Read: Matthew 21:12-17

Devotional

When we look at the week leading up to our Savior’s death on the cross, we could possibly miss a lot of how scripture talks about scripture.  Jesus consistently referenced Old Testament scripture.   Let see how this unfolds as we look at why Jesus was outraged at how the Jewish leaders had intentionally distorted God’s direction. You may see at the surface when Jesus entered the temple and saw the how the Lord’s House was being used for selfish gain at the expense of others.  Jesus saw money changers, inflated exchanges of currency, and a place of corruption – nothing what Temple worship should entail.  Jesus brought this all clear when He cited:

Isaiah 56:7 “these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house Shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”

Jeremiah 7:11 “Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, I myself have seen it, declares the Lord.”

Jesus demonstrated His authority as he cleared the temple and focused on the needs of those truly seeking to worship the God and seeking healing.  Jesus healed the blind and the lame who came into the temple area (normally excluded).  Jesus’ authority brought changes.  Children ascribed praise to Jesus as they should “Hosanna to the Son of David.”  As the chief priests and teachers were outraged calling on Jesus to stop them, He once again cited from the Old Testament scriptures:

Psalm 8:2 “From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength Because of Your adversaries, To make the enemy and the revengeful cease.”

So what can we take from these events?  Jesus displayed His authority, and He reestablished what true worship looks like.   Jesus didn’t contradict scripture but he challenged erroneous authority and manmade traditions.  If we want to follow His example, we need to know scripture – be in God’s Word daily, meditate on it, seeking ways to apply it through prayer.

Devotional Written by Pastor Alan Smith