Jesus spent Sunday of holy week looking at the Temple, noticing everything taking place. He then returned to Bethany where He spent the night with the twelve.
Two events occurred on Monday. Each is related to the other. These are found in Mark 11:12-19.
First, Jesus and the disciples came upon a fig tree without figs. Jesus cursed the tree because its performance did not match it’s promise. (We will discuss this further tomorrow when we see the results).
The Temple in Jerusalem was much like the fig tree. From a distance, the fig tree looked promising for a hungry traveler, but because it was out of season the fig tree lacked figs. The temple also looked promising from a distance, but up close the temple represented corruption. Instead of leading people to God–especially outsiders–the temple led people away from God.
Jesus cleansed the temple of its commercial elements for several reasons. First, by His actions He returned the temple to its rightful owner. The Chief priests hijacked the temple for their own interests. Second, Jesus called for true worship centered on prayer and concern for the nations. Third, His actions showed He is the Lord of the temple. Finally, His going to the temple fulfilled Malachi 3:1.
He remained for several hours and taught the people, reminding them of God’s concern for the worship of all His people.
What should we get from this?
First, we should understand that our places of worship should care “for the least of these.” God’s house should be a house of prayer for all the nations and for all people. Can anything be worse than keeping someone from God? We should help the people of the world and the people of our neighborhoods know God.
Second, we should notice how Jesus made decisions. He did not lose His temper as is often suggested. After surveying the temple He returned to Bethany. After prayer (this was His normal practice) and spending time with the Father, He returned to the Father’s temple to exalt the Father.
Third, God calls us to be fruitful disciples, helping the nations learn of the Savior.
Each day this week we will look at the what Jesus did during His last week of earthly ministry. Please join us each day as we discuss the events of holy week and their meaning for us. You may find these daily posts at www.waylonbailey.com.
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One Response
Happy Birthday Victoria!
Amen to the morning offering of insight to this last week of He who walked among us in the flesh, where we learned of the overcoming by the Spirit available to all who enable Deuteronomy 30:6 in their lives.
So, I will see your Malachi 3:1 and raise with a Micah 3:1-4.
KJV 3:1 – “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the Covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.”
“And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; Is it not for you to know judgement? Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones; who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron. Then shall they cry unto the Lord, but He will not hear them: He will even hide His face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.”
Also referenced is Psalm 53: A Portrait of the Godless.
Each generation has an opportunity to change the “sin” condition that robs us of the potential Blessings of Life encapsulated in the souls of the early demise of the innocent among us. Romans 12:5 reminds us that we will each stand accountable for what we did or did not do to push back the darkness. I grieve, pray and write that your call may be more than heard; that it increasingly becomes a call to action, as if our very existence is at stake in Action. This week is a reminder, it is. And, so, it was when you called me to pray for our mission family; my broken heart was revealed. I remembered by still born twins, my accounts frozen, no food in our kitchen or help for my children showing the behavior/ownership of those who urged me onward. I prayed no such experience would be realized by any of those embarking, as I did, on the Great Commission. I am thankful, as far as I know, my prayers for their (Mission trip) safe keeping were answered.
I remember my Dad telling me of entering a convent in Austria, I think it was. He found it strange. Most of the people he came across were starving and looked it. These looked like they had not missed a meal, ever. He went into their kitchen and found a pot on the stove. He stirred the pot with his bayonet. The bones that came to the surface were immediately recognized and he heaved in disgust. Hard lessons of life these are. “ And the darkness comprehended it not.” It is amazing we have these lessons recorded in Scripture, this mirror.
Thank you.
Blessings.