Scripture Reading: Mark 11:12-19, Jeremiah 7:1-11, Psalm 69:7-9
On May 3, 1980, Cari Lightner was walking to a church carnival when a man who had only been out of jail for two days after his fourth DUI arrest, hit Cari from behind and killed her. From that unthinkable moment on, Cari’s mom, Candace, carried a photo of her daughter everywhere she went. She let her anger and sorrow over the loss of her girl fuel her passion to change drunk driving laws in her home state. Other mothers joined the fight. In time, they became MADD: Mothers Against Drunk Driving. I’m reminded of Jesus in their powerful, uncomfortable message; whether they knew it or not, those moms reflected a very Christlike anger as they directed their actions to counteract the sin and suffering around them.
Mark 11 records a side of Jesus that rarely makes it into our Pinterest posts and Vacation Bible School lessons—the angry side of Jesus. These passages don’t describe the man with flowing locks and a lap full of children that we tend to focus on when painting our fondest visions of Him. He threw people out (Mark 11:15). He flipped the tables, sending coins and livestock everywhere (v.15). He interrupted commerce and boldly declared,
“Is it not written, My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you have made it a den of thieves!”
—Mark 11:17
This was a violent anger: money-flinging, table-flipping, religious elite enraging anger (v.18). The money changers appeared to be doing something pious—they were providing the animals God’s people needed to sacrifice according to His law. But that’s not what God’s house was for. Jesus didn’t lose His temper—in fact I think He found it—and directed it squarely where it belongs: at sin.
Jesus loved the money changers. A few days later Jesus would die for the money changers. But He hated the sin in their hearts.
As much as it makes us squirm, the Word helps us see that our sin should make God angry. Because He is holy, He could not tolerate our sin. Because He loves us, He hates how sin destroys the shalom kind of relationship He intended us to have with Him.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving isn’t trying to hide it. They are angry mothers: angry at substance abuse, angry at the way it distorts the addict’s sense of right and wrong, and angry that a young life, with decades of potential ahead, could be snuffed out during an innocent walk to church.
I’m so grateful the Bible doesn’t give us a sanitized Savior. One thing that Mark 11 teaches us is that God, as our Father, stands against our sin. Aren’t you glad He was angry enough to do something about it?
But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility.
—Ephesians 2:13–14
Written by Erin Davis
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97 thoughts on "Jesus Cleanses the Temple"
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Jesus would you help us be as angry at our sin as you are. Thank you for showing us that you do not tolerate sin, but you still love us through it. Show us our own disdain for sin and thank you for dying for us in spite of it!
Welcome Robin Doyle !
We are so glad that you have joined us here at SRT
This is a very safe place
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This is my first time on here. Last night I watched The Passion of the Christ for the 3rd time, but I had not seen in awhile. And oh my goodness….I have been fighting a huge spiritual battle ever since. I’m a little better now that I’ve been soaking in the Word and Worship music since I got home from work. I am so thankful that I stumbled on to SRT. I can’t wait to get my new Bible in the mail. Yay!!!
Welcome Robyn! So happy to have
Welcome ❤️
I found today’s reading really heavy. Jesus wasn’t just flipping tables, He was clearing space for real connection with God. It’s such a good reminder during Holy Week to pause and ask: what in my life needs to be cleared out so my heart can actually make room for Him? I need to journal and pray on this
I have been grumpy lately, not a lot of patience with people, getting easily offended, holding grudges… and my excuse is that I have a lot going on taking care of my brother so I rationalize that it is OK. All this does though is keep me from fixing my eyes on the only one who can help – Jesus! Forgive me for looking around and not up in the midst of the daily struggle. Forgive me for not being forgiving, for holding resentments and grudges against others. I don’t want to be like the fig tree, with leaves but no fruit. Oh how I want to be a reflection of you even in the chaos, and so often I am not.
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It’s hard for God to work through my life and grow the right fruit, if I am following after sin. I need to deal with the sin in my life the way that Jesus does.
I heard once the history behind this passage: the money changers weren’t just selling sacrificial animals-they were selling them at 10 times the price than they should have!! Causing people to have to pay unbelievable prices just to be able to sacrifice for their sins at the altar. THAT was also a reason for Jesus’ anger. They truly were THIEVES.
