‘That’s a side I haven’t seen before!’  Have you ever said that about someone?  It’s when you see them act in a different way to what you have seen before.  We think of Jesus as healer and miracle worker, as one full of love and compassion.  And he is!  However there is another side.

 

Some time after the wedding in Cana, where Jesus turned water into wine, he went up to Jerusalem for the Passover.  What he sees in the outer courts of the temple grieves him.  This is his Father’s house.  This part of the temple is where everyone could come and worship God. It was where men and women of all races were welcome.  However, it was now like a market.  Sheep, cattle, cages of doves and tables for the merchants, filled the space.

 

Suddenly we see a different side of Jesus.  He makes a whip and drives the animals and merchants out.  Was he angry because these men were cheating others by charging exorbidant prices for animals to sacrifice?  No doubt!  However what motivates Jesus is his love for his Father.  This house belonged to his Father.  It was where he should be honoured and worshipped.

 

Everything Jesus did flowed out of his love for his Father.  He didn’t live to please people, although he cares deeply for people.  Nor was he concerned about gaining popularity or acceptance.  Jesus lived to please his Father.  This is what consumed him.

 

Do we have another side?  Or are we just living to impress others?  When pleasing our Heavenly Father is our passion, we may not always be popular.  Perhaps we will be misunderstood.  However, Jesus promised that just as he was loved by his Father, we will be too.  What is most important to us?   To please others, or our Father?