Cleaning Gods House. (Luke 19:45-48)
Some people love to clean their home. More often people don’t actually enjoy the process but still plan to do it on some sort of regularly basis, and some just put it off as long as possible. But I suppose eventually we all get around to cleaning it.
In the scripture it says God has a house and sometimes he decides it’s time for a house cleaning.
So, what I want to talk to you about today is God's house cleaning and there is an incredibly valuable spiritual lesson here for us all if we take it on board.
Today we look at Luke chapter 19: 45-48 and see what God the bible says about what happens when God cleans his house.
Welcome to TBPDP.
45: When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling. 46: “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be a house of prayer’ but you have made it ‘a den of robbers.”
47: Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. 48: Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words.
(Luke 19: 45-48)
One of the most well-known passages in scripture is this passage known as, the cleansing of the temple, which of course was God's house back in those days.
Before looking into this narrative, it's crucial to note that these events appear in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Now, I've often emphasized the distinction between the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and the gospel of John.
Therefore this passage is all the more striking when you realize it appears in all four accounts
Let's consider the passage itself in Lukes’s account. In Luke 19:45, it simply states that Jesus entered the temple and drove out those who were buying and selling. When firs treading this, it might seem as though it happened on the same day as events preceding it. However, Mark account clarifies for us that it occurred on the following day.
Consider the audacity of Jesus' actions, entering the revered temple space in Jerusalem, overturning tables, and expelling the money changers. This act would be akin to someone barging into your home and knocking things over without permission. It highlights the authority Jesus assumed on this occasion; an authority grounded in his divinity.
Imagine attending a church service only to witness someone not affiliated with the church, boldly standing up asserting authority and rearranging the way things should be done. Naturally, one would question their legitimacy. Similarly, Jesus' actions prompted astonishment and inquiries about his authority to do this.
Not surprisingly Jesus justified his actions by referencing scripture, citing passages from Isaiah and Jeremiah. He accuses the temple occupants of turning God's house of prayer into a den of thieves, underscoring the perversion of its intended purpose.
So in essence, this temple cleansing narrative challenges us to reflect on authority, reverence, and the sanctity of sacred spaces, as well as what it might mean for us today.
Jesus' actions serve as a reminder of his divine authority and the need for purity within worship spaces.
Let's break down Jesus' statement into two parts.
Firstly, he says. "You made my house a den of thieves." To grasp the significance, let's remind ourselves of the layout of the area around the temple.
Picture a football field, American of British Soccer, either is OK with one end leading into the temple and another end exiting. Along the field, there are partitions segregating different areas. As you enter the temple, the first section is the Court of the Gentiles, accessible to Jews and non-Jews alike.
Beyond that is the Court of the Women, followed by the Court of the Israelites, and finally, the innermost area, the Temple proper, accessible only to priests. The Court of the Gentiles was designated for prayer and preparation.
However, instead of facilitating prayer, this area had been transformed into a marketplace. Sellers had set up stalls, making it noisy and chaotic. They were exchanging currency for the temple tax. Remember, every Jewish male was required to pay this tax annually, equivalent to about two days' wages.
The issue arose here because various currencies were in circulation and many featuring images of pagan emperors and under Mosaic law, these coins couldn't be used for the temple tax, necessitating exchange. But the fees they charged were exorbitant, therefore taking advantage of the pilgrims who had come to make a sacrifice.
Additionally, for sacrificial offerings, animals had to be offered but animals that met the strict Mosaic standards, spotless and without blemish.
In essence, Jesus condemned the exploitation within the temple precincts. Rather than fostering reverence and prayer, it had become a den of thieves, exploiting worshippers for profit.
There were two ways to acquire a sacrificial lamb for temple worship: either purchasing it enroute in from the countryside or obtaining it at the temple. However, if you brought a lamb from outside the temple, it had to undergo inspection to ensure it met the criteria of being without spot or blemish. Predictably, if you brought a lamb from elsewhere, they would find fault with it.
Conveniently, there were booths at the temple offering pre-approved, unblemished lambs for sale, albeit at exorbitant prices compared to those outside.
