TEMPLE TEMPTATION: THE EDIFICE COMPLEX

•    moisture concerns prompt property discussions
•    buildings traditionally a major focus in organized religion
•    temptation to use certain Scriptures to promote building thrust
•    something else “eating at” Jesus

ADORATION OF THE FATHER, NOT COMMERCIALIZED RELIGION

•    Passover: God rescued a people to be His own
•    auditory distraction (animals), abusive extortion (moneychangers)
•    turning “My Father’s house” into a market...blasphemous
•    common complaint: “The church is always talking about _____”

ACCESS FOR ALL NATIONS

•    merchant stalls took space from Court of the Gentiles
•    meant to be a house of prayer for ALL nations
•    church building more than a ‘ghetto’ / fortress?
•    what structures / styles / services would enhance others’ access to God?
•    community dinner already serves those on the margins

ALTERNATE APPROACH: TEMPLES ON LEGS

•    adversarial challenge elicits absorptive non-confrontational response
•    misunderstood as threat against Herod’s magnificent temple
•    destroying Jesus’ body/temple instituted new phase
•    believers now God’s temples corporately / individually
•    temple off the platform, onto our legs: distributive > attractional
•    daring verbal witness garnered positive response