Day 2: The Cleansing of the Temple

Read

And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching. And when evening came they went out of the city. Mark 11:15–19

Read also Psalm 69; John 2:13–22.

Reflect

As we continue with our devotions this week, let us take a moment to pray and ask God to speak to us and minister to us in a refreshing way:

Sustaining and compassionate God,

awaken in us the reality of Your holy presence

and of Your nearness each and every day.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

As we have read in Mark’s account, upon entering the temple, Jesus began to do something that would have caused us to be alarmed and uncomfortable. Jesus was furious. Unlike our anger, which is usually sinful, His was a righteous indignation.

Jesus drove the sellers away with whips and would not let anyone go back to business as usual. He cleansed the temple with such intensity that even the religious leaders were shaken. It was certainly a shock to Jesus’ disciples that their Rabbi had gotten so upset and angry in the temple, overturning tables and causing quite a scene.

They all marveled at Him and what He taught them that day: “The temple, My Father’s house, is a place for all nations to come together, pray, and meet God, not a place of trading and taking advantage of people.”

Jesus’ authority, integrity, and passion are exemplary and uncontested. From this story and from Jesus’ life, we can see two expressions of His passion:

• Jesus drove away those who were using the temple for their personal gain. He took away anything that could hinder people from worshiping God. He wanted the temple to be what God had designed it to be—a place where the nations come to pray and worship God.
• Jesus sacrificed His body and gave His life on the cross so we can be saved. He took away our sins and gave us mercy and grace. This is the ultimate expression of His passion and love.

This demonstration of His passion and love has many applications for us. We, too, can be passionate about what matters to Him. Jesus is passionate in removing anything that comes in the way of our relationship with God. He shows us how communing with God in prayer, worship, and fellowship every day is vital. In fact, failing to make time for our relationship with God would be detrimental to us, since we would no longer have a healthy connection with Him.

As those who have been rescued and redeemed from sin, may we find ourselves having the same passion for God, His Church, and His mission. May He be our priority in all that we do. May we, the temple of the living God, be constantly filled by the Holy Spirit and set apart for the advancement of His rule in our homes, cities, and nation. As we do so, we will find peace in His presence and the grace to live out His word and His calling in our lives.

Respond

• Why do you think Jesus responded the way He did in the temple? What does this show you about who He is and how He works in your life?
• As a child of God who has been redeemed and set apart for Christ’s purpose, what could be hindering you from having a specific time and place to commune with God every day? How can you give Him your undivided attention, and how can you meditate on God’s word this season? Identify what hinders you and write a short prayer asking God for grace to obey.
• Are you passionate about telling others about who Jesus is and what He has done for you? Why do you think we should share our faith with others? How is this impossible on our own strength? How can this become a lifestyle for you?