Jesus enters the temple courts
Pray
Begin with prayer, opening your heart to His Word and Spirit.
Read Mark 11:15-18
15 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, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’[a]? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’[b]”
18 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.
Reflect
Jesus and his disciples arrive back in Jerusalem, having had a look around the temple the day before. What He observes enraged Him. This place of meeting with God had been turned into a place for personal profit. Those who were to be a light to the nations were drawing them into the darkness. Jesus’ actions are swift and explosive. The response of the chief priests and teachers of the law, out of fear, was to find a way to kill Him. Jesus knew that they would not take his life; He would freely give his life for the salvation of the world.
Closing prayer
Jesus, we praise your name and give you glory. Keep our faith and our commitment to live our lives for you ever vigilant. Amen.