By Robert E. Jackson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Purifies
Mark 11:15–19; 12:41–44
Cleansed (11:15–17)
The last week of Jesus’ life He enters the temple courts and begins cleansing it. Merchants, selling goods with the approval of the religious leaders, treat God’s holiness with contempt. Naturally the vendors and the religious establishment profited from these enterprises. Although we don’t know for sure some theologians suggest goods were sold in the court of the Gentiles thus disrupting their prayer.
Regardless of the context the temple was misused in order to elevate the power of the nobility while exploiting the poor and outcasts. Therefore we observe the righteous indignation of Jesus as He overturns the tables of these merchants.
His house will be a house of prayer for all people. Corrupt practices intent on furthering reputation, careers and wealth cannot and will not be tolerated so Christ points to the source of injustice in His day — the priestly hierarchy operating in the temple.
Feared (11:18–19)
Ultimately the religious leaders knew Jesus was correct. And yet confronted with truth they became fearful. They feared because Jesus was holy and they were unholy. They feared because Jesus taught truth while they propagated man-made rules. They feared because the multitudes were listening to Christ’s teachings instead of their teachings. Ungodly fear always seeks to remove the source of the fright.
Thus the religious leaders sought a way to destroy the source —
Jesus Christ. Even today people fear when they hear truth. Often this fear manifests itself in anger. Therefore they seek to silence Christians who proclaim the gospel. What must we do? Pray God will open their hearts and replace their hatred for Christ with love.
Observed (12:41–42)
This passage is one of the most intriguing pass-
ages in the Bible. Jesus’ crucifixion was at hand. Each moment Jesus had left on this earth was precious and God-ordained. Time was short. Much remained to be taught and done. In the business of the hour Jesus takes time to sit and watch people give. His observation of this act of worship should not be a surprise; God says more about giving in the New Testament than heaven or hell combined.
Perhaps Jesus’ action should be a wake-up call for us in rich America. God watches what you give. Why? Does He need your money? No. He observes your giving because He loves you. He knows where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Put simply our heart follows our treasure. A stingy Christian is an oxymoron. True worshippers are generous because God lives within them.
Commended (12:43–44)
As Jesus watches a poor woman gives all she has. Notice this fact; Jesus allowed her to give it all. I would want to rush in and tell her, “That is okay. God understands your heart. Keep it so you will have something.” Not Jesus. He allows her to give Him everything she has.
One lesson is God commends our faithfulness in giving, not the amount we give. A sacrificial “small gift” is more valuable to God than a large gift given out of abundance. Moreover Jesus commends this lady because she places her trust in God. Jesus allows her to give all she has to live on because He knows the Father will take care of her.
In our worship through giving today are we giving out of this same spirit of trust this poor widow exhibited? Pray Jesus will observe our hearts and worship. Ask Him to purify any area that is not bringing honor to Him.
Share with others: