Scripture:
Matthew 21:12–17 (ESV)
And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” … And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them.
Background:
This moment takes place just after Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. As He enters the temple, He finds corruption, greed, and religious exploitation within the very place meant to be holy. Jesus’ cleansing of the temple wasn’t merely an act of justice—it was a prophetic moment, signaling a deep call for spiritual renewal in preparation for what was to come: His sacrificial death and resurrection.
Devotional:
As Easter approaches, Jesus invites us to examine our hearts just as He examined the temple courts. The temple was meant to be a place of prayer and worship, but it had become cluttered with distraction and self-interest. In the same way, our hearts—our personal temples—can become filled with things that hinder true worship: pride, apathy, busyness, or even hidden sin.
Jesus wasn’t just cleansing a building—He was making a bold statement: God desires purity in worship and sincerity in heart. Yet amid this powerful confrontation, we see Jesus still healing the broken and welcoming the children. His zeal for holiness is balanced with His compassion and grace.
This passage challenges us to allow Jesus to cleanse anything within us that dishonors God, so that we may truly welcome Him this Easter—not just as Savior, but as Lord over every part of our lives.
Reflection:
- What “tables” in your life might Jesus want to overturn—attitudes, habits, or priorities that are crowding out true worship?
- How can you create more space in your life for prayer, repentance, and spiritual renewal this week?
- In what ways do you experience both the challenge and compassion of Jesus in your walk with Him?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, cleanse my heart of anything that dishonors You. Remove the distractions, the pride, the idols, and anything that keeps me from drawing near in worship and obedience. Thank You for Your grace that heals and restores. Prepare me for Easter by renewing my spirit and realigning my heart with Yours. Amen.
Application:
Take a moment today to do a personal inventory of your spiritual life. Is your heart a place of worship, prayer, and surrender? Choose one practical way to “clear space” for God—whether by setting aside time for prayer, fasting from distractions, or seeking reconciliation.
Takeaway:
Jesus desires to dwell in hearts that are wholly His. As we prepare for Easter, may we allow Him to cleanse us, renew us, and restore us—so we may worship Him in spirit and in truth.
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