Mar 16 - "Jeshua ben Joseph"

"The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple He found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, He drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, 'Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!' " --- John 2: 13-22
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Have you ever been in one of those situations where someone you know, who is usually cool, calm and collected, suddenly becomes unglued? Maybe you've been the one who has finally comes to your wit's end over a particular issue and completely lost it? When we experience these instances of sudden outrage, isn't it a bit uncomfortable?


Imagine you are one of the Disciples, strolling through the temple with your teacher, Jeshua ben Joseph (literally, in the Aramaic, "Jesus, son of Joseph"). All of the sudden, this person who you are coming to believe is the Messiah, the incarnation of God on the earth, starts ranting and raving about the money changers in the temple. He tips over tables, yells, chases people around. You would be thinking, "What is going on here?!?!?".


Although Jesus, Emmanuel, is the Son of God and fully God, He was also fully human. The reaction we see from Him in the temple is one of a man; a son of a carpenter who, filled with anger, takes action against the wrongs He is witnessing. Even Jesus is not immune from experiencing outrage at the gross misuse of our Father's house.


I actually find this comforting, this human side of Jesus. It helps me realize that, although I try hard every day to make good choices, do the right things and love openly without judgement, I fall short. And, as long as I recognize these shortcomings, strive to be better, repent and, with a sincere heart, ask for forgiveness, I am free to move on again to the next day to try again. Remember, even though we are called to "be like Jesus", there is no expectation that we can "be Jesus". He is the only perfect man who ever lived or will live.


One of my favorite quotes is from a great football coach, Vince Lombardi, who said, "We know we cannot achieve perfection. But, if we pursue perfection, we can catch excellence."


So, remember that it is OK to be Human. Our goal is to pursue Him, the Perfect One. But, also know, and accept, that we will always fall short...and that is OK. For our pursuit of Jesus will allow us to capture a life in this world that is excellent.