Scripture References
Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48
Main Idea
Jesus takes authority and shows His holiness by cleansing the Temple, demonstrating his passion for uncontaminated worship, God’s house, and His desire to restore it to its intended purpose.
Read Matthew 21:12-17
Jesus at the Temple
12 Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves.
13 “It is written,” he said to them, “ ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’ ”
14 The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them.
15 But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant.
16 “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, “ ‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise’ ?”
17 And he left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where he spent the night.
Summary
When Jesus entered the temple, He was heartbroken. The religious leaders of Israel had corrupted the true worship of the Lord. They were not worshiping God with sincerity; instead, they were interested in making a profit. They were buying and selling goods in the Temple! So because Jesus was committed to restoring true worship in our world, He takes it upon Himself to cleanse the Temple and drive out the money changers. This passage reminds us that Jesus cares about our worship. He cares about proper worship. He will not allow the worship of the Lord to be contaminated. Take time to consider whether or not your own worship has been contaminated and what you need to do to correct it.
Questions
- What areas of our lives do we need to cleanse, just as Jesus cleansed the Temple?
- What are some examples of ways our worship can be contaminated?
- What are some things we do that displease Jesus?
- How does Jesus desire to cleanse and transform our hearts, minds, and souls?
Prayer
Dear Lord, just as you cleansed the Temple, cleanse us of all that is not holy. Take authority in our lives and transform us into the image of your holiness. Help us to live a life that honors and glorifies you. In Jesus’ name, amen.