Ellen Chat Conversation

The money changers in the temple were characterized by a spirit of avarice and dishonesty that transformed a place of worship into a scene of worldly commerce. These individuals, who included even the religious dignitaries and ministers of sacred rites, were described as artful and greedy for gain (3SP 20). Their presence created a chaotic atmosphere where the clinking of coins and angry arguments over prices mingled with the sounds of livestock, making the temple courts resemble a cattle yard rather than a house of prayer (3SP 20). These traffickers engaged in fraudulent transactions, often colluding with those selling sacrificial animals to exploit worshippers. They would influence buyers to purchase cattle at low prices and then resell them at exorbitant rates to pilgrims who had traveled from afar and could not bring their own offerings (MM 122).

This system of robbery and extortion was carried out under the eyes of the priests, who themselves acted as money-brokers and exchangers (2SP 115). Their primary motivation was not the facilitation of worship, but the accumulation of personal wealth (1T 471.2). The behavior of these money changers was so corrupt that they were regarded as thieves in the sight of God (3SP 20).

When Christ confronted them, He found them sitting at their tables counting money gained through these deceptive practices (MM 122). This commercial spirit was not limited to the ancient temple; similar patterns of making merchandise of the grace of God appeared later in history, such as when the Roman Church established tables of money changers beside her altars to sell indulgences for sin (4SP 102.1).

You might also want to explore:What did Ellen White teach about the spiritual significance of Christ cleansing the temple?How does the spirit of commercialism affect modern religious gatherings?What practical counsel did she give regarding the honest handling of means in God's work?

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To portray a money changer accurately in your pageant, your dialogue should reflect a focus on commercial gain, sharp bargaining, and the justification of your presence within the sacred precincts. The historical money changers were characterized by an artful and avaricious spirit, often engaging in angry altercations over prices and the exchange of coin (3SP 20). You might focus your interactions on the necessity of your services, perhaps insisting that the foreign currency of the travelers is "unclean" or unacceptable for temple dues, thereby requiring an exchange for the specific temple shekel at a rate that favors your profit (3SP 20). Your character should exhibit a sense of entitlement and religious justification for your traffic. You could tell the guests that you are merely facilitating their worship by providing the necessary means for sacrificial offerings (1T 471.2).

This outward appearance of helpfulness masked a deeper reality of extortion and robbery, as the traffickers often colluded with those selling animals to ensure high prices (PC). Your dialogue could involve pressuring guests to purchase "approved" sacrifices or exchange money quickly to avoid missing the ritual hours, all while maintaining a sharp eye on your personal accumulation of means (PaM 66.3). The atmosphere you create should be one of "merchandise" rather than prayer, where the clinking of coins and the business of "getting gain" drowns out any sense of solemnity (1T 471.2).

You might speak to guests about the "convenience" of your location right in the temple courts, ignoring the fact that such commerce turned the house of God into a "den of thieves" (4T 252.2). By focusing on the "business" of the temple and the "necessity" of your exchange rates, you will effectively illustrate the spiritual blindness and greed that Christ eventually rebuked when He overthrew the tables (3SP 20).

You might also want to explore:What was the specific relationship between the priests and the money changers?How did the atmosphere of the temple change after Christ drove out the traffickers?What did Ellen White say about the spiritual dangers of bringing a commercial spirit into the church?

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In your pageant, your family’s interaction with the crowd should reflect the unique atmosphere of Jerusalem during the Passover season. This was a time when thousands of pilgrims from far-distant lands converged upon the city, creating a scene of intense activity and anticipation (YI July 28, 1898, par. 2). As sellers of sickles, your family would be part of the bustling marketplace where people were preparing for both the religious rites and the practical needs of their journey (DA 571.1). The dialogue should capture the tension between the traditional temple services and the growing excitement surrounding Jesus. While the priests at the temple would be sounding the trumpet for the evening service, the attention of the multitudes was often diverted by the "shout of triumph" and the "burst of sacred song" coming from those welcoming the Messiah (2SP 385.1).

Your family might remark on how the usual religious order is being disrupted, noting that even the rulers are alarmed because it seems the whole world has gone after Him (4Red 117.2). Furthermore, your family can emphasize the solemnity of the Passover tradition itself. You might speak of the historical significance of the blood on the doorposts and the necessity of gathering the family together for protection, as was done during the original deliverance from Egypt (PH131 5.3). By referencing the ordinance that was to be observed forever, your characters can highlight the deep-rooted faith of the Israelites as they prepared for the destroying angel to pass over. Finally, your family could mention the practical difficulties faced by the pilgrims. Many travelers brought their sick and suffering to the city, only to find the temple gates guarded by soldiers or the religious leaders offering no sympathy (YI July 28, 1898, par. 2).

Your dialogue could reflect a mix of commercial interest in selling your wares and a shared community concern for the thousands who have gathered to seek help and witness the great events unfolding in Jerusalem (DA 571.1).

You might also want to explore:What did Ellen White teach about the atmosphere in Jerusalem during Christ's final Passover?How does the original Passover in Egypt connect to the experience of the 144,000?What practical counsel did she give regarding the commercialization of religious gatherings?

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