Christian Reflection and Prayer

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

 

Read Luke 19:45-48

 

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'" (Matthew 21:13; 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.

 

Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries