Passion - Day 02
Day 02: Tuesday, March 28
Read Luke 19:41-48; Luke 20:9-19 - Jesus’ Sorrow and Wrath
Highlight
The Temple was divided into multiple sections, each one limiting those who could get closer to the “Holy of Holies” where God’s glory was believed to dwell. The outermost court was called the “Court of the Gentiles,” the last section that foreigners were allowed to enter. This area is where vendors would set up to sell animals for sacrifice and exchange money to make those purchases and others. Fundamentally, an area around the Temple had been turned into a market. In addition, Jesus’ condemnation makes it clear that he felt people were being taken advantage of by this system.
However, there is a deeper level that can be found in Jesus’ words. He quotes a passage from Isaiah 56 when he declares that the Temple is meant to be a ‘house of prayer.’ This is a quotation from a section of Isaiah (56:1-8) that is promising a future when every nation will come and worship God. Their sacrifices will be acceptable on the altar of God. In other words, God promised that one day there wouldn’t be a Court of the Gentiles anymore because everyone would be welcomed into a saving relationship with God. Jesus is declaring that the time has come because he is the Messiah and his messianic reign has begun. Again, just like with the Triumphant Entry, the religious leaders understand exactly what he meant. That’s why they wanted to kill him. He wasn’t just flipping tables. He was declaring his own authority over the very Temple itself.
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:16
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Read Luke 19:41-48; Luke 20:9-19 - Jesus’ Sorrow and Wrath
Highlight
The Temple was divided into multiple sections, each one limiting those who could get closer to the “Holy of Holies” where God’s glory was believed to dwell. The outermost court was called the “Court of the Gentiles,” the last section that foreigners were allowed to enter. This area is where vendors would set up to sell animals for sacrifice and exchange money to make those purchases and others. Fundamentally, an area around the Temple had been turned into a market. In addition, Jesus’ condemnation makes it clear that he felt people were being taken advantage of by this system.
However, there is a deeper level that can be found in Jesus’ words. He quotes a passage from Isaiah 56 when he declares that the Temple is meant to be a ‘house of prayer.’ This is a quotation from a section of Isaiah (56:1-8) that is promising a future when every nation will come and worship God. Their sacrifices will be acceptable on the altar of God. In other words, God promised that one day there wouldn’t be a Court of the Gentiles anymore because everyone would be welcomed into a saving relationship with God. Jesus is declaring that the time has come because he is the Messiah and his messianic reign has begun. Again, just like with the Triumphant Entry, the religious leaders understand exactly what he meant. That’s why they wanted to kill him. He wasn’t just flipping tables. He was declaring his own authority over the very Temple itself.
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:16
- What in this passage did the Spirit bring to light for you?
- What are you going to do in your life to respond to this passage?
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Posted in Easter 2023