Hi Katie…and not only this, but the people were supposed to bring their own sacrifices. So Jesus was angry at the greed and the laziness of the people.
Last night I was at a Seek Night for church and we pondered on this same passage but in Matthew 21. What a good reminder that God is going to deal with sin he is going to make it right. Sin is painful and ugly and I love how that is how Jesus saw it too. Praise be to Jesus for going to the cross and atoning for all our sins.
What stood out to me today: Mark 12:18-
18 When the leading priests and teachers of religious law heard what Jesus had done, they began planning how to kill him. But they were afraid of him because the people were so amazed at his teaching.
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They were afraid of Him BECAUSE OF HIS TEACHING! That drove home for me the POWER of the WORD! It didn’t say they were afraid of His physical power or His political power; they were afraid because people were listening when He taught Truth from the Word. I never noticed that before!
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I accidentally clicked on this song while searching and it caught my attention:
Isaiah 6 (Here am I Send Me) Official Lyric Video – Lindy Conant & The Circuit Riders
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
“God, as our Father, stands against our sin. Aren’t you glad He was angry enough to do something about it? “
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Forever grateful that God sent Jesus to seek and save the lost.
Forever grateful that Jesus willingly, obediently went to the cross for my sin.
Forever grateful that Jesus rose from the grace & had victory over death.
Forever grateful that He lives in me.
Forever grateful that He is coming again.
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Have a blessed Monday sweet She’s. ❤️
Correction – “. Rose from the grave”
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Yes, SJG!
Forever grateful.
Forever grateful.
Forever grateful….
I’m so grateful that we get to see this side of Jesus highlighted in scripture as well! I think we often associate a negative connotation with anger, but it can be used for good in certain situations. Thank you Jesus for being angry enough to do something!
Seth update: They confirmed he has a hole in his right lung, but it seems to be shrinking. They are decreasing his sedation in hopes that he can slowly come out of his coma. Please pray for a good CT scan today and healed lungs!
Continued prayers for Seth’s recovery and especially for a good CT scan!
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I never noticed that in Mark 11:11, Jesus takes a look around the temple and takes it all in. He sees the money changers and business happenings. It isn’t until the next day He returns with His disciples and cleanses the temple. He doesn’t just cause a scene, he actually teaches the WHY behind what he does.
“Then He taught, saying to them, ‘Is it not written..'” (Mark 11:17)
I am grateful for a Savior who leads by example. There is a time and place to be bold and stand against sin. I am learning this in my own life, as I stand up for justice in places that are uncomfortable.
Last week at work, I stood up for a coworker who was not being paid fairly, and therefore it influences how I get paid (hourly vs tip situation). When I stood up for them, the owner got upset with me, along with my coworker/comanager who was afraid to speak up for themselves (even tho they gave me permission to speak up for them). But I knew the Lord was telling me not to be ashamed of my convictions, even if no one else saw my point of view. The situation has not resolved itself yet, but I am thankful I stood up and advocated for myself and this person. I will continue praying God brings justice to this situation because I have done my part.
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That was very brave POF you Michelle! Its not easy to speak out for justice. Praying that God will bless your efforts and make things right. ❤
That was so very brave of you!
We don’t often hear the phrase
“righteous indignation” but your actions reminded me that we need to stand up and not to be afraid!
That was very brave Michelle P! Praying for resolution of this situation.
I love this. There was a side to Jesus that wasn’t WEAK. But even in these passage true meekness was on display! So good! Happy Holy Werk She’s! So happy to celebrate with you!
We know sin is bad, we know we should analyze our hearts and repent. But, calling out the sins of others seems to be such a stumbling block for Christians. Looking at the devotional example, it makes it seem pretty easy…drinking and a car do not mix. It can lead to destruction. Yet, people still drive drunk all the time. Hundreds even get caught and arrested. Many multiple times. We keep rolling the dice. Sin is like that isn’t it? A little defiance, a little stray, a little dabble here and there. Not a big deal…except sin spreads, just like leaven- a little is all it takes to ruin.
What started out in the temple as a little pocket change became big business. Jesus wasn’t having it in his Father’s house. His temple. Jesus didn’t just speak out..he took action. Yes, he loved them but it probably didn’t look like “love” when he was throwing their stuff everywhere? He wasn’t portraying “love the sinner hate the sin” motto in that moment (even though he did die for them days later)?
