Text: Isaiah 56:7-8, Jeremiah 7:8-11, Matthew 21:10-17, Luke 19:45-48
Who is this man riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, the one hailed by the crowd as the Son of David? The whole city, the scripture says, is abuzz with the question. You can imagine their surprise when Jesus heads straight for the temple, establishing His authority by driving the sellers out, overturning their tables and tossing money to the temple floor. Talk about causing a stir.
Jesus said to them, “My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you make it a den of robbers.” (Matthew 21:13b, ESV) Each scriptural account of the story quotes Jesus as making this distinction. A house: a place of rest and restoration and communion. A den: a place of darkness and confinement. But only Matthew tells us what happens next. After Jesus tosses out those who would pervert the temple of God into a temple of wealth and greed and convenience, He does something revolutionary: He invites the Least inside.
The blind, the lame, the children all come in and Jesus welcomes them, heals them, confirms their place among Him. He cleared out those who profaned the temple and ushered in those who humbly sought after God.
When I picture the scene I can see myself in the wings, on the outside looking in. I am nervous, I am afraid, but I am drawn to this house of God and so I watch and wait. Those inside seem to have it together, bringing riches rather than sacrifice, doing religion like a business. All I have is this humble offering in my hands, carried the long journey from my home, over rocky roads and mistake-laden miles. Then I see Him. And right before my eyes I watch Him turn it on its side, all the pretension and injustice and darkness that kept me at bay. He sends out those who’ve come not for God but for gods. And then? He looks me in the eye. Me. Lame, frightened, filthy from days of travel, He looks at me and sees me. He motions for me to come in and then He tells me I belong.
Oh, Sisters, this is our Christ. He welcomes in the defenseless and He becomes their defense. He brings the weak to Himself and makes them strong. He desires not the shiny sacrifices our pride wishes to bring, but only a heart that is stayed on Him.
We cannot purchase Him, for He has purchased us.
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53 thoughts on "the least"
I just started this plan yesterday and I think its great timing! Since the "Bible" series just ended last weekend! So this story is still very fresh in my memory. I remember watching the scene about the temple and I got goose bumps. I remember wishing I was there when Jesus showed them! When he put his foot down and showed them who's boss! I was so happy that he stood for what was right and executed his words so perfectly. And when one of the religious leaders tried to test Jesus. He knew exactly what to say to shut him up! He knew it was a trap, Jesus isn't stupid and cannot be fooled! I always wonder though what is our modern day temple? Is it the buildings we go every weekend for Church? If so, I feel as though some Church's are like the religious leaders and Roman's back then. Cause I see Church's selling stuff and making money and profiting off of the attendee's who come to service every weekend. Is that the same thing? Buying and selling and making money in the House of God? Every time I hear this story about the temple and I read and read very carefully to make sure I'm understanding the scripture and what Jesus means or what he's getting at, I always find myself asking this question and thinking about the Church's I've been to that sell and make money off of people that come. Whether it be food, souvenirs, fundraisers, tickets, CD's, books, etc. They don't go selling sacrifices like sheep or Dove's but idk, just wondering….
I always believed that making church a ritual was not what God intended. Today’s vivid imagery threw the most wonderful curve ball. I grew up going to church and was never given the chance to see Jesus in action this way. It makes perfect sense though. He who is priceless, makes us priceless by welcoming us into personal relationship with Him! I am sure we can all easily name the baggage we carry from the sins and illnesses in our lives. For me it’s not about that though. He looks at me in the eyes, the window to my soul, and welcomes me in! Powerful!
