Passion Week: Cleansing of the Temple

When we often think of Passion Week, or as some call it, Holy Week, we start with Palm Sunday then immediately jump to Good Friday and Easter Sunday. These days are celebratory in nature, with Good Friday being one of reflection, grief, and solitude. However, we often miss the significance of the events in between. Is not that true of life in some aspects? Many live for the big milestones, holidays, birthdays, events, etc. We are seemingly trained to have this excessive zeal and joy on these days, but rarely are we taught how to live and deal with the mundane, routine days. We believe it is important as a Christian based platform to express our connection to this particular event in scripture, and how we apply it to all aspects of our lives. The resurrection story has implications for your personal life and your family. Let’s dig deeper together.

Coming off the excitement, passion, and celebration of Palm Sunday, events continue to unfold leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. In Matthew 21:13-14, we are told of Jesus’ second cleansing of the temple. First being found in John 2. In righteous anger, He enters the temple and confronts the money changers who were taking advantage of the Jewish people seeking to purchase animal sacrifices in a more convenient manner given the time and nature of surrounding factors.”And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.”‭‭ (Matthew‬ ‭21‬:‭12‬-‭13).‬ ‭Jesus of course had a special connection and zeal to the Temple. He was upset by the corruption of men who altered its true purpose. We believe this event serves as a warning to us; that we never twist, taint, or manipulate the message and purpose of God. As His vessels, we are called to be image bearers of Christ, so it is so important that in word and deed, we operate with integrity, truth, humility, and reflect the Savior through us. It is not a option as Christians to live however we feel like it. It is not an option to operate in a manner that is contrary to what the Word of God says in relation to what is happening in our personal lives. The Bible calls us, our bodies, a Temple. When we look at this event in a different perspective, we can find very personal application to it. Of course, at face value Jesus is disapproving of institutional churches operating in corruption, which we should always remain vigilant of as followers of Christ, but on a deeper level, He is showing His strong opinion toward those who are dishonest and hypocritical.

As we serve individuals of all backgrounds here at Maverick Life, we hope that today’s devotional provides you some thoughts to consider and reflect on. Make it your personal habit to operate in integrity always, to reflect Christ’s truth through you, and to carefully consider and remain involved in the institutional church you are apart of. Praying blessings over you today during this first week day of Holy Week.