Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves.
Matthew 21:12
Jesus entered the temple and was angered that His Father’s house was being made into a “den of robbers.” Jesus was angry when He saw that the temple in Jerusalem was being used for monetary gain instead of being a house of prayer. He overturned the tables and drove out the money changers. He declared that His Father’s house would be a house of prayer.
As we prepare to receive the King of Kings, Jesus Christ, we must be willing to drive out or let go of those things (sins) that separate us from Him. He offers us forgiveness for our sins, and when we receive Him, we receive a new, cleansed life. Daily, we must remember to drive out those things that cause us to stumble, those sins that ensnare us. As believers we are the temple of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 6:9), and our spiritual temple needs to be kept clean. Sometimes our spiritual house gets filled up with the clutter of sin. Things like lying, gossip, love of money, or anger can all clutter our temple. Jesus was angry that God’s house, intended to be used for worship, was being used for selfish gain.
God is calling believers to do a house inspection. He desires that our lives be centered on worshipping Him. Anything that blocks our worship must be removed. Invite the Holy Spirit to examine your heart, confess sin, and make room for the King of Kings: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son, purifies us from all sin. (I John 1:5-7)
Heavenly Father, Forgive me for allowing so many things to crowd You out. Remove the clutter of my life that has kept me from worshiping You alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen
