A Verse
Luke 19:46
“My house will be ‘a house of prayer’; but you have made it a ‘den of robbers.’”
A Comment
On the Monday following His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus “entered the temple courts and began to drive out those who were selling.” It is most likely that Jesus performed this act in what is called the Court of Gentiles, which is the outer court of the temple. What Jesus found when He arrived was not a place where the people could seek the LORD, but rather, a place where the poor and needy were being exploited by the wicked. As God’s Anointed One, Jesus comes into the temple, cleanses it, and begins to teach. Thus, God Himself visits the place where the people should have been seeking Him. He comes to the people to deliver them from the wickedness that sought to keep them separated from God. Jesus’ work in the temple that day prefigured the work that He would perform at the end of the week, when by His sacrifice He would, once for all, bring sinners near to God.
A Prayer
O’ Lord, as we meditate on Your Word over the course of Holy Week, preparing our hearts for Easter, renew our wonder and worship as we contemplate this old, old story about our Savior’s love for us. Fill our hearts with gratefulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A Blessing
Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
A House of Prayer