People using the story of Jesus cleansing the temple to justify present day violence and destruction do not understand what that story means and may be failing to understand his message as a whole.

The current riots, violence, and destruction are caused by many parties and have very serious underlying causes. But please don’t twist the actions and words of the one who taught us to love our enemies.

None of us who resort to violence will find the support of Jesus. He will support our lament and our cries for justice.

Jesus cleansing the temple was not an action of white hot rage, but of spiritual zeal and intentionally fulfilling Scripture to show that his authority to do such things derived from his Father.