When Jesus Hit the Table and Shooed Away the Vendors in the Temple

Jesus did not remain silent when he saw the holiness of God's house being desecrated. He entered the temple, overturned the tables of the money changers, and drove out the merchants who had turned the house of prayer into a den of thieves. His anger was not unwarranted; He stood up for the truth that was tainted by interests and power disguised behind religious symbols. So, today we are faced with an important question: Where is the courage of the church, especially pastors, when sexual violence against children is increasingly prevalent - and the perpetrators are those who have power?

Sexual violence against children is no longer distant news; it has become a real wound in society. Ironically, many cases are committed by those who hold power - in politics, educational institutions, even in social institutions that are supposed to be safe havens. In many cases, victims are forced into silence, and perpetrators are protected by an unjust system. This is where the voice of the church, especially pastors, is needed more than ever-to stand firmly on the side of victims, not dissolve in silence that perpetuates injustice.

Pastors are not perpetrators. But when they choose to be silent, that silence can be misinterpreted as negligence. In fact, the church has a moral mandate to be a light in the darkness of abused power. Grounded preaching, sincere prayer, and faithful service must be accompanied by the courage to speak out when justice is trampled. The church is not an ivory tower silent from reality, but must be a protector of those who cannot protect themselves.

It is time for shepherds to stand with the victims-hold their hands, declare that their voices matter, and affirm that God is on the side of the oppressed. A living church is not just one that is full of praise, but one that is visibly present in the midst of society's wounds. If Jesus did not hesitate to expel injustice from the house of worship, then today's pastors must also have the same courage to expel the culture of silence that protects the powerful and hurts the weak.

Let us reaffirm that the house of God is a sanctuary for the brokenhearted, not a fortress for those who abuse power. And pastors-with their love, integrity, and example-are the hope that the prophetic voice of the church remains alive, sharp, and on the side of truth. This is not just a moral calling; it is a sacred duty.