Join us to go through Jesus’ journey to the cross as we prepare for Easter this year! Our theme this year, “Redeemed”, reminds us of the truth that through the cross and His resurrection, we are delivered, restored, and made new. Once lost, we are now found – redeemed and chosen by His grace.
Matthew 21:12-13 ESV
12 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. 13 He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.”
After making His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, guess what Jesus did next? He cleansed the temple! As Jesus entered the temple, He was met with a scene that broke His heart. The sacred space, meant for communion with God, had become a bustling marketplace. In this powerful act of cleansing, Jesus reveals not only His authority but also His deep desire for redemption in the hearts of His people.
According to Jewish law, each person was to pay a “half shekel” for temple services (Exodus 30:11–16), and offerings of animals were required as sacrifices (Leviticus 14:22; Luke 2:24). However, under Roman rule, currency exchanges and the sale of sacrificial animals became exploitative businesses, distracting worshippers from their devotion to God. In Matthew 21:12-14, Jesus drives out those selling and buying, overturning the tables of the money changers. He declares, “My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you make it a den of robbers.” His actions stem from a deep zeal for God’s house, fulfilling the prophecy that the Lord would come to His temple (Malachi 3:1-3). Jesus sought to restore purity in worship, turning hearts back to God.
This moment is a profound reminder that Jesus came to redeem us. The temple, overcrowded with distractions and greed, symbolizes the barriers we often place between ourselves and genuine worship. If Jesus were in our midst today, would He be righteously angry at any aspect of our lives? Are there tables that need to be overturned or distractions that hinder our connection with God?
To be redeemed means to be restored to our original purpose. Just as Jesus reclaimed the temple as a house of prayer, we must reassess our lives as well. As a church, it’s easy to think that our faith is all about sending invitations to people for Easter or serving in the various contexts we are part of. But what truly matters is our heart of worship for God; our identity and salvation are not defined by our hard work. Let’s ask God to cleanse our hearts today!
Reflection and Application
- How does understanding Jesus’ cleansing of the temple change your perspective on worship? What distractions in your life are hindering your connection with God?
- How can you cultivate a zeal for God within your LIFE Group? For example, initiate a prayer chain, personal testimony sharing or worship night.
Prayer Requests
Focus Ministry:
- Deepening our members’ understanding of the Gospel and their relationship with Jesus.
- Disciple the next generation of disciple makers among the Focus ministry.
- Develop influence in our communities and Gospel impact on our city.
Covenant Ministry:
- GROW with God & others – in our intimacy with God, marriages, families, & communities.
- GIVE our time, treasures, & talents – bless our families, our church, & our city.
- GO serve & reach others – be on God’s mission to share the Gospel with others.
Click here for full devotional link and for PDF version