Jesus Overturned Tables
Jesus taught us how to live for God’s kingdom with his words and actions. He showed us how to be forgiving and to love one another.
He also constantly taught people to live according to God’s will. Not so much by obeying every Jewish law perfectly, but by honoring God in everything we do.
Jesus Went to Temple Courts:
When Jesus came into Jerusalem, he went to the temple courts. He found people were selling sheep, cattle, and doves. These people probably figured they were not doing anything wrong. They were selling animals that would be given as a sacrifice to God in God’s Temple. They most likely thought they were doing God’s will.
But it wasn’t God’s will. It was actually turning God’s Temple into a market. And people were supposed to bring their own sacrifices, not just conveniently buy them at the temple courts.
Jesus Overturned Tables:
So Jesus got angry and forced all the animals off the temple courts. He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned the tables (Scriptures – Mark 11:15-17, Matthew 21:12-13, Luke 19:45-46, John 2:13-16).
Jesus told them this is a house of prayer, but they had turned it into a market. He also said they had turned it into a den of robbers, so maybe they were selling the animals at a very high price (taking advantage of people) and making a high profit.
Jesus didn’t get that bold and angry very often. This may be the most radical story of Jesus responding in such a strong way. It must have really upset him.
Modern Day Temple is the Church:
So what does this teach us today? Our modern day temples are churches. Are our churches a house of prayer? And do we do things that honor God in our churches?
Or do we do things that make people happy so more people will attend and tithe? Has our worship time become more of an entertainment than worshiping God? Do we make disciples in our churches? Or do we just try to look good?
Jesus taught us that everything we do in our churches should honor God. Not to make people happy or to make money; but to pray, teach, and lead people to God. Our churches should be all about God and God’s kingdom.
Bible Study Worksheet: Jesus Overturned Tables Bible Study Worksheet
See: Part 3 #15 A Prayer for Putting God First
See: Part 1 #14 What is God’s Will For You?
Also See: Free Bible Study Worksheets
Also See: Part 3 – List of Prayers
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