So, at the temple, God’s house, worshippers were exploited for profit, and Jesus was outraged by this exploitation of God's house for selfish gain. One commentary I read aptly labelled this practice as legalized robbery. (Listen to my more detailed explanation of how this price inflations worked in my podcast episodes that cover this in Matthew 21:12–17, and Mark 11:15–19
What should shock us the most is struck is to hear of the involvement of the "Annas the chief priest in these exploitations. Even he was profiting from these transactions, using God's house for personal enrichment.
The principle of course remains relevant even today, churches and ministries can fall into the trap of using their ministries for self-serving purposes, though not necessarily always just in a financial manner.
For instance, in the New Testament, some individuals misused their spiritual gifts for self-exaltation rather than edifying others. Paul addresses this in his letters to the Corinthians, particularly in chapters 12, 13, and 14. There he emphasizes for us the importance of using spiritual gifts for the benefit of the community, rather than for personal glorification.
Just as Jesus cleansed the temple of those exploiting it for selfish gain, so too must churches cleanse themselves of individuals who prioritize self-aggrandizement over serving others with humility and love.
So, here's the crux of the matter: Jesus cleansed the temple because it had deviated from its intended purpose. Declared, "My house was meant to be a house of prayer."
Now, remember that the whole Court of the Gentiles area was designated for prayer, yet it had been transformed into a den of thieves, people exploiting worshippers instead of fostering prayerful reverence.
They were in fact robbing people of the opportunity to pray peacefully, by focusing instead on profit.
Now, let's think about how this might apply this to churches today. Think of a church, not necessarily the one you attend, but any church that comes to mind. What's the first thing you associate with it? Perhaps it's known for its charismatic pastor, vibrant worship, or dynamic programs. People often identify churches based on these sorts of things. But how many churches are known for their dedication to prayer?
Consider the descriptors people use when discussing their churches with other believers.
If you think about it they might boast about it being an thoroughly evangelistic church, a growing church, or a church that prioritizes Bible teaching. All good things, yet, it's rare to hear someone say, "We're a church who is known for our commitment to prayer."
Think about it. Can you recall a church renowned for its emphasis on prayer? It's challenging isn’t it. I don’t know many.
Certainly, individuals might be recognized for their prayer lives, however it seems to me that churches as entities tend try and identify themselves or be associated with other qualities.
When visitors experience a church, what do they see? It would be interested to hear their honest impressions. Yet, one of the most gratifying responses is when people describe a church as a loving community. That, to me, should be one of the highest compliments a church can receive.
So, amidst all these considerations, here's the question: Where are the churches known for prayer? Yet Jesus here emphasized the importance of prayer in God's house. So shouldn't this be a defining characteristic of every church?
It's a thought-provoking challenge for us to reflect on our priorities and ensure that prayer remains at the forefront of your church's identity.
Let's for a moment consider the significance of the Great Commission.
We're all familiar with the command to "
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
(Matthew 28: 19-20)
This directive is often emphasized in sermons and teachings, highlighting the importance of evangelism, baptism, and teaching.
Now, consider the recipients of this commission: the disciples, the apostles. How did they interpret and act upon it? The book of Acts provides a clear account of their response.
In Acts chapter 2, Peter fulfils the Great Commission by preaching the Gospel, resulting in many conversions. He baptizes the believers, and we're told that about 3,000 souls were added to the church that day.
Following this, it tells us the new believers continue steadfastly in the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.
(PPT)
This passage exemplifies the fulfilment of the Great Commission. The apostles preached, baptized, taught, and fostered fellowship and prayer within the community.
Everywhere they went, they established churches, bringing people to Christ, baptizing them, and nurturing them in the faith through teaching and prayer.
The essence of the Great Commission lies in obedience, obedience to go, make disciples, baptize, and teach. But it also encompasses the importance of fostering a community, one engaging in worship, and prioritizing prayer.
Therefore, I believe, that any church that wants to be dedicated to fulfilling the Great Commission in its entirety, then prayer should remain at its core, as mandated by God.
Indeed, we see here that Jesus said God's house is intended to be a House of Prayer and Jesus emphasized this when he cleansed the temple, by making space for prayer and teaching.
In the coming chapter we will see Jesus’ teaching daily in the temple after its cleansing, reinforcing the notion that God's house is a place for prayer and preaching.
However, this pattern of cleansing and filling with the Word is not exclusive to the physical temple but extends to us as well.
