For Profit or Prayer?

N.T.#245 "For Profit or Prayer?"

Feb. 15, 2024 

Matthew 21-Part 5 

LET IT GLOW

It was a rather short trip between Bethany and the Golden Gate in Jerusalem. It would have taken Jesus less than an hour to make it, even riding on a little colt. He would return to the Mt. of Olives later. Those along the road that Sunday morning were taking an important journey that had the potential to seal their eternal destinies. 

Where would we find ourself in that crowd? If we had been there, would we lay down our coat on the road as an act of worship and honor, follow Jesus, or find ourself staying outside the wall? Would we be curious and follow Jesus afar, avoiding the crowd? Or would we be part of the group saying "Hosanna in the highest?" Would we follow Jesus to the cross? Are we fighting our way through life, defending ourself, taking charge, or in total surrender to Jesus as our King? Is Jesus just some guy riding on a young donkey or is He who He claims to be-The Son of God Who takes away our sins?

[Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights ]

LET IT GROW 

Then Jesus steps into the outer part of the Temple. What happened next?

• He cast out all them that sold and bought in the Temple.
• Jesus threw the tables of the moneychangers (coin dealers).
• Also, those who sold doves.

And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. (verse 13)

Jesus was quoting Isaiah 56:7. What a corrupt organized religion the Jews had. Jesus could not tolerate such a perversion of the Temple. Temple dues could be paid only in sacred coinage, and it was necessary to change one's money. the selling of doves was for sacrificial purposes. This exchange became a source of extortion for the High Priest's family who personally controlled it. In reality, it was a public bazaar. [Liberty Bible Commentary]

In other words, the religious leaders were making a profit when making change for the travelers. I can understand that it would have been difficult to travel with an animal sacrifice or even a dove, keeping it spotless, but those guys went too far. The religious elite were conducting a religious circus and carnival. People came from all over the world to take part in the feasts and offer required sacrifices at the Temple.

Kent Huges described the scene as a county fair and Stock Exchange all rolled into one! Merchants shouted from their stalls and the aroma of the livestock was present, pushy pilgrims jostled one another for position. Jesus drove out the profiteers and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the Temple. (Mark 11:16)

Isaiah 57:7 d says, for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. 

Jesus was not going to tolerate the gross sacrilege taking place in the Temple. He reached His limit. Righteous indignation came out, yet Jesus sinned not. Ephesians 4:26 says, Be angry, and yet do not sin.

Summing this up, instead of a place focused on worship of the One True Living God, the Temple had become a place of materialism and commercialism. Yet those thieves were using it to rob the people and reap a financial reward.

How does our church look to others? Is it a house of prayer and worship of the Savior? Or is it a gathering place for businessmen?

LET IT GO 

Is there anything we need to let go of in order to completely worship and serve the Risen Lord Jesus?

Are we using the church building for profit or for prayer?

Hosanna in the highest!