Scripture: Matthew 21:12-22 Click here for the reading.
Observation: This passage is often referred to as the cleansing of the temple. It is when Jesus is often depicted as losing his $#!7. Following this passage, Jesus then goes and curses a fig tree. There are two things going on here. Jesus cleansing of the temple shows us that Jesus is not exactly happy with any interference with worshipping God. Secondly, the cursing of the fig tree Jesus shows (in correlation of the cleansing of the temple) that faith/religion without substance is dead.
Application: The new trend every year is a cleanse. More like a purge. We let our bodies become so unhealthy that we need to have a cleanse. Or we have gotten so financially in ruin that we need to buckle down. Or we lack even the least bit of connection with God and feel we need to get 'back to church.' Jesus isn't satisfied with a cleanse. This is not the point. Jesus desires health. Our responsibility in following Jesus is bearing fruit of the gospel. When other things get in the way, they wither up and die or they are overturned.
What in your life is interrupting your life with God?
What in your life is not bearing fruit of the Good News?
Prayer: Lord, push us toward health and not just fads and disciplines that fade away.
Application: The new trend every year is a cleanse. More like a purge. We let our bodies become so unhealthy that we need to have a cleanse. Or we have gotten so financially in ruin that we need to buckle down. Or we lack even the least bit of connection with God and feel we need to get 'back to church.' Jesus isn't satisfied with a cleanse. This is not the point. Jesus desires health. Our responsibility in following Jesus is bearing fruit of the gospel. When other things get in the way, they wither up and die or they are overturned.
What in your life is interrupting your life with God?
What in your life is not bearing fruit of the Good News?
Prayer: Lord, push us toward health and not just fads and disciplines that fade away.
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