When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling. “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be a house of prayer’[c]; but you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’[d]” Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words. – Luke 19:45-48
In the heart of Jerusalem, chaos erupted when Jesus, the Galilean rabbi, stormed into the temple. Tables flipped, coins flew, and merchandise scattered as Jesus found people turning His Father’s house into a marketplace. It was a shocking scene caused by the same person who had been praised throughout the city just the day before!
But that’s Jesus for you—things get shaken up wherever He goes. Holy Monday isn’t just a historical event; it reflects our own journey of faith. When Jesus enters our lives, everything changes. Like a skilled cleaner, He heads straight to our hearts, clearing out anything that doesn’t belong according to God’s plan.
Whether you call it sanctification or just getting right with God, the message is clear: with Jesus in charge, old ways no longer fit. We’ve seen this pattern time and again, yet it always surprises us.
Mark captures it perfectly: astonishment. That’s how we feel when Jesus starts cleaning the house within us, removing barriers between us and God. Nothing is off-limits, whether it’s prejudice, past hurts, or doubts. And while it may catch us off guard, this unexpected renovation is exactly what we need to grow closer to Him.
Put Yourself in the Story
Picture yourself in the temple chaos with Jesus, flipping tables and driving out the merchants. Now, think of your heart as His temple. Are there things cluttering it up, like worries or doubts?
Take a moment to spot what might be blocking your connection with God. It could be old hurts, worries, or questions about God’s love.
Then, ask Jesus to clear out these things and make your heart more like His. Invite Him to fill you with peace and strength.
Commit to letting Jesus work in your life, making room for His love and guidance every day.