What did the disciples think of this? Were they happy to see their kind Savior throw a little muscle around finally? Did they think it’s finally happening…Jesus is mad and he’s going to bring down his mighty power to make everything right? I have to admit, that’s how I feel most of the time! Come on Jesus, come, set things right! Take this sin from me and others, make this world good and perfect again!!
Yet here we are. Trying to make sense of it all. The scripture, the plan, the perfect reconciliation and restoration promised, in the past, future, and present. How does God want to use us in this “such a time as this” that we were put in? Sometimes…..I am just tired. Other days I am on fire for the Lord. A passion to make a difference and follow His leading, to be strong and courageous in a lost, fallen world.
Lord, help me in this “in-between” juxtaposition of life. The “Isaiah” quandary of being “stiff-necked and rebellious” but knowing YOU love your people and don’t stay angry at us. You sent your son to break the veil and establish a new covenant giving us access and forgiveness. Help my unbelief and increase my faith. Help me to live for you and know how to act in the light of unrighteousness and sin. How to shine your light and love, yet not waivering on your truths. Help me to read the room, to speak when you say, and to shut my lips when I should. Help us,your children, know that you love us and give us our daily bread. Sanctify me that I love you more and more, and grow, and produce fruit. I don’t want to be all leaves and nothing to give of value. Help me to remember that the Cross changed everything, it is everything. We thank you for the Cross…where the blood was given for me. The sacrifice complete.
My musing reminds me of being a Peter..So I guess I’m in good company. He will have a rollcoaster of a week as well.
I love these words! I can relate so much. Your prayer speaks the words my heart needs to say. Thank you.
Rhonda, thanks for sharing your ‘musings’! ❤
So thankful. Just so so thankful
After the Hosanna and joy of Palm Sunday, Holy Monday comes in with the true reality of who I (we) sin, brokeness and lost souls.
Erin’s words hit the mark: “I’m so grateful the Bible doesn’t give us a sanitized Savior. One thing that Mark 11 teaches us is that God, as our Father, stands against our sin. Aren’t you glad He was angry enough to do something about it?”
He loves me (us) so much that He made a way. A way that was wrought with deep suffering and I (we) cannot just dismiss the heartache of that without falling down and being “on my knees” grateful. My sin needs to break my heart and so often, I confess, I don’t think it does. The actions of Jesus in the temple are a clear reminder that sin is not to be taken lightly
Heavenly Father, forgive me for dismissiveness, complacency, for glossing over sin that no matter what the offense, separates my heart from yours. Show me Father and reveal to me where I am wrong, where I am the offender, where I am stubborn and where my heart needs to shift and change it to be fully surrendered to you. One that is fully committed to you – humble, gentle, forgiving, faithful, fruitful, loving to my neighbor and seeks you. Thank you Jesus, that you made a way for freedom from sin and have provided a way to understand, know and live a life pleasing to you through your Word. We love you Jesus. Amen ❤️
Oh Wendy…you always say things in a way that I want (unfortunately I always read yours AFTER I push enter! lol)
Thank you for your gift to summarize thoughts well! :)
Beautifully said, Wendy. Powerful prayer! ❤❤
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I really relate to what you wrote Wendy – especially “My sin needs to break my heart and so often, I confess, I don’t think it does. The actions of Jesus in the temple are a clear reminder that sin is not to be taken lightly.” I have been thinking of this lately. How some people have an experience with God that shows them how ugly their sin is, and it brings them to their knees. They finally get it. I have not had that experience, I am aware of my sins for sure, but I can easily gloss over them and not gone them much thought.
“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,”
Ephesians 2:14 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/eph.2.14.NIV
So thankful that Jesus made a way for all of us. I can get offended so easily lately. I’ve been reminded in those times all that God has done for me! I don’t deserve His forgiveness but He has forgiven me! Surely, I can forgive others! So thankful God does not stop working on me! Oh how I need it! Just a sinner saved by grace!!
Praying for all! Please pray for baby Levi to keep his formula or breast milk down. He is a cousin in law’s grandson. He has been in the NICU for over a month! He needs a miracle.
