And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.”

– Luke 19:45-46

When I imagine the temple court before Jesus arrived, I see the carnival row at a large state fair. Hawkers, concessionaires, people crowded together, loud voices – enough activity to overwhelm the senses. Jesus shut it all down. He cleaned God’s House, returning it to a place of prayer for all the nations as intended.

Jesus clearly stated God’s view of ungodly practices and not just the practices that had turned His Temple into a “den of robbers.” So, in addition to this physical house cleaning, what else is there?

In the beginning, God walked with humanity. We were created to dwell with God and be His face to the world. We rebelled, separating ourselves from God. God, ever faithful to His promises, came to humanity through a tent (Exodus 25:8) and then a temple (Isaiah 56:7). We continued to rebel. Sin and corruption destroyed the first and second temples. God chose a different means for us to dwell with Him.

For a few short years, God dwelt with us in the flesh (John 1:14). God’s plan would forever transcend buildings and geography. As we read in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, God dwells in each follower of Christ today. Individually and collectively, these followers are God’s temple (1 Corinthians 12).

As I consider my life, I’m saddened by the times I let the money changers, sellers of livestock, and sacrifices to other gods take over. Dear God, how many “robbers” have I let in? I am no better – worse even than the physical temple Jesus physically cleansed. Yet, by the power of the Holy Spirit, I am confident that through the events of Holy Week, God still desires that I walk with Him, and He provides the way for me to do that. Jesus cleansed the ancient temple. Today, Jesus’ blood cleanses everyone who follows him; He cleanses me.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, you are ever faithful to your promises even when I rebel and let sin into my life. Continue to cleanse my sinful heart through the blood of Jesus, my Redeemer.

Daily Reading: Luke 18

– Contributed by Tim Zeigler