Cleansing the Temple - Holy Week Day 2

When Jesus entered the Temple and saw it overrun by corruption, where worship had been set aside for profit, He flipped the tables in righteous anger (Matthew 21:12-13). What was meant to be a house of prayer had become a marketplace filled with pride, greed, and corruption. It defiled not only the temple itself, but also the hearts of those within it. 1 Corinthians 6:19 affirms that under the new covenant, we are temples of the Holy Spirit. 

 “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s (1 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭19-20)‬ 

While Jesus longed to restore the temple as a house of prayer and reverence, a place for people to seek God, His ultimate mission was to restore their hearts. To be a temple of the Holy Spirit is not just about purity; it is about wholehearted devotion. This is why Jesus echoed the ancient Shema when asked about the greatest commandment.

“… The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength."This is the first commandment.” (Mark 12:29-30)

In the same moment that Jesus was re-establishing righteousness in the temple, He was also focused on healing hearts. Earlier in His ministry, Jesus affirmed that “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)

If we’re honest, each of us holds places in our hearts where pride or distraction has quietly settled. Like those in the temple, we too can let pride and distraction grab hold of our hearts. The Word of God shows us how we can be restored. In Psalm 51, King David models true repentance. In humility, he cried out to God to purify his heart and renew his spirit. 

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. (Psalm 51:10-11)

May we allow Jesus to turn over every table in our hearts - so what remains is a temple overflowing with His Spirit. 

Reading Guide

• Matthew 21:12-22, Mark 11:15-19

• 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

• Mark 12:29-30

• Psalm 51:10-11

  
  

Reflection Questions 

1. What “tables” in my heart need to be overturned?

2. Are there areas in my life where I’ve allowed pride or distraction to take place of worship?

3. Where is there unrepentant sin in my life?

   
   

Prayer Focus 

Lord, cleanse my heart. Restore in me a desire to worship You in spirit and in truth.

-Tatiana Wheeler