January 4, 2022 – “To Fly Off the Handle” (John 2:13-19)

“When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.” The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” John 2:13-19 

“To Fly Off the Handle”

Handmade axes in the early years of the founding of the United States weren’t always the crowning achievements of technology and craftsmanship. Occasionally, a particularly poor design would result in the head unexpectedly zooming off its handle. Many people found this an apt metaphor for passionate bursts of rage, eventually birthing the phrase “to Fly off the Handle.” 

It appears that perhaps Jesus had moments where he might “fly off the handle” – when his disciples argue among themselves, or when he is in the synagogue from our text today. But a closer look at the reading may give us a different understanding. In John’s Gospel we are told that Jesus “..made a whip out of cords.” This meant that Jesus spent some time weaving together the whip — taking time to braid together the threads to make his whip. So, instead of flying off the handle in an emotional outrage, Jesus had time to think about the scene in front of him — and to forge a plan. This is not some immature reaction Jesus gives, it is a reaction after some intentional time to meditate and utilize the resources he found at the time.  

We should always guard against flying off the handle in all situations in our lives. Whether in the church or in the grocery store line, it is always better to take time to contemplate, to meditate, even to pray before we react in anger. No, we will not always do the right thing, but prayer before acting is always a good plan.  

Let us pray,

Lord Jesus, when I am angry, give me the patience to stop, pray and listen to your voice before I fly off the handle at someone. Amen.

Pastor Dave