Happy Holy Week Monday sweet She’s! Third time I tried to comment and hit the wrong key and ERASED! Ran out of time! Beautiful devo. The last sentence: So glad our Jesus was angry enough to do something about it!
I think it’s so very appropriate that we begin Easter week with brokenness. With anger. With the stark reality of sin. I think, like this devotional said, we so often forget how detectable our sin is. We focus on the forgiveness and not on how disgusting that thing for which we are forgiven truly is. May we have eyes to see and a heart discerning enough to really change our ways, with His help of course. May we be bothered by sin as much as Jesus, and seek to rid it from our lives.
Also, when the devotional said that Jesus knew He would die for the very people he took his anger out on that day – wow! Just another example of why His sacrifice was truly the most important sacrifice of all time. That is love beyond understanding.
Have a blessed Easter week everyone!
Amen❤️
Well said, Meagan! ❤
God, thank you that there is so much to live for! Thank you for reminding us that there is much work to do to build your kingdom. Thank you King Jesus for being both merciful and just.
Thank you Jesus for destroying sin so we can be right with God.
Amen.
The fig tree and the temple both remind me that Jesus doesn’t want appearances—He wants my heart. Fully. Honestly. Fruitfully.
Lord, walk through the temple of my heart today.
Lord, overturn what doesn’t belong.
Lord, plant something new that honors you.
Because fruit always grows where Jesus is allowed to rule.
Prayer
“Lord, search my heart today. Show me where I’ve been leafy but fruitless. Cleanse me from the inside out. Make me a house of prayer, a life full of Your Spirit, and a tree that bears good fruit. I want the real thing. Have Your way in me.”
Thank you, Kimberly! This is beautiful and a perfect prayer for me today.
Thanks for expressing my ♥️’s desire… Amen!
Amen❤️
Thank you, Kimberly. A beautiful heart response to the Spirit. I echo your prayer and desire to be cleansed and bear good fruit.
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Well said, Kimberly.
Ask. Seek. Knock.
He was also angry because the part of the Temple that was supposed to be for The nations was being used in this way. Others were supposed to be invited to God, yet they weren’t even able to be at the place created for them to get close to.God.
These verses in Jeremiah (7:8-11) got my attention this morning. In my words, don’t believe the lies! Don’t fool yourself into thinking it’s ok with God to sin every which way, insincerely repent, say God’s got me! and then go right back out and do it all over again . The Lord knows our hearts and whether we are sincere. Yes, we may at times allow ourselves to get caught up in former ways and fall back into behaviors that we need to repent for again – but that shouldn’t be our intention. Our intention should be to seek the Lord’s guidance and will, to walk closely with Him.
Truth! We should be imitating Jesus in our attitude towards sin. ❤
Tore down the dividing wall of hostility. Wow. I love you Jesus!!
Amen❤️
“God, as our Father, stands against our sin. Aren’t you glad He was angry enough to do something about it?”
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Yes, indeed!
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Requesting prayer for my young mama today. She has a scheduled meeting with her case worker at the shelter. Please pray it will be fruitful with a plan of action for employment/childcare/housing. There has been no movement on the child services case against her. Please pray it would just be closed. THANK YOU
Praying, Kelly ❤️
Praying!
Praying now, Kelly.
Praying!!
Prayed in agreement! ❤
Praying today for your young mama.
I’m struggling today with sin-with a family members and my own unforgiving heart. I could not take communion yesterday at church because I was so angry and I knew my heart was unforgiving. It still is. It’s hard to know the best way to react to sin in someone else. I feel justified to be angry but also could not bring myself to forgive when the person apologized. I am being accused of being self-righteous. Am I? I don’t know. I just know it has happened before and so my trust is gone in this person. I will be seeking God’s wisdom today because I don’t know how to forgive again and move on.
Praying for you DL. I also struggle often with unforgiveness. I have ti forgive again and again. I think the anger is gone, but a flash of memory makes it just as hot as the day the sin happened. I think it is important to point at that forgiveness does not mean there are no consequences for sin. God’s forgiveness cost His Son. It is okay to set boundaries and allow people to reap what they have sown.
Praying for your hurt heart and forgiveness to come in time
Praying, DL. We know we are called to forgive, and to forgive again and again. From my own experiences, it is one of the hardest things to do but I keep working at it until my heart starts to feel what my mind keeps saying no matter how long it takes.