The word that came into my mind during prayer this morning was authenticity. There are big areas of my life in which I need to live with more authenticity. Being my true self, fully loved and accepted and FORGIVEN by our Lord – not what others think I should be/do/say or what I think others think I should be/do/say. Reading the account of Jesus in the temple, overturning the tables, is a perfect example of authenticity. All the posturing & competition between the people inside was not what The Lord had in mind and Jesus had had it! He called them out of their meaningless ways, their empty words & promises, their “acts of faith.” I picture myself overturning tables in my mind which represent the sin, fear, doubt, worry, and lack of trust I’ve held between The Lord and me. I want to live an authentic life with The Lord at my center, my heart of hearts. What am I so afraid of? The Lord is FOR ME. Consequently, after reaffirming my faith & turning it back over to The Lord, satan has done his best to torment me with his lies all afternoon, inflicting huge amounts of emotional pain on me, using his usual people & tricks to get to me. I won’t allow that to happen. I will rise above his lies & listen to the one voice of truth! I will come into the temple and stand firm with our Lord, the voice of truth and authenticity. I am worthy, I am loved, I am forgiven. All by His grace. Hosanna in the highest!
" I picture myself overturning tables in my mind which represent the sin, fear, doubt, worry, and lack of trust I've held between The Lord and me. I want to live an authentic life with The Lord at my center, my heart of hearts. What am I so afraid of? The Lord is FOR ME." LaurenC_, I hear what you are saying, Jesus cleaning out those who were defiling God's house was meant not to drive them away, but to drive them to true authentic faith and worship. All of us need the Lord's cleansing daily, so we seek him that He can fill up the spaces left once the tables are removed. Blessings on you this Holy Week!
If I have already posted the following. Please overlook it and forgive me. I tried to edit and something happened…LOL..so here I go again. Hope it is not the 3rd time.
Outside today it is cold and snowy, a strange way to move from Palm Sunday to Monday of Holy Week, but as I read the scripture, the beautiful devotional thoughts, with all the comments from SRT travelers, I am touched by the whiteness of the snow. God's choice of landscapes may be unseasonable here in Kentucky, but it covers a multitude of imperfections and renews the soil beneath. It is a reminder that I am made white as snow by the precious blood of Christ and renewed like the Spring to come.
Sometimes I think I am way too hard on the Pharisees, probably because it scares me that I share some characteristics with them. Who were these Pharisees? Religious, law abiding, monotheistic, rigid, pious men. On the surface and mainly even deeper, men trying to get right with God. Where did they get off track? Why did Jesus challenge them so often? Before the beginning of this week, already some of them were meeting with their theological adversaries the Sadducees to kill Jesus, but not all of them.
How am I like them? How can I cleanse myself of the yeast of the Pharisees? [JuneBug in her entry today examines Jesus cleansing of the temple with the Jewish preparation of the home for Passover.]. I had never looked at that before, but now see it clearly. One reason I love this group.
Jesus longs to cleanse me of the yeast of the Pharisees–finger pointing,condemnation, unforgiveness, exclusivity, elitism. It is so easy to identify with the lame, impoverished, sick, Jesus invited into the cleansed Temple, because I am all that. I do, however, act like a Pharisee, at times. Ouch!
The thing is Jesus would have welcomed the Pharisees who recognized their need for his healing. The ultimate yeast of those Pharisees who would reject Jesus was their inability to admit their need for the Savior.
I pray for all of us that we may never think we have it all together as Christians. The moment I think I need Him least is the instant I need Him most. May this week's journey cleanse me inside and out so that I can worship from my need.
wow! you girls rock!! thanks for all of the prayers & well wishes. fyi.. my first bible is a beauty:):) it was a very difficult decision, to say the least!! 90 minutes later in the christian bookstore, and i am the proud owner of the NLT everyday matters bible for women. thanks again girls :)
A brand new Bible – what a blessed way to start your day tomorrow! =)
It's overwhelming when I think that His desire is for me. To imagine myself outside of that temple. . .always being left out, feeling unworthy, then to have the Christ, the One hailed moments earlier as King, with shouts of Hosanna, the One doing all the healing, all the miracles, the One with so much compassion . . . To have Him look at me, speak to me, invite me in to be with Him in a place I have never got to go before, least not without having to pay for something . . Just because He loves me and desires me to be with Him and He is paying the ultimate price for me. Wow.
I loved this, looking forward to reading along with the rest of the plan.
As I read all of your comments I am mmensely overwhelmed with joy because we are able to come together as women of faith and love on one another in a variety of ways. This forum is yet another confirmation for me that God is real and His love penetrates through everything and anything.
