Holy Week Reflections

Monday

When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling. 
“It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be a house of prayer’; 
but you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”
                                                                                                                                                                    Luke 19:45-46

Why?  What compelled the Lord Jesus to take this action, only days before He would go to the cross.  The timing of this dramatic scene in the temple courts is curious?  As we continue to reflect on the final days of Jesus life, the events that led to Calvary's cross and eventually to the empty tomb, we need to pause and allow this moment to speak into our lives.  What was the Lord's desire in cleansing the Temple?  His words invite us to look past the drama of the moment and understand the deeper meaning behind His actions.

In this account we see further evidence of the divide between Jesus and the religious leaders of the day.  His actions strengthen their resolve to deal with Him, but He nonetheless protects the integrity of the 'house of God', keeping the doors open to all.  HIs actions pave the way for the Church and therefore speak powerfully to Christians today.   Peter reminds us we find our identity and purpose in Christ and therefore have a responsibility to life accordingly:

...you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood,
offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
                                                                                                                                                                         1 Peter 2:5

As we continue to journey toward the cross, may we take some time to examine our thoughts and actions and to recalibrate our hearts if needed.  Praying as David prayed...

Search me, God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.
                                                                                                  Psalm 139:23-24

Then all the churches will know that I am the one who searches out
the thoughts and intentions of every person.
                                                                                                                                                        Revelation 2:23 - NLT