Hey Pastors: What Would Jesus Say To Us Today?

He told those who were selling doves, “Get these things out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” – John 2.16 (CSB)

Can you picture it? Jesus is standing in the temple watching his people being taken advantage of by those who were supposed to be caring for them. He watched as people came into the temple, ready to present their spotless lamb or animal without blemish in obedience to God as a sacrifice for their sins, only to be told that they had to purchase a temple animal at a marked-up price because what they brought wasn’t up to the standard for temple sacrifice. He watched as people had to exchange the coins for their offering with special temple coins, once again with an exchange rate that took advantage of his worshipers. And what was Jesus’ response?

After making a whip out of cords, he drove everyone out of the temple with their sheep and oxen. He also poured out the money changers’ coins and overturned the tables. – John 2.15 (CSB)

He made a whip. He had the wherewithal to bundle together cords in order to create a makeshift whip and then drive people out of his temple, turning over tables along the way. The temple was supposed to be a representation of the presence of God. It was supposed to be a place where people could go and pray and worship instead of a swap meet that only benefited the religious leaders who were supposed to serve and take care of God’s people.

“Get these things out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace.”

These words were shouted by God incarnate in his own temple. But there’s more to this statement. What Jesus literally said was, “Stop turning my Father’s house into a house of business.”

I read these words this morning in my time alone with Jesus and asked for his forgiveness for the times when I have treated his church over the years in a way that did not please him. And then I asked him, “What would you say to us pastors today who have a responsibility to care for your church?” To many, the church has become more like a corporation, looking to resources like Harvard Business Review for help in running “their church.” Leadership conferences are the preferred forms of mentoring, looking for the newest and next big idea that will guarantee more success and an increase in attendance, much of which is draped in the name of “ministry” when really it’s often driven by ego.

But is that what Jesus wants? Does he simply want more people attending our stuff? Of course, it makes sense that if more people attend, then we can have more of an impact. But is that a guarantee of effectiveness in the making of disciples who make disciples? Have we become so focused on building OUR churches that we have neglected caring FOR God’s church? Is it possible that Jesus would look at what we’ve turned his church into and have the same type of words and outbursts that he did two thousand years ago? Is it possible that we have allowed things to creep in that have nothing to do with Jesus?

Please hear my heart as I type these words. I love the church. I believe that the church when it is what Jesus intended us to be, is the most powerful movement on this planet. But I also want us to take a long look at what we’ve done to his bride. We will have to give an account for what we did with those that he’s entrusted to us. What will he say? What will we say in return?

In Revelation 2-3, Jesus has some strong words for pastors concerning the churches that they were entrusted to care for and lead as managers of what belongs to Jesus. But do we have the objective ability to stop and ask, “Jesus, are you pleased with what I’m doing and how I’m caring for your people?” Are we able to look at ourselves that honestly, being open to the conviction of the Holy Spirit that maybe we are missing the mark?

I believe that it’s time to get back to what the church started out as. Not places with lifeless rituals that are mindlessly followed. Not corporations or organizations that are trying to outperform other churches, competing instead of partnering for God’s mission. Not platforms for charismatic leaders who take advantage of the people, asking for more financial support so that luxury is worshiped by those in a leadership role.

The church is supposed to be a gathering of people brought together to fulfill a purpose. The church is the family of God who truly love and care for each other. The church is the body of Christ, intricately woven together to move in unity under the leading of the head, who is Jesus. The church worships together, reads the Scriptures together, prays together. The church gathers together in each others’ homes and shares meals together. The church celebrates with one another and takes care of one another. The church reaches those who don’t know Christ and invites them to come to surrender to Jesus. The church focuses on making disciples who make disciples, encouraging and challenging every follower of Christ to be intentional in the disciple-making process. The church is filled with the power of the Holy Spirit that was promised by Jesus. The elders sacrificially care for and serve God’s people, equipping saints for the works of service. The church impacts cities and nations with the reconciling message of the gospel. The church sacrifices for each other and for their neighbors. The church elevates Jesus above all things. Simply put: the church loves God and loves people well.

What would Jesus say to us today? Let’s be honest about the question, starting first and foremost with us. Starting first and foremost with me. What would he say to me? What would be my response?

Jesus – I want to care for and lead your people in a way that causes you to stand in ovation with tears running down your face because of how blessed you are with my efforts. I want you to be pleased with what you see in me and the people entrusted to my care. I want you to be proud of what we do as your people. Please convict me where I’m missing it and give me the fortitude to stand up, no matter the cost so that I present back to you your precious bride, the church.