My prayer is that God will continue to bless each of us, that we will in turn bless God through obedience and love, and that He would allow us to grow leeps and bounds as a result of these daily devotionals and the relationships we’re building with one another.
Amen!
At a time I am most definitely feeling ” the least”, it is immensely reassuring that Jesus invites me in, welcomes me, confirms my place with Him. I don’t have a lot to offer but my heart IS humbly seeking Him. And He becomes my strength and my hope. He calms me and heals that which is broken- my spirit. My body may not be healed in this life, but if I cling to His word and His promises, He WILL heal my broken heart and spirit.
Thank you Lord for your Son.
Thank you Jesus for choosing us- The Least!
Prayers for all my SRT Sisters, new and old alike! You WILL be blessed, those who are just joining. You won’t regret it! :)
Disclaimer: Construction zone ahead. I've been doing some digging into scripture and I'm not sure I will make any sense to read since I'm writing short on time.
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." 1Corinthians 6:19-20
In studying the Cleansing of the Temple passages this morning, I asked Jesus what He wants to cleanse from my "temple." Thoughts, feelings, ambitions…etc. I didn't get a direct sense of it. Rather, I feel that the Lord led me to this passage:
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." Ephesians 5:25-27
I know this is usually a Christian marriage passage, but wow! The parallel to today's reading is so clear. At least to me. Jesus, the Word in flesh. Jesus, the Groom who is coming for His bride, the church. In the same way He cleansed the temple in Jerusalem around the time of Passover, continues to cleanse His "temples" from the inside out.
{JuneBug digging deeper…}
Why does it matter that the temple clearing occurred around the time of Passover? Before Passover begins, Jews clear their households of all things "leavened" , or containing yeast. Yeast, symbolizes sin. The temple is God's house. God's timing is NEVER happenstance. I am continually amazed at His calendar of events!
"Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 (NIV)
" God's timing is NEVER happenstance". So true, JuneBug. I had never given a lot of thought to the timing of the cleansing but I believe you are right on with this.
Good word!
My first thought was wow! Thank thank thank you for this June. Will be referring to your comment in bible study tomorrow!
Wow! Junebug! what a great perspective on this!
Beautiful connection Junebug! It reminds me of Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Our father opens our eyes and gives us wisdom and truths we do not know.
I never had this perspective, thanks for sharing this with us. The Holy Spirit is continually cleaning and protecting this temple (me). The best part is now I recognize it, honor it, and praise God for not forgetting about me.
This is my first week studying with you ladies.And right now all I can say is that I’m glad I started. I have let God down so many times that it seems really hard to get close to him again. I know he loves me but I am going through so much right now it’s hard to hear or feel him. Separation due to adultery, sickness, bad relationship with children and the hardest is the loneliness. How can God forgive or even love me like I knew he did before? I left my husband, forgave him but now he doesn’t seem to want me and I can’t tell you how much that hurts! Do I move on? Will I be alone the rest of my life? Will God ever truly welcome me back? Ive asked but sometimes not sure if he heard me. I have done some awful things in my life to, especially since the separation out of anger. Sorry for all this…. Just pray for me that I really learn to accept the God can even love and accept me back… Thanks
Sweet sweet Charmaine, I’m glad you’re doing this study with us too. I wish we could all facetime and give each other virtual hugs and whisper “It is well” in your ear but I will be satisfied with praying for you and encouraging you with these words: Jesus picked me from the deepest pit of sin and set me on a hill in full light of his glory and for all the world to see that God takes the things counted as nothing to bring to nothing the things the world counts important. 1 Cor 1:28 you are loved, sweet friend! I’m not talking about sentimental gush. I’m talking thoughts of good and of adding value to your life. You are LOVED
Charmaine,
I'm going thru similar trials right now. Know that you are not alone in this struggle. I'm praying with you.
When you're feeling especially down or uncertain, read Psalm 23. I've found it immensely comforting.
Praying for you… hugs… I'm sorry.
Praying for you, Charmaine.
