Exploring Holy WeekSample

Today’s reading might seem confusing at first. Why didn’t Jesus want the shopkeepers and money changers in the temple court? He even calls them thieves! The answer is less about selling doves and more about their greed and lies. While the temple was made to help people worship God, the money changers were using the temple to worship money and power. They charged unfair prices and lied to visitors about what God asked his people to do. These shopkeepers made worship seem more difficult for their own gain.

When Jesus cleared the temple, he revealed God’s true feelings about worship. God values our love and devotion, whatever shape that takes. And he hates when people add obstacles to spending time with him or turn it into an opportunity to make money or gain power. We don’t need to bring a fancy gift or a perfect track record. God simply asks that we bring our whole selves along and spend time with him, whether that means singing, dancing, studying God’s Word, or any other way we focus our attention on God.

Explore: Check out this diagram to see where the events of each day’s reading take place. Today Jesus literally swept away obstacles to worshipping God. How do you like to worship best? What are some ways you can break down barriers to worship for yourself and for others? Is there anything missing or extra that would make worship easier to participate in?