“On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money charges and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 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.’” (Mark 11:15-17)
The Temple has been built as a house of prayer for all nations. But Gentiles were only allowed in one outer court which the Jews abused by using it as a thoroughfare and for trade. It was always thronging with people and it had become the scene of double-dealings which outraged Jesus. The money-chargers whose booths dominated these outer precincts of the Temple fleeced pilgrims by placing a heavy surcharge on every transaction they made. And the dove-sellers were equally deceitful. They charged high prices for their wares but blemished and were therefore unfit offerings for God. With a ruthlessness that must have astonished all his onlookers, Jesus rid the Temple of these practices which could never co- exist with a holy God.
Lord, your word reminds me that I, too, am a temple; that your Spirit has taken up residence inside me. This Holy Week, deal ruthlessly with me. Show me what needs dealing with in my life - which behavior patterns, attitudes and failures of mine cannot co-exist with your Spirit. Then give me the courage to deal ruthlessly with them - before Easter Day dawns.
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