Praying DL- a good book on forgiveness is Forgiving What You Can’t Forget
Book by Lysa TerKeurst — also something to remember this is Jesus kissed and washed Judas feet this week!! I am praying for you- clearly this is something I too have struggled with and while I am not an expert , I have. Found Jesus is the only way to truly let go and let God!!
Praying for you. I had a similar situation with a family member. I finally asked God to help me to forgive them. It took time and prayer but I was able to forgive them again and again and again…..
Praying for you! Being wronged by a family member & forgiving them is incredibly difficult especially if they have done the same thing before. I’ve learned that the best part of forgiveness is that it helps me understand God’s forgiveness even more!
Praying for you DL.
Praying for you. I need to do the same myself for a family member. Thank you for sharing.
I am with you on this. There are 3 specific people – 2 family members, that I need to forgive and let go of resentment towards. It is not easy!
I watched the latest Chosen, The last Supper, last week with my friend. So very good, but the scene from the temple had me thinking this was anger!
And why not?
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The Word says..
“Is it not written, My house shall be a house of prayer for all nations?
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When I have read it in the Bible, I have not felt the anger, or pain. BUT I felt it as I watched the series..
Jesus had much on His mind. His upcoming betrayal by those He loved and His crucifixion, not to mention the sacrifice He was making for our atonement.. And though these people had no idea of this, they/we should have respected Gods house!
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This week, Holy week, is a week that challenges me beyond my daily challenges. I come face to face with the ‘rotter’ that I truly am, the one who breaks Gods heart daily.. And yet..
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BUT GOD..
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He gave me/us Jesus!
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He gave us Jesus!
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This beautiful, Son of God, who even as He moved towards His death, seeing our disrespect of the Fathers house, does not waiver, surrender, abandon, refuse to carry on with what was coming, NO, for us undeserving people, He moved forward..
He moved forward for us.. The tears come, and rightly so, I do not deserve this sacrifice, this great love..
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BUT GOD..
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His hope for me/us lay in Jesus, and His shed blood for me/us/the world, so we would draw nearer to Father God, with peace in our hearts, knowing Jesus, paid and (paved) it all for us..
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Lord, I do not know where to begin in prayer. I’m on my knees, grateful, and humbled, and in awe of this sacrificial gift that I do not deserve, and yet so freely given.
May I, LORD GOD, not squander this gift from your Beloved Son, Jesus, but recognise Him, Jesus, as my gracious Redeemer, bringing me closer to YOU.
Forever thankful, LORD GOD, forever thankful!
In the mighty name of Jesus,
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AMEN..
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Holy Monday and the tears begin!
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Sending you all much, much, much love as we journey, humbly, through this week together.❤
Thank you, Tina ❤️❤️
Love you too sweet Tina!
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Today is Monday, Shes
Having waved palms on Sunday.
Literally or figuratively…
“Jesus loved the money changers. A few days later Jesus would die for the money changers. But He hated the sin in their hearts. “
“Hate the sin.
Love the sinner.”
Have we heard it said.
How strangle.
How we squirm.
How we struggle.
How I fall short.
Yet He saves me.
He can do no other in His upside down kingdom.
He teaches me, even still.
If we learned nothing from the book of Isaiah.
It was the power of His unfailing love for those gone astray.
When we turn back injustice, in our own false “temples”.
That was, and is, the Lord’s declaration.
So help us God.
(As you may guess, I live on the East coast. Where I am often up to read, and to listen, if not write!)
Amen and thank you, sister. ❤️
Amen!
Amen, indeed! ❤️
Hate the sin, love the sinner – what we really need to wrap our head around, and practice the grace and love of God.
He is our peace
This reading has given me a direction in how I should approach the conversation with my brother about his recent DUI arrest. I thank God for showing up and answering even the most uncomfortable prayers. Indeed, God should be angered by our sin. It’s also a reflection of His never-ending love for us.
Please tear down the dividing walls, justly, and gently.
Praying for the Lord’s guidance in this difficult conversation. ❤️
Praying for you, Nthabli, and your conversation with your brother.
Prayers for wisdom and discernment as you speak go your brother.