In 1 Peter 2:1, we're urged to cleanse ourselves of, “malice, deceit, and evil speaking”, akin to sweeping out sin from God's house.
As newborn believers, we're encouraged to desire the pure milk of the Word to grow spiritually. This again parallels the cleansing and teaching seen here in Luke and in Acts, where the newly unleashed church embraces prayer and the teaching of God's Word.
However, then as today the response to this emphasis on prayer and teaching wasn't universally positive. The spiritual leaders of the time, instead of applauding Jesus' actions, sought to undermine and even kill him.
Similarly, there may be resistance when we prioritize prayer and the Word in our churches. Some may resist change, feeling threatened by the disruption of their routines or practices. Or some may vote with their feet and find somewhere else less inclined to engage in prayer ministry.
Yet, despite the opposition, many people recognized the importance of Jesus' message. They were receptive to hearing the Word and understanding the significance of prayer in God's house.
Interestingly while the religious leaders sought to silence Jesus, they were unable to do so initially due to the ordinary people's support.
This passage serves as a reminder of the central role prayer and the teaching of God's Word should play in our churches. It's a call to prioritize these spiritual disciplines, even in the face of opposition or resistance.
Just as Jesus cleansed the temple and emphasized prayer and teaching, so too our churches should be places dedicated to these practices, nurturing spiritual growth, and understanding.
The minister’s responsibility should include both teaching the Bible and fostering a culture of prayer within the congregation.
Reflecting for a moment on my experiences in numerous prayer meetings, I've noticed a common trend. Often, prayers tend to focus predominantly on physical needs rather than spiritual ones. While praying for physical health and for those who have strayed from their faith is undoubtedly important, it seems that our prayers often stop there.
Consider, for instance, when someone in the group prompts, "Let's pray. What should we pray for?" More often than not, the responses revolve around physical illness or specific material needs. While these concerns are valid and definitely worthy of prayer, I wonder if we are overlooking a deeper aspect of prayer that God desires from us.
If we paused to consider the kind of prayers that align with God's heart, we can turn to Ephesians chapter 1, where Paul's prayers offer us insight into spiritual intercession.
In verses 15 to 19, Paul expresses his ceaseless gratitude for the believers and petitions God to grant them the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.
His prayer isn't centered solely on physical needs but delves into the spiritual realm, asking for enlightenment and understanding of God's truth.
Paul's example challenges us to elevate our prayers beyond the mundane and into the spiritual realm. So, when we gather for prayer, or just prayer privately let's intercede for one another's spiritual growth and understanding of God's Word.
Let's remember to pray for enlightenment, insight, and a deepening of spiritual truths.
Praying for spiritual enlightenment for us and others to grasp the depth of spiritual truth and grow in their faith and petition the Lord for a deepening of spiritual understanding among our communities, seeking to align our prayers with God's desires for His people.
Let me close by biblically exploring Paul's teaching on this.
(PPT)
In Ephesians chapter 3. In verses 14 to 19, Paul resumes his prayer, emphasizing the need for believers to be, “strengthened by the Holy Spirit in their inner beings”. He prays that,” Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith, enabling them to comprehend the depth of God's love and to be rooted and grounded in it”.
Paul's prayer underscores the importance of spiritual strength and understanding among believers.
In Philippians chapter 1, verse 9, Paul expresses his prayer for the Philippian believers, asking that their.
“Love may abound even more, accompanied by knowledge and discernment”.
This prayer highlights the significance of increasing love among believers, fostering unity and harmony within the church community.
Finally, in Colossians chapter 1, verse 9, Paul continues his pattern of prayer, requesting that the Colossian believers may be,
“Filled with the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.
This prayer emphasizes the need for spiritual insight and understanding among believers, enabling them to discern and align with God's purposes.
So, we have a clear pattern in all of Paul's prayers: a focus on spiritual strength, love, discernment, and understanding among believers.
So, let's remember to pray earnestly for these qualities that Christ won for people on that day when he cleansed the temple.
I want to leave you with one of my favourite quotes on prayer, attributed to A.C. Dixon:
"When we rely upon ourselves, we can get what we can do, but when we rely upon prayer, we get what God can do."
Let's not underestimate the power of prayer friends, it is the power to bring about God's purposes in our midst.
As we prioritize prayer, we open ourselves up to experiencing the fullness of what God can accomplish through us and among us.