Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve … On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. Mark 11:11 & 15
Jesus saw there was a problem with the temple courts the evening prior to his intervention. He could have cleared the temple then and there but he waited. Jesus didn’t rush in and deal with the problem straight away. He went back to where he was staying. It was late. Many people had already gone home. He gave himself some time to think, to pray and to seek God for wisdom. He waited for the right moment. Oh, that we would have Christ-like discernment and patience!
The next day, having waited for the right moment, Jesus now takes action. He initiates a confrontation. They had probably been trading in this way for quite a while but there comes a time when it’s necessary to confront. Likewise, there comes a time for us to initiate a confrontation. Sometimes we are too quick to jump in but sometimes we are too slow or too timid to confront at all.
It requires wisdom to confront well, wisdom to discern the timing, wisdom to discern the method. Nathan confronted David indirectly with a story (2 Samuel 12:1-13). Here Jesus confronted directly with actions. Elsewhere he confronted others, like the woman at the well, more subtly and discreetly.
As we look for wisdom as to the necessity, the method and the timing of confrontation, God will provide the opportunity and the grace to confront well.
