Holy Week - Easter 2022Sample

The Temple was established as a place for people to interact with the Lord through prayer and sacrifice. As Jesus entered Jerusalem and visited the Temple, He saw that the Temple leaders had monetized the practice of sacrifice, and prayer was crowded out by purchasing. What was once a personal and thoughtful process had become a practice of convenience and commercialism. Jesus’ heart raged to drive out the sellers, and the leaders who benefited from these transactions were irate that this wandering know-it-all from Nazareth was choking out their profits.

Imagine a restaurant staff taking over your family dinner routine. This might sound like the best setup you could ever have! At least at first. But over time, your family connections and culture could deteriorate into business transactions. The constant interruptions of staff would stunt family conversations. Your kids might never learn what it means to serve others without expecting something in return. And most likely, you would forget the full perspective of what it takes to prepare and share a meal with just your family.

Time in the Temple was about much more than food or a business transaction. It was designed to be a connection to our Creator. Through prayer at the Temple, Hannah received her son, Samuel. Through sacrifice and repentance at the Temple, entire nations received mercy from the Father. At the Temple, Zechariah first knew he would have a son, John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for Jesus’ ministry. The Temple was where God’s Spirit would dwell, His mercy would be poured out, and His people could gather to lift praise and prayers. It was never meant to be diminished to a simple exchange of profitable goods to the religious elite. It was always meant to be about restoring and growing His relationships with people.

REFLECTION

Have you allowed any barriers or unnecessary requirements between you and the Father? In what ways have you allowed your relationship with the Father to become transactional? Bring these things to the Lord as a prayer of repentance today.