NOISE, SMELLS, OR PRAYER?
Opening Prayer
Lord, may we never mix business with worship.
Read MATTHEW 21:12–17
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
Jesus at the Temple
12 Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”
14 The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant.
16 “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him.
“Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read,
“‘From the lips of children and infants
you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?”
17 And he left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where he spent the night.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
“Children of Jerusalem sang the praise of Jesus’ name… All unite to swell the song… ’til hosannas fill the skies” (John Henley, 1800–1842). Thank God, he accepts exuberant (maybe not musical!) praise.
As the crowds pour into Jerusalem, Jesus proceeds to the temple, the center of national and religious life. In the outermost area, the Court of the Gentiles, money changers are exchanging (at a fee) unacceptable currency for high-grade silver coins required by every Jew to pay their annual temple tax. Nearby are all the traders, selling at considerable profit unblemished animals and birds for the obligatory sacrifices necessary to accompany the temple rituals required after childbirth, healing or forgiveness of sin. The noise, smell and overall atmosphere make any attempt at prayer almost impossible. Yet this was the only place where Gentiles could pray and seek communion with the God of Israel.
No doubt the marketplace noise carries through to the Court of the Women, into which all Jews (except those with disabilities) could enter, and further into the Court of the Israelites where temple services are conducted in which men could participate. What is supposed to be a place of prayer and worship for all nations has become nothing more than a den of robbers. Jesus’ righteous indignation is not an aberration: he is claiming his rightful authority to deal with the sin at the heart of his nation. By his death he would shortly provide all nations with access the Father. This is but a symbolic first step.
Many from the crowds still support him, no doubt observing his actions with delight! The excitement of their children has not dissipated; among the marketplace noise they continue shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” This is more than the authorities can stomach. When they indignantly insist that Jesus silence them, he questions their knowledge of the Scriptures, reminding them that children’s praise is always accepted by God. Jesus is not to be bullied. Authority, justice and judgment are his domain.
Apply
What practical steps could your church make to enable men, women and children of all nations and abilities to better encounter God?
Closing prayer
Lord, we fully understand that Your house is a house of prayer and worship, to be dedicated to nothing else.
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