“Then he entered the temple area and began driving out those who were selling. ‘It is written,’ he said to them,  ‘My house will be a house of prayer; but you have made it a den of robbers.’ ” (Luke 19:45–46, NIV84)

From my perspective, the last week of Jesus’ life was an opportunity for God to show that the kingdom of God was in absolute control. The week began with Jesus peacefully entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday on a donkey while accepting the praise and honor only due the promised Messiah.  He declared to the Pharisees that if the people were to be hushed, the very rocks would cry out God’s praise.

The next thing Jesus did in the city was clear out all the salespeople from the temple area. He cleansed the temple so that He could take over the sanctuary and teach. The God who filled the temple with His glory in the days of Solomon filled it once again as He taught Monday through Thursday the last week of His life. No Pharisee, Sadducee, or teacher of the law was able to do anything about the fact that Jesus took over the temple on the busiest week of the year.

May Jesus have that same control over our hearts and lives. May He clean out whatever needs to be removed from within us so that the teachings of His Word might completely fill us.

Peace!

Pastor Tom

www.firmlyrooted.church