The Final Week-Monday

Mark and Matthew record a couple of events that made a real impact on me as I read through these passages today. Mark records this in chapter 11; 15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written:


"'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'" 


18 The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching. 

Can you imagine the emotions that Christ is dealing with as he comes into the temple court. I think this was a case of righteous indignation. He physically cleans house. I imagine he was angry, frustrated and determined to make a point. He also fulfilled Isaiah's prophesy in chapter 56:7. Then Matthew records something that is a complete opposite to what has just happened. Matt 21:14 The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they were indignant. 16 "Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him. 
"Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read, "'From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise'?" 

Jesus knows he will be crucified by the end of the week. He also knows that His disciples and followers still don't realize that His kingdom will be an eternal, heavenly one, and not an earthly kingdom that will overthrow the Romans. In the midst of these emotions, Jesus takes the time to heal and minister to people. He also takes the time to enjoy the praises of the children who have gathered. When the chief priests and teachers of the law try to rebuke Him, His response is a fulfillment of Psalm 8:2. We need to take our cues from these children, from our lips should come praise. Praise God for Christ's example. What a wonderful account from Monday of the final week.