Devotion:
Read Matthew 21:12-13.
Like so many bad things in a society, selling animals of sacrifice and exchanging money at the temple started out as a good thing. Pilgrims traveling from distant lands could not bring with them animals needed for sacrifice, and it was convenient to be able to purchase them at the temple. But greed had corrupted this practice. Animals were being sold at an exorbitant price, and temple “inspectors” rejected many of the animals brought by worshipers to the temple, requiring them to buy from those selling animals of sacrifice. It was a requirement that local temple currency be used for the offering; and initially, it was a welcome service to have money changers there to exchange Roman and other foreign money for the temple money. Now the money changers were giving extremely unfair rates, cheating and robbing the worshipers. Sadly, the temple priests were receiving a share of the profits.
Jesus’ clearing the temple struck an economic blow to the chief priests and elders and immediately brought on their ire. They would soon come demanding by what authority he did these things. In their view, he had to be stopped! Even today, economic impact often stirs more emotion than does political, religious, or philosophical issues.
Personal Worship Option:
Reflect on our passage and Jesus’ action. What business practices do we have today that Jesus would reject? Think about how you might push back on at least one practice that takes advantage of others. Pray for the courage to do what Jesus would do, even if it upsets some powerful people.
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