The Cleansing

Introduction

Church work day.

The church is not the building.

The church is the people, but not just any people.

The church is comprised of saved people who are called to exhibit life transformation.

Jesus emphasizes how we are to be different (holy) because we follow Jesus.

Lordship as proof of our salvation.

Care For The Church

vv. 12-13

Who you are affects what you do.

From your personality to interests to gifts and talents, upbringing, education.

All of these factors influence who you are and, therefore, what you do.

As Jesus saw what was happening in the outer courts of the Temple, he rejected it.

Vv. 12-13.

Though, probably originally filled with good intentions, now they have turned into something else.

Coin for the temple tax and then traveling with sacrificial animals.

But, exorbitant mark-up and less than sacrificial quality animals.

They are using religion for personal gain.

This connects to His use of Isaiah 56:7

Isaiah 56:7 ESV

these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”

And the contrast of Jeremiah 7:11

Jeremiah 7:11 ESV

Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, I myself have seen it, declares the Lord.

A den of robbers. Or a “hideout.”

Jesus says that these people are looking for selfish safety within religion.

The connection to the fig tree passage in vv. 18-22.

March - Paggim, edible buds. April - Leaves. May - Figs.

At this time, there were leaves but not fruit. All the appearance of having something to eat, but deceptive.

You look like you are very religious, but in reality you’ve got nothing of substance to offer.

Reject hypocrisy, embrace authenticity.

The reverse can be expected.

Worship should cost us something.

2 Samuel 24:24 ESV

But the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

The mark of the church -

Christ centered & Outreach focused

Care For Non-Believers

vv. 14-16

Rules of restriction for worshipers.

You can come this close and no closer!

But, Christ says come and be healed.

Isaiah 35:4–6 ESV

Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert;

Matthew 21:14 ESV

And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them.

Jesus revealing who He is as the Christ, the fulfillment of the Old Testament.

As He healed people, not everyone liked it.

Think for just a second how mean-spirited you had to be…!

But, when we reach the lost, some people will complain!

But, Jesus sides with those who celebrate salvation.

Jesus came to restore our broken relationship.

Sin creates a barrier.

Garden of Eden, removed and separated by two angels.

Genesis 3:24 ESV

He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.

This close and no closer.

Even reminded them in the construction of the Tabernacle and Temple.

Exodus 26:33 ESV

And you shall hang the veil from the clasps, and bring the ark of the testimony in there within the veil. And the veil shall separate for you the Holy Place from the Most Holy.

Exodus 26:31 ESV

“And you shall make a veil of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen. It shall be made with cherubim skillfully worked into it.

Matthew 27:51 ESV

And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.

Through Jesus, we are allowed in to the presence of God.

Conclusion

When you use the wrong tool.

Sometimes you just use what you got to finish a project.

Who you are affects what you do.

You were designed to know God.

We can find this restoration and healing in Jesus.