I’m so sorry you are in such pain. I can feel it just reading your words. I’ve had an enormously painful day myself & I’d like to intercede now on behalf of both of us – and anyone else in emotional pain right now. Lord, please touch Charmaine. Still her aching, worried, confused mind and heart. Help her to take a deep breath. Holy Spirit, with your wisdom that exceeds our understanding, please speak for Charmaine. Relieve her of her anxiety in this moment, and speak & work on her behalf. Soothe her in this moment. These things I ask for Charmaine, I also ask for myself and anyone else reading this comment who is experiencing emotional pain. Thank You Lord. Amen.
Charmaine, I'm so glad you started this study and I will hold you in prayer. My older sister experienced a similar situation as your's about 10 years ago. God did bring healing and restoration to her life. Hang in there. God loves you. He sees you and knows your pain. He hears you. You are not alone. Psalm 62:5. Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.
I have prayed for you Charmine. In my prayer, these words I uttered, "God will forgive you when you forgive yourself." There is nothing you can do about the past. You are fretting over so much when all you have to do is "let go and let God." I use to hear that phrase all the time and I thought I was letting go, but I wasn't. It so easy to say, but so hard to do. Once you really let go and put all that is plaguing on His lap, you will find the more peace you have ever felt in your life than you thought was possible. Instead of harboring about what was done and what may happen, turn your focus to every blessing you have received at every moment of the day. You are being blessed all the time. Take a moment and give Him thanks. If you don't think you have been blessed, how is it that you are reading this reply. Please stop plaguing yourself with your past and step into you future with God. Jesus did not care about the past of the people He invited into the temple. He forgave them before they could form the words to ask. Be one of them and know that the closer you walk with God, the more peaceful and happy your life will be. You will find strength that you never knew you had. Just believe, Charmaine, just believe. God is with you and He is real. He is holding out His hand to you. Once you take hold NEVER let go. He is all you have.
In the outside looking in…I’ve felt that way about church for many years.
It is amazingly affirming and blessed to know that Jesus invites all of us who are just longing to be with him. He wants nothing but our pure hearts full of his love. I'm so grateful to be His friend (He has been telling me this lately)! I wasnt really grasping that seriously before. I want to give thanks and praises to Him daily in all my activities, in my house of prayer, even in a den. Blessed are those who fear The Lord! Fear doesn't mean I'm scared n ashamed of being near Him. Rather it means (to me) you are fearful for not being able to be with him because being with Him in the house of prayer is the best thing you will ever experience. Most of it all, you will have eternity in Heaven with Him :) Jesus! I love you!
I love being "the least" with Jesus!
Julia, I'm so happy to have you studying with us. Enjoy your Bible!
So wonderful to be starting each day of this week with you all! I’m sad & dissappointed to realize I’ve never focused on Palm Sunday or Holy Week before. So thankful & grateful for this devotional and SRT! Blessings, ladies!
I agree…so thankful! Why has it taken me so long to look at this???
"Those inside seem to have it together, bringing riches rather than sacrifice, doing religion like a business." Oh God may it not be perceived of me! It is tempting to live like the Pharisees, but Jesus did not have good things to say about them. Help me to always remember that I am "the Least" and to treat others with compassion and not contempt.
He motions for me to come in and then He tells me I belong. Wow, what a moving sentence. This is a perfect way to start out my Monday morning before work.
Julia – I’m so excited for you to purchase your first Bible!! I have found so much comfort and joy through reading mine and I pray that you will as well.
ladies, although i was silent for the songs of ascent, i was right there with you. thank you for all of your insight & beautiful comments. as we begin this reading plan for holy week, my heart feels heavy.. broken. i don’t feel “prepared”? please pray for me today. i am going to purchase my very first bible!
Prayer for you, Julia.
Wonderful Julia that you are studying with us and that you are getting your first Bible! And do not be upset that you are not "prepared"! That is what this week is all about! You can prepare yourself this week in this study as you walk where Jesus walked and humble your heart before Him as the Least of these. As the study said, He just wants a heart that is stayed or fixed on Him! Pour yourself into His Word, into prayer and worship, connect to a good church that preaches truth and watch your life come alive!
