Get out of here!� Go to the service entrance.� Quit disturbing people trying to worship.� If it bothers you that the Temple is open 24 hours a day to worshippers, go somewhere else for your business.� But quit disturbing the worshippers." One by one he gets them to leave through the gate they came in and go around to the back entrance.

�� Finally Jesus stands alone in the middle of the courtyard.� The common people stand back.� All is quiet.� Not a word.� Only an occasional tinkle of a stray coin.� Only the occasional sound of an animal awaiting the slaughter house to become meat for someone's table.� Only throbbing heartbeats.� Only minds opening or closing their doors.�

�� What will Jesus do now?

�� "Is it not written," he declares.� His voice echoes....written ....written?

�� There he goes quoting scripture again.

�� "My house shall be called a house of prayer....prayer....prayer...."

�� Well, of course.� We pray here.� You pray here too.� You've seen it and you've done it yourself.� Now, Jesus, you know this is a house of prayer.� That has never changed.��

�� "...but you have made it a hideout of robbers." [27]

�� Robbers?� No way, Jesus.� You're out of your mind!�

�� Sure we overcharge for everything.� But the people pay it willingly and voluntarily.� They even smile when they do.

�� Don't you know, Jesus, that all the profit we make here goes to the Temple?� Goes to God's causes around the world?�

�� Jesus begins to walk toward one side of the courtyard.� The people back up and make way for him.� Now what?

�� Jesus walks to the gate.� Jesus leaves.� He leaves them all behind.

�� He must give them time to think.� Will they stop raising money in his father's house, regardless of the reason?� Don't they know the end does not justify the means?

�� The next day Jesus returns to the Temple.� Now what?� This enigmatic man with so much clout.� Now what?� This strong man who uses his might on strange things. [28]

�� Once more a crowd gathers round.�

�� Once more Jesus teaches in allegories, mostly about what people do when their master, their maker isn't around.� Mostly about changing ways and repenting and returning.

�� Once more the Temple leaders, the national religious leaders gather round. [29]

�� Once more Jesus challenges them to change their thinking.� Serve God's will instead of their own will.� Stop smiling when they get people to do things God did not command or allow.� Lead people to God, not away from God in God's name.

�� No more lectures on how to raise money, though.� At least he's off that kick.� Or is he?

�� Jesus walks over to the box where people are dropping in free-will offerings.

�� Only coins are allowed in this particular box.� One can tell by how long people stand there whether they're donating a little or a lot.� But they have their ways. [30]

�� "Oh, Lord!" they hear.� "I thank you for the opportunity I have to share my wealth with you!"

�� People gather round.� He smiles humbly, and with ruby ring on one hand and garnet ring on the other, continues his offering prayer.��

�� "I only wish, oh Lord, that I could give more!"

�� Then with a flourish, the little clanging is heard as he drops in just enough coins at a time to create the necessary attention.

�� "Look at that!" someone in his audience calls out.�

�� "He must really love the Lord!"

�� "Look, he's still putting money in.� How much is he going to donate?"

�� "Someone should have a dinner in his honor."

�� The ceremony completed, the crowd begins to disburse.

�� The widow Tamar is next.� So insignificant the crowd disburses without a second notice.� Jesus knows Tamar is a widow because he knows everything.� Besides, the fabric in her clothes is frayed.� Clean, but they're still obviously old.� And faded.

�� She is not very popular around the Temple.� She does not pay extra for thanksgiving offerings or other things that line the priestly pockets.� But here she is standing quietly in front of the free-will donation box.

�� She opens her little bag and empties it into her hand.� She has two miniscule coins equalling one-fifth of one shekel.� She drops them both into the box.� It does not take long.� She turns to leave. [31]

�� Jesus calls to his twelve apostles who are talking among each other quietly nearby.� He points at the Widow�Tamar and explains quickly what she has just done.

�� "That is what I've been talking about.� I assure you that this poor widow has put in more than all those contributing into the treasury...." [32]

�� But if you say she only put in a couple mites, how can that be?

�� "....for they all contributed from their surplus, but she from her shortage gave all she had - her whole living."� [33]

�� The Widow Tamar walks past Jesus and toward the massive gate to the street.� The Widow Tamar has no idea Jesus is watching her.� She will some day.� Some day when she is welcomed into her mansion personally built by the master carpenter. [34]

�� The priests have their mansions.� But only for now.� Their mansions are doomed to decay. [35]

�� LIFE APPLICATION

1.�� Think of a percent of income you think the church should spend on spiritual outreach.� Think about your own life now.� What percent of your time should you give to spiritual things?� When will you begin to do just that?� In what way?

2.�� Jesus said the Temple should be a house of prayer.� What would a church service be like if it gave as much time to prayer and meditation as to music?� Do you think it would help or hurt?� In your personal life, how will you make time in your own house for prayer?

3.�� Up until now, had you thought of Jesus being a wimp?� Or a gentle person who never lifted his voice?� How can you stand firmly for something that is right among religious people who come across as hypocrites?

4.�� Everyone is a hypocrite in some way, for everyone sins but tries to convince others s/he is practically perfect.� Name something you do that is hypocritical.� In what way will you work to change this?

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