Jesus' Day
"On this day, Jesus did something that shocked people. Known for his love, gentleness, and humility, Jesus came into the temple, saw all the little arcades set up for commercial business, and cleaned house. He overturned the merchants' tables and kicked them out of the temple. People had never seen this side of Jesus before." - Bill Hybels

Holy Scriptures
Matthew 21:12-17
Mark 11:12-19
Luke 19:45-48
Isaiah 56:6-8

Thought
"As [Jesus] taught them, he said, "Is it not written:" 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"One historical commentary notes that money changing in the temple, basically exchanging currencies, was normal, but was only sanctioned strictly for temple-related activities. Clearly, there were activities going on inside the temple that had no place there. The scriptures say that the crowds hung on Jesus' every word, the Truth, which may mean that they knew all along something was out of place.Jesus brought focus into the temple.

Reflection
Jesus has given us his eternal words to hang on forever. When we feel as though something is amiss, do we go with the flow or stop and seek out the truth of God through his holy Word? Are we mindful of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit?

Prayer of the Day
Praise God for giving you his word. Pray that God would incline you to cling to and delight in his Word. Ask that he would strengthen you to keep your temple pure.Consider those things for which you have not sought out guidance in his word; ask God's gracious forgiveness for substituting your own solutions for his truth. Consider whether there is anything going on in relation to your body, the temple of the Holy Spirit, that has no place there; ask God's willing forgiveness.Pray for our church to be a people of the Word.