Blessings friend!
Julia,
What an exciting time for you. The beginnings of a lifelong discovery of God's truth – His promises, His faithfulness – the Story He has written for you and for me – for all of us! And you are already as "prepared" as you will ever need to be:
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.
Psalm 51:16-17 (NIV)
We are all on the same journey of discovering how inadequate we are apart from the Lord. And I am thankful that in my inadequacy, in my brokenness, the Lord draws me to Himself. My biggest problems arise when I feel like I've "got it all together" (and forget how much I need Him).
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
He will meet you right where you are and guide you all the way!
Julia, so excited for you as you purchase your first Bible. This is a great group to study with and to encourage each other in their faith walk.
Julia praying for you! I'm praying that the Father will reveal to you today how precious you are to Him! How exciting to be buying your first Bible! And I'm excited to think about the awesome plans He has for you!
Julie, welcome! How exciting to be purchasing your first Bible! God meets us where we are at… I will keep you in prayer as you begin the most exciting journey. God's blessings to you!
Jeremiah 29:13
New Living Translation (NLT) If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
Julia, we are so excited that you are starting your walk with Jesus as your focus. We welcome you with open arms, just as our Lord and Savior welcomed us.
It is the imperfections in us that God uses. It’s the unwholeness in us that God so perfectly turns into blessings. After all, The Christ I know, died on the cross for sinners such as you and I, and he did it because of love.
Congratulations on tbat purchase of your first bible. It will become a true treasure!
I’m really excited for you Julia! I’m here praying that you will feel God’s love.
Ladies, I ask that you will all join me in prayer tomorrow and wednesday as the supreme court is ruling on marriage. Our pastor asked that we as a body of believers pray the following: God's will be done, God's mercy for our country, supernatural wisdom for those arguing for the biblical principles of marriage, for those who argue against to be confused and ensnared by their own arrogance, His word back to Him, and revival for our country. Holy week – no better time for revivals, renewing. Father, let it begin in me!
Praying for you, Brandi
During this Holy Week, when people are more open to Him, I shall pray that He speaks to others through me. That I can share His love & acceptance so that they will not perish but have everlasting life.
It is interesting that Jesus never lost sight of or the focus of His mission. The same declaration He made at the beginning of His ministry, He still declared at the beginning of the end.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord ’s favor has come. ” (Luke 4:18, 19 NLT)
I love this! My pastor preached a message called "Focus" on Sunday and he talked about how Jesus kept His face steadfast toward the cross. He stayed focused during the praise (His triumphant entrance) and he stayed focused during the ridicule. people will try to label/ridicule us, but we can learn from Jesus to stay focused on the mission He's given us.
"He desires not the shiny sacrifices our pride wishes to bring, but only a heart that is stayed on Him." What a merciful Savior that welcomes the Least, as we are, not waiting until we clean ourselves up but He will do all of the work if we will just COME!
And I love the last part of the verse in Luke where it says they began planning to kill him but they could think of nothing because, "…all the people hung on every word He said." Luke 18:48 NLT. Lord, help me to hang on Your every Word!! I am the LEAST!!
Yes, imagine if our attention were so focused, that we could hang on every Word God shared with us. So encouraging!
I watched The Bible Series last night and they did an amazing job visually displaying this passage of scripture. I could sense the anger that Jesus must have felt to see what had become of the temple. He was able to point outt he wrong doings and bring correction immediately. This reminds me that God has to do that with us. He sits us done and points out what we need to change. Not out of contempt, but love to bring us back closer to Him. I am greatful for this yearly reminder.
The Scripture that really jumped out at me was Jeremiah 7: 9-10 where it was talking about being in bondage to sin and yet coming before God to declare “I am delivered”. Many times I’m like the Israelites going after gods and idols I have not known then coming to God to declare that He is God in my heart when in reality I’m making Him have to share His throne (my heart) with idols (approval addiction, social networking, friends, etc) It’s pretty convicting and I am thankful for it this week. How often I need to be reminded that He purchased me and not the other way round. Grateful for the Holy Spirit and insight. Have a blessed day, ladies!