12 The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14 Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it. 15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’” 18 The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching. 19 When evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city. (Mark 11:12-19, New International Version)
Theme: Rejoicing and Thanksgiving
Context
This final week of our journey has been a special time over the years as we meditate on the activities of Jesus during the week of his death and resurrection. A source of rejoicing and thanksgiving is the wisdom in Jesus’ words and actions. When we consider the vital lessons Jesus teaches, we can’t help but say, “hallelujah, what a savior!” So, this year we will focus on selected lessons Jesus taught from Monday through Friday of Passion Week.
Monday’s lesson is taken from Jesus’ encounter with the money changers in the temple, and relates to purpose. Based on the passages Jesus references in his rebuke of the money changers, it appears that He was highlighting the negative impact the money changers were having on Gentile worshippers. The money changers were, in essence, working against God’s purpose. It is evident that Jesus was very upset about this.
It is easy to be critical of the money changers, but we should be self-critical to ensure that we do not oppose or distort God’s purpose in order to satisfy commercial, political, or other interests. Jesus teaches us not to make this mistake.
Bible Passage
Please study the passage above. If you have the time, consider reviewing the two passages Jesus references when he mentions “a house of prayers for all nations,” and “a den of robbers”: Isaiah 56:6-7 and Jeremiah 7:9-11. Please note how Jesus used Scripture to establish what God’s purpose was in the matter of worship at the temple.
Question
What personal lessons do you take from Jesus’ defense of His father’s purpose?
Please leave a comment. We would love to hear from you.
April 3, 2023 at 6:30 am
In a few days Jesus will go to the cross. He will not say one word to defend Himself. Here however, He reacts forcefiully to defend the rights of Gentiles to draw near to God. It’s always been a lesson for me not to seek my self interests but ensure I do something when others are hurt or disenfranchised. I don’t always succeed and today is a good reminder.
April 3, 2023 at 8:06 am
This passage makes me look at myself and ask what unholy practices am I indulging in whether in habit or practice, or even thoughts that defile Gods temple. When we think to excuse our selves in unchristian practices within the Christian name and sin boldly and securely because there’s a sin offering provided, we do in effect make God’s house that should be kept holy a den of thieves.
April 3, 2023 at 11:57 am
An analogy that came to mind when reading this (to try and understand God’s perspective) is when you have people over to your home, how do you expect them to act? Personally, I would feel offended if strangers came over and disrespected by belongings and my home, but I would feel even more upset if family members came over and deliberately destroyed my home.
In the same way, I think that God holds us (Christians) to a higher standard. If we are calling ourselves his children, we need to act in such a way that we are respecting his “house.” In other words, we are called to fulfill the purpose that was set before us and to act otherwise is an affront to God.
April 3, 2023 at 4:12 pm
Time to reflect on how I treat my body by what I put in it etc as it is his temple.
April 3, 2023 at 9:46 pm
A personal lesson is, daily, to remain focused on replacing any thoughts, words or actions which does not honour & bring glory to God with those that do.