Daily Devotions
Mark
Acts 1:21 "Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us." Acts 1:21"
Day 246 – Mark 11
“Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us.” Acts 1:21
THE CLEANSING OF THE TEMPLE
There were no shouts of “Hosanna” on this visit to Jerusalem. Instead there was a grave sense of solemnity about Jesus as He made His way to the Temple.
“So they came to Jerusalem.
Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out
those who bought and sold in the temple,
and overturned the tables of the money changers
and the seats of those who sold dove. And He would not
allow anyone to carry wares through the temple.”
MARK 11:15-16
1. The Original concept of the Temple
Judging from the scene at the temple in Jesus’ days, the original idea of the Temple as a place for worship was all but forgotten completely.
a) The Construction and Dedication of the Tabernacle
Moses detailed the preparation and the making of the Tabernacle (Cf. Exodus 25-30; 35-40). When the Tabernacle was dedicated, God’s glory filled it!
b) The Construction and Dedication of Solomon’s Temple
The chroniclers also detailed the preparation and the construction of the temple (Cf. 1 Chronicles 22-29; 2 Chronicles 1-7). At the Dedication of the Temple, God’s glory once again filled it!
2. The Temple in the days of Jesus
a) The high priestly family was in control of the businesses that flourished in the temple.
b) The temple sacrifices and all related products were mere merchandise.
c) There was obvious profiteering of the hapless masses that came to the temple for worship.
THE RIGHT OF JESUS THE MESSIAH-KING
Nobody had ever stood up to the high priest, the scribes and Pharisees, who made up the religious hierarchy of Israel, until now.
1. Driving out the merchants
Single-handedly, Jesus drove out those who bought and sold.
2. Cleansing of the Temple
This decisive act of cleansing the Temple was the main event for the day!