Monday: Jesus Clears the Temple

Matthew 21:12–22, Mark 11:15–19, Luke 19:45-48, John 2:13-17

The following morning, Jesus returned with His disciples to Jerusalem. When Jesus arrived at the temple courts, He found the courts full of corrupt money changers. He began overturning their tables and clearing the temple, saying, “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.’” (Mark 11:17) On Monday evening Jesus stayed in Bethany again, probably in the home of His friends, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.

Lord God, Six days before His death, Your Son sat with Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead, and ate dinner with His friends. Your Word tells us, Martha served, and Mary knelt at Jesus’ feet to anoint them with costly perfume. Often we cannot discern when to pour out costly perfume for Your sake, or when to be busy serving, or when to rest at Your Son’s feet and learn. Give us ears to hear You and eyes to see. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.