“On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”
- Mark 11:15-17 -

The Jerusalem temple was built to be a place of God to dwell. So that the people of God could meet Him (1 Kings 8). In Jesus' entry to Jerusalem, he went into the temple and saw all the commercial activities. The religious leaders made the temple into a lion's den, making big profits for themselves by selling animals and exchanging temple tax coins (17b). Obviously, Jesus thought about how the temple’s original function to be the house of prayer for all nations was not being fulfilled (17a).

The fig tree which didn't produce fruits was not at fault because it was not the season yet (13). By cursing the fig tree, Jesus warned them about what was coming - the destruction in 70 AD by the Roman general Titus.

The same is true with our lives and churches. The Scripture tells us that whoever has the Spirit of God is a temple (1 Cor 3:16). We and our churches should be filled with worship and prayer for all the nations. However, it is easy to be filled with business, greed, and selfishness like Jerusalem, which was cursed.

What would Jesus find in your heart? Would He find on-going worship and prayer (Ro 12:1)? What would Jesus find in our church?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, please purify my sinful heart that it may be your holy dwelling. Let me be filled with worship, praises and prayer for all the nations.