MONDAY & TUESDAY of HOLY WEEK: Matthew 21-26, Mark 11, Luke 19-21

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 doves. Mark 11:15
Then He taught, saying to them, "Is it not written, 'MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL NATIONS’? But you have made it a 'DEN OF THIEVES.'" And the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy Him; for they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His teaching. Mark 11:17-18

What happened: Two things: Jesus cleansed the temple of religious corruption and taught many things, including several key parables and the Olivet Discourse (about the destruction of Jerusalem).

Key thoughts: As the Great High Priest, Jesus demonstrated His disdain for religious corruption that enriches the elites on the backs of the common people. By teaching, Jesus exemplified the most important activity in worship and the role of those who lead: teaching the Scriptures.

Application: Let us never forget or downplay the danger of monetizing the Christian faith and/or our worship. While giving is a key component of Christian worship, when money is the focus—especially when it enriches some at the expense of others—it is sinfully wrong.

Likewise, let us learn from Jesus that preaching is the center-point of Christian worship. Let us remember that even the layout of the Church changed at the time of the Reformation, as biblical worship was rediscovered and reclaimed. The pulpit was prominently moved to the center. When an altar, or a so-called “praise band,” is the focus, the Church is again losing its way.