TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? [Isaiah 56:7] But you have made it a den of robbers.’” Mark 11:17
Read: Mark 11:17
Listen: Mark 11
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Salvation is not exclusive. God has always meant to include everyone, not only Jews. That’s why the temple in Jerusalem has a Court of Gentiles—a special place for non-Jews to come, listen and pray. It is meant to be a doorway to God.
But the Court of Gentiles has become a marketplace with tables for money changers and sellers. It’s located in the pathway that leads people in and out of the temple. Jesus is upset that religious leaders have allowed the Court of Gentiles to become “mall central,” closing them out from the door to God. Their religion has gotten in the way of God.
On this Tuesday of his last week, Jesus calls the temple a “den of thieves.” He’s calling out the religious leaders on their financial gain, and because they’re making it a nationalistic rallying point. They’ve made the temple a place of civil protection instead of a doorway to God. Jesus says they are robbing those who seek God. Feeling threatened, they meet on Wednesday to organize Jesus’ death.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
How are you doing at opening the door to God for those who are searching? Pray about inviting someone to a church service, a men or women’s event, UNION, Lifeline or a short-term Bible study.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
