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Passion Week: Monday - Cleansing the Temple

Earlier this Monday morning, Jesus has cursed the fig tree but we will look into that tomorrow at the conclusion of those events.

Jesus and the disciples have made a triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem the night before.  Now it's Monday and they head to the temple where Jesus would quickly become upset and all that was taking place there.  Upon entering he saw money changers and merchants buying and selling animals.  Jesus became angry over the fact that the people had desecrated the temple from a "house of prayer" into a "den of robbers" and he made a small whip from some cords and began turning tables over driving the business people out of the temple.  He was angry at both those running the business and those doing the buying.  The people were impressed by Jesus' teachings and authority but this only increased the chief priests' and scribes' fear of him and they plotted for a way to destroy him.  After cleansing the temple and as evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city.


Thoughts:

- The high priest received a percentage of the profits from the merchants and money changers in the temple so this was going to have a financial impact on him.  Also, many travelers came through Jerusalem and were unfamiliar with the animals.  The merchants would sell sacrificial animals at an inflated price to them there versus elsewhere in the city.  The high priest was willing to overlook their dishonesty as long as he was still paid his share.
- Jesus was angry with the greed and deceit taking place in the temple, but he also did not like all the noise and commotion going on which would have made it difficult for believers to come and pray.  The sacrifice and noise of the animals when not done in reverence was upsetting to Jesus.   

Jesus cleansed the temple because the sinful activities going on there were interfering with worship. Even many practicing religion there were acting the same as the world and not like true believers.  As we reflect on this, are there any areas of our lives that need cleaning?  Is there anything in our hearts, attitudes, or actions, coming between us and God today? 

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