Mark 11

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Mark 11:15-18, 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, 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.’”

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.

Be sure to read through this whole chapter.  There is a lot of substance here.  The chapter begins with the Palm Sunday passage, the Triumphal Entry, when Jesus comes into Jerusalem on a colt that had never been ridden.  Truly, everything about his arrival to the city was royal.  Jesus is Messiah and king.  He might not be the king they wanted or expected but he is still king. 

Then, we move on to today’s focus verses, the clearing of the temple.  Let’s talk a little bit about the temple.  It was Israel’s third temple and it was still under construction.  It was huge!  It had four sections: the Court of the Gentiles (which was a large open air area), the Court of Women, the Court of Israel (for circumcised Jewish men), and the Holy of Holies (all three of these sections were in the inside sanctuary).  Jesus encounters the unholy commerce in the Court of the Gentiles.  There were many, many merchants selling animals for sacrifice and there were money changers present for foreign Jews to exchange their money to the local currency for the temple tax.  So why was Jesus so upset?  Wasn’t this all part of the sacrificial system?

This was the one area of the temple designated for Gentiles (the nations) to pray.  They weren’t allowed in any other area of the temple.  And the Jewish people had taken over the entire area for trade and profit.  Lots of money was being made here.  Jesus is beyond angry.

The religious leaders have an interesting reaction to this.  They are scared.  I’m thinking that they know they are in the wrong but they don’t want to submit to this Jesus character.  Thus, they begin to plot how to kill him.

Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, May our worship be pleasing to you.  May our worship be a place for all people to praise and glorify your name.  Amen.