Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Read Luke 19:45-48.
TEXT: And He entered the temple and began
to drive out those who sold
(Luke 19:45).

The Jerusalem temple was a reminder of God's
presence with His people, and animal sacrifices
were a central component of the worship there.
As the worshipper laid his hands on the animal's
head and confessed his sins, God transferred
his guilt to the animal, which was put to death in
his place. All these sacrifices pointed ahead to
Jesus. He is the Lamb of God who would take
our place and be put to death for the sins of the
whole world.

Since Jewish pilgrims travelled great distances
for the Passover Feast, they were unable to bring
along their own sacrificial animals. Jesus has no
problem with sacrificial animals being available for
sale, or with moneychangers converting foreign
currency into temple currency. His problem is
where those animals were being sold-in the
courtyards of the temple.

In holy wrath Jesus drives all of them out. He
quotes Isaiah, "It is written, 'My House shall be
a house of prayer,' but you have made it a den
of robbers'" (see Isaiah 56:7). It is bad enough to
make themselves robbers by selling the sacrificial
animals at unreasonable prices. But even worse,
they carry on their trade in the very courtyard of
the temple, where worshippers are trying to pray
to God amidst all these distractions.

The Jewish leaders are infuriated that Jesus would
challenge their authority and interfere with their
trade. But they cannot destroy Him because the
great crowds of pilgrims are hanging on His words.
As we'll see in the coming days, His teachings
will grow more pointed, and His popularity will
continue to increase.

THE PRAYER:

Almighty God, Your Son drove out all distractions
from Your temple courts. Clear my mind of all
distractions that I may worship You with all my
heart, mind and soul. I pray in Jesus' Name.
Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)