Mark 11:1-11, 15-19

As Jesus and His disciples near Jerusalem, He commands them to “Go into the village opposite you; and as soon as you have entered it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has sat. Loose it and bring it” (11:2). The disciples go out to find a colt and bring it back to Jesus (11:4-6). When they return with the colt, they “threw their clothes on it and He sat on it. And many spread their clothes on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road” (11:7-8). Spreading their clothes on the street was customary for greeting a new king and placing palm branches on it was an act of celebration for the coming king. The actions of the people in this instance was not just the welcoming of any king, but the promised Messiah who cast out demons, healed the sick, and brought to life the dead. The crowd cried out, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” Their shouts indicated that they believed Jesus was the One sent from God who would establish the kingdom promised to David’s Son.

Jesus finally arrives in Jerusalem where He enters the temple and “began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and seats of those who sold doves. And He would not allow anyone to carry wares [containers filled with products to sell] through the temple” (11:15-16). Jesus then rebuked them for using a place of worship as a “den of thieves” (11:17). The money changers were in the temple “court to exchange Greek and Roman coins for Jewish or Tyrian coins which pilgrims had to use for the annual half-shekel payment for temple religious services. A fee as high as 10 or 12 percent was assessed for this exchange service” (MacArthur Study Bible, p.1486). The temple had become a place of profit instead of providing a refuge for worship and praise to God. Jesus demanded that these actions cease so the temple could return to its rightful use. The scribes and Pharisees witnessed Jesus actions so from that time forward they devised a plan to put Him to death. The actions of Jesus in the temple should really challenge us about the reverence and respect which is due to God alone. Jesus was calling for a radical cleansing of those whose hearts were far from Him. Our approach to God in worship is very important and any obstacles which distract must be confessed and forsaken.

Dear God, I pray that I would worship You with a pure heart and never allow anything to take the place of true reverence which You deserve. Keep Your church purified so that we might be holy worshipers of You.