The Court of Gentiles was the only area that non-Jews could enter... and it had become an open-air market. Jesus and His followers pushed through the hordes of customers haggling with merchants and shouting to be heard over livestock and doves used for sacrifices. Others crowded around money changers’ tables, protesting unfair rates of exchange for the temple currency.
Jesus had seen enough. He stormed through the court, upending tables, overturning traders’ chairs, and driving animals toward the gate, past people scrambling for scattered money. Finally, He blocked the way so merchandise couldn’t be carried through the temple (Mark 11:16).
The disciples must have been astounded. They expected the Messiah to judge their oppressors, not His own people and their temple! Finally, Jesus shouted above the din and reminded them of a scripture they’d apparently forgotten. “Is it not written,” He cried, “‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a robbers’ den” (v. 17).
The crowd was amazed. But the religious leaders were offended and began to plan His death (v. 18).
Jesus’ actions in the temple emphasized how money becomes so important to people that it can hinder His work! How could anyone enter the temple through the mess and chaos? How can anyone feel comfortable entering God's church when all they see is mess, chaos, and money grubbing. Or are they seeing it even in your lives and heart?
No comments:
Post a Comment