“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’[c]; but you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’[d]” 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
When Jesus came into Jerusalem, he came into the temple. This was his Father’s house. This is a place of prayer, he said, and not a “den of robbers.” Every day he was there, he taught continually. And even though he had enemies among the chief priest and teachers of the law, the people loved him. They hung on every word he said.
What made it possible for some to love and others to hate Jesus? How could the people adore Jesus but the religious leaders hated him so much that they wanted to kill him? Where did the evil thoughts to kill Jesus come into their hearts? How could they say they loved God yet try to kill one of his prophets?
Sins like anger, ego, lust, hate, and pride all come into play. Ego can destroy a person. It can make them so self-centered that they lose their role in God’s Kingdom. It can make them think more about themselves and less about building God’s Kingdom. And sin is so sneaky. Even when we think we are on the right path, we can find ourselves wrapped up in lust or a multitude of sins.
Jesus gives us a good example of living. He went into the temple and spent all day there in God’s presence. Likewise, we can stop from our busy lives and spend time with God in his presence. We can do this individually or collectively with the body of Christ. We are his workers and have been called according to his purposes.
Sinful though we may be, God is still holy. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem led him directly to the presence of God. He was drawn to his Father. And so shall we be. We too must lean into Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith. This day, and all the days to come.
”O Lord God, this morning I reach out to you. I sit in your presence. Not for long. Just for a moment. I long to do your work, to know you better, to walk in steady companionship with your Spirit. Come now, Mighty Spirit of God, do a work in me! Allow my sin to lead to faithfulness. Capture my heart and go before me in goodness and in love. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen