Mark 11:15-19
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.
It’s Spring! It’s Monday. Perhaps it’s your idea to do a bit of Spring cleaning. If so, do not take stuff to the dump.
On the day of His triumphal entry to Jerusalem Jesus had a look around the Temple but returned the next day and did a bit of spring cleaning Himself. He threw out the money-changers and dove-sellers who were ripping-off the crowds that descending on Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover.
There have always been those who see faith and church as simply an opportunity to make money. The chief priests and teachers of the law obviously condoned this practice or it wouldn’t have been allowed to happen. Was there a slice of the profits involved?
Their reaction to Jesus actions was to look for a way to kill Him, for they feared Him, because the whole crowd was amazed at His teaching.
Purity and perversion!
Jesus concern was the worship of God in purity and truth.
Their concern was popularity, control, status, money.
What takes first place in our lives?
Reflect
If Jesus came to do a spring clean in my heart, mind and life this holy week, what would He find?
Prayer
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting. Ps. 139:23,24
