“Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations?’”
Mark 11:17a (NIV)
Everything has a lifecycle including the gathering of God’s people. Given what I do as a pastor, I see the death of such gatherings. A few years ago, I represented the organization I serve at the retirement of a pastor. The building in which God’s people had gathered was 100 years old. On the day of the celebration that small building in a very rural part of the Oklahoma Panhandle was filled to overflowing with people, even people from other countries that had been touched by the people of this place. The legacy left behind was not of a building but of lives changed by the power of Jesus. On the other hand, I have also seen deaths where the legacy was the building and not transformed lives. I suspect that it pains God’s heart when his leaders and people make it about money, political influence, and a building instead of the renewing of broken lives.
So it would seem, with this week’s question. It seems like Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem may have left Him feeling a bit frustrated and grumpy. Jesus had entered the city like a rock star with people cheering and praising God. Once in the city He goes to the Temple, has a look around and leaves. He and the guys go back to Bethany for the night (see Mark 11:1-11). The next morning on their way back to the city, Jesus curses a fig tree for not having fruit when it wasn’t time for there to be fruit – surely Jesus knew there wouldn’t be any, right? Anyway not a great start to the day for sure. When He arrives back at the temple Jesus get right down to it driving out the money changers and those selling animals for sacrifices, overturning tables and benches and making it clear that the temple court was not a shopping center or currency exchange center. Then he asked the question “Is it not written…” Jesus was referring to something found in Isaiah where it is written: “I will bring them to my holy mountain of Jerusalem and will fill them with joy in my house of prayer. I will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices, because my Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations. For the Sovereign LORD, who brings back the outcasts of Israel, says: I will bring others, too besides my people Israel (Isaiah 56:7-8).
Different commentators say different things about this “cleansing “of the temple. But there seems to be some agreement that the money changers and sellers were taking advantage of those who had come to make sacrifices and worship at the temple. There also seems to be agreement that the money gained wasn’t being used to feed the poor or encourage life change, rather it was being used to support political rebels – the kind that wanted to overthrow the Romans. In either case – they were not supporting the mission of God and His temple.
So what about us – what does this incident at the temple before Jesus’ death and resurrection teach us. I think it cautions us about making the gatherings of God’s people too commercial. Now hear me – I don’t think it is wrong for a church to operate a bookstore or café if the proceeds go to expanding the kingdom through life change and more gatherings of God’s people. But if it is done to fill a bank account or allow a leader to have a luxury lifestyle – we’ve lost the plot. As for us individuals who make up the body of Christ we need to watch out that we don’t make the gathering of God’s people about our preferences, our preferred traditions, or who we allow into the fellowship. Let us make sure that our gatherings are places of prayer for all the nations. That will do a few things; extend the life of our gatherings, result in life transformation and expand the Kingdom in the here and now, as we wait for its fullness to arrive.
Let me know your thoughts. Know someone who might be encouraged by this – please share. I will be praying for you. Until next week – contribute to the life of the gathering you attend, by praying, inviting and welcoming others to know Jesus.
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