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Matthew 21:10-13
And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.” And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.”
I can hardly watch a Jesus movie. Maybe it’s a personal hang-up. Maybe I should blame my parents. But with the exception of the film, The Passion of the Christ, I have a hard time watching a Jesus movie. And here’s why…in most of the movies, Jesus is portrayed as a wimp (I know you have your favorites, and I’m sure you will e-mail the titles to me). Now Jesus was certainly kind and loving, but one thing is for sure…Jesus was no wimp. Just check out today’s passage.
Jesus lived with zeal and passion. He entered the temple area and “drove out” all who had turned worship into a money-making scam. His action took a little more than, “Come on, you guys, please leave.” He physically forced them out! He overturned tables and benches! He passionately defended this house of worship!
Ok, ready to turn a corner here? Where is the temple today? No, it’s not in Jerusalem. No, it’s not the church building with a cross on the top. In the New Testament, the physical temple became a spiritual one. The place of worship is the heart of the believer (1 Cor. 3:16, 6:19). And Jesus is zealous and passionate for your heart. And he is adamant that sinful scams do not take over your personal house of worship and prayer. But here’s the sad truth, too many Christians like the “movie Jesus.” With the “movie Jesus” they feel they can stay in charge. The temple-clearing Jesus is a little too dangerous for them.
Lord Jesus, please search my heart and turn over any tables where sin is residing. Cleanse my heart like you did the temple. In your name, I pray. Amen.
Today’s Journey Message:
The Joy of Loving God – Part 2
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I love getting the devotions in the morning! Thanks so much for doing these.
This one really hit home for me, as many of them do.
I’m ready to have some tables overturned in my heart.