A House of Prayer
Collin Wimberly
Mark 11:17
INTRODUCTION:
Read Mark 11:17
As Jesus enters the temple area, he was entering a huge complex. It was roughly 1,000 ft long on each side. The temple itself was a series of courts. The first was the court of the Gentiles. Gentiles could go not further. A large sign was placed that read in Greek, ''Let no man of another nation enter inside the barrier. Whoever is caught will have himself to blame for his death that follows.'' Next were the women's court, then the court of the Israelites, then finally the priests court.
This incident occurs inside the court of the Gentiles. This area had been turned into an oriental bazaar and glorified stockyard. Sacrificial animals were sold and money converted to temple currency. The house of God had been made into a market place. Jesus clears out the money buyers and sellers and moneychangers. The temple had become perverted.
I) WE ARE CALLED TO BE A PEOPLE OF PRAYER - What does this mean for us? Many people miss the meaning of this passage altogether. ILLUS: Buying and Selling in the church. Singer wants to sell his tapes, or we want to offer some books on a table for you to purchase - someone always quotes this verse. I think that misses the point. Jesus was offended because the worship of God was being made into a transaction. You pay this, you do this, and God will be satisfied. Jesus is offended because He wants our hearts. He wants us.
Understanding this requires that we understand the nature of the temple itself.
A) CHRIST DWELLS WITHIN US - In the OT the temple was the dwelling place of God.
It was a symbol of the presence of God among His people. The OT temple pointed toward a NT reality. God doesn't dwell in houses made by men, but He dwells within His people!
2 Corinthians 6:16 (ESV) 16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God;. . .
Ephesians 2:22 (ESV) 22 In him you also are being built to ...
Collin Wimberly
Mark 11:17
INTRODUCTION:
Read Mark 11:17
As Jesus enters the temple area, he was entering a huge complex. It was roughly 1,000 ft long on each side. The temple itself was a series of courts. The first was the court of the Gentiles. Gentiles could go not further. A large sign was placed that read in Greek, ''Let no man of another nation enter inside the barrier. Whoever is caught will have himself to blame for his death that follows.'' Next were the women's court, then the court of the Israelites, then finally the priests court.
This incident occurs inside the court of the Gentiles. This area had been turned into an oriental bazaar and glorified stockyard. Sacrificial animals were sold and money converted to temple currency. The house of God had been made into a market place. Jesus clears out the money buyers and sellers and moneychangers. The temple had become perverted.
I) WE ARE CALLED TO BE A PEOPLE OF PRAYER - What does this mean for us? Many people miss the meaning of this passage altogether. ILLUS: Buying and Selling in the church. Singer wants to sell his tapes, or we want to offer some books on a table for you to purchase - someone always quotes this verse. I think that misses the point. Jesus was offended because the worship of God was being made into a transaction. You pay this, you do this, and God will be satisfied. Jesus is offended because He wants our hearts. He wants us.
Understanding this requires that we understand the nature of the temple itself.
A) CHRIST DWELLS WITHIN US - In the OT the temple was the dwelling place of God.
It was a symbol of the presence of God among His people. The OT temple pointed toward a NT reality. God doesn't dwell in houses made by men, but He dwells within His people!
2 Corinthians 6:16 (ESV) 16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God;. . .
Ephesians 2:22 (ESV) 22 In him you also are being built to ...
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