Jesus Cleanses the Temple.

Holy Week: Monday

Jesus Cleanses the Temple.

Matthew 21: 12-17

The King who arrived peacefully on a donkey just the day before is now acting with a Holy authority as he drives the sellers out of the temple with the message echoing loud and

clear in their ears, "My house will be a house of prayer, but you are making it a 'den of robbers" (v.13). I'm sure Palm Sunday's crowds were stunned by what they were seeing.

The tension is palpable. This isn't the first time Jerusalem has been a city on a knife edge, troubled to its very core. It is not the first time that Jesus is the main reason for such feelings either.

But it's what Jesus does next that is even more stunning: a truly astounding and beautiful reflection of his Kingdom. He welcomes the blind, the lame and the children to his side, healing and assuring them of their place with him (v.14-15).

The proud, the profaners and those who have made worship all about themselves are cleared out (v.12). Swept away to make room for those who come humbly, just as they are with all their sin and self laid bare.

And there, as he did in those days so he does with us today. Our Saviour looks upon us and hears our cries, and he does not ignore them, instead meeting us with abundant grace.

Through his life and sacrifice Jesus instigates a beautiful exchange. Giving to us beauty instead of ashes, joy over mourning, praise over despair (Isaiah 61:3), as well as a new life, identity and inheritance in him, a hope for the ages, the assurance of his presence with us always and so much more.

Rev. D. Godwyn Prasannakumar

Pastor ALC