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12 Then Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who were selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13 He said to them, "It is written, "My house shall be called a house of prayer'; but you are making it a den of robbers." (Matthew 21:12-13 NRSV)
It was a Monday like all others to most people. Jerusalem was a bustling city and there were things to do and people to see; and those who worked had obligations for which they worked. And there was a certain group that looked forward to each day for they knew the money they could make was more than most. These were, not the working class, but the cheating, scheming class; folks who sought and found shortcuts to riches, namely those who could take advantage of those in need by providing what they needed. At a cost. Jerusalem was a destination for many, especially the religious, who came to its annual feast and holy days, and sought that which they knew was available to them to fulfill the law and receive pardon and forgiveness; their brokenness could be made whole by doing that which the law prescribed as being the conduit for mercy and restoration. Not all the people who entered the city gates were Hebrews nor Romans; they were from every known corner of the known world with different currencies and cultures. They were those who discovered their coins were no good in buying sacrificial animals, but for a small, yes, I said small up-charge they could exchange their money for Jerusalem money and buy the animal that would die for their sins.
Nellie and I took an airline trip not too long ago on a well-known airline. I won't name the name of the airline though many will figure it out right away; but please know I am not drawing a line between this airline and the money-changers, other than the importance that money plays for both. This airline will allow one to buy a ticket online and as you do, you're given an option to be a part of the first people onboard. That option is to pay more money. If you pay that amount of money you get to be a part of that group that boards first; but they also say that for a bit more money you could move up in the group you already paid to be in. And every time you check the flight, that offer appears again! Even when you're at the airport and in line, your phone reminds you that for a few dollars more, you can move up. I wondered if dentists or doctors might ever do that? How could the church offer that? I guess in the church's case you'd pay more to sit towards the back?
Jesus knew the heart of these money-changers; He knew their families; their sons and daughters, and He loved them, but He knew their love was misplaced; on money more than members of their families and He knew these guys who though somehow facilitating worship, were big hindrances and distractions. The smell of animals fought with the smell of incense - the profane with the holy, with the holy losing ground with every passing day. Jesus had a plan and He would act on it.
Verse 12 shares how Jesus put His plan into action; simply entering the temple and driving out those who were selling and buying. Another gospel account has Jesus making a whip with which to do this; tables went flying as did the doves they once held. The next verse, 13, explains the why: "My house shall be called a house of prayer; but you are making it a den of robbers." This was not violence for destruction’s sake—it was love in action. Love that defends the holiness of God's presence. Love that insists the weary and the poor have access to grace. Love that says, “This space is meant for something more.”
This scene challenges us to reflect not just on our church spaces, but on the temples of our own hearts. What tables need overturning in our lives? What distractions or compromises have crept in, pushing out prayer, peace, and communion with God?
Holy Monday reminds us that Jesus desires not only to walk with us but to transform us. He comes to cleanse—not to condemn. He comes to restore what is sacred.
PRAYER: Loving God of Endless Love, Come into the temple of my heart today. Search me and know me. Where I have allowed clutter, compromise, or comfort to replace worship, turn over every table. Make me a house of prayer. Let my life reflect the holiness and compassion You call me to. Cleanse me not with shame but with Your refining love, so that I may be a vessel of grace in the world You love. This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Take 10 quiet minutes today to reflect in stillness. Ask God to show you what needs cleansing or restoring in your heart. Write down what He reveals—and pray for the courage to surrender it.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradiio Valverde, Jr.
