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Today’s Passage:

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Reflection

Thoughts from the passage

Jewish people knew the Scriptures very well so rabbis, especially with their disciples, often used a rabbinical technique called remez.  They would quote from a biblical verse, but what they were really emphasising was the rest of the verse or passage, which would immediately come to mind for those who knew the scripture.  In the temple Jesus uses this technique quoting from: Isaiah 56:7 (My house will be called a house of prayer).

The rest of the Isaiah passage speaks of God’s temple being a place “for all the nations”, where everyone was welcome, including Gentiles. But the temple overseers had expanded the area where the sellers and the money-changers were located into the Court of the Gentiles, so that the space allocated to non-Jews was decreased.  

By quoting from Isaiah Jesus was reminding the people that God wanted the Gentiles to be able to come to His house. He was appalled that they would make the Gentile Court smaller and thus inhibit them from worshipping. His righteous anger was directed at those who were getting in the way of the faith, and the opportunity to worship God, of someone they thought was lower than them, just for the chance to make more money.

Reflect

Easter reminds us that the foot of the cross is level ground where we are all equal before God.  Jesus died for all and wants us to extend His grace to all.  Is it possible that sometimes we may stand in the way of others who are seeking God, or of believers whom God is wanting to draw closer to?

Do we invite all people into God’s house, no matter how different they are from us, or do we sometimes hold back from inviting someone?  Do we make everyone feel welcome in God’s house by treating each person with genuine love and acceptance?  Or are there people whom we do not make an effort with as God would want us to?  “As I have loved you so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are My disciples if you love one another” (John 13:34-35). 

Response

How does Jesus love you? Take a minute to think through, or journal, some words or phrases to describe how Jesus loves you.

Jesus said that this is how we must love one another. Is God challenging you by bringing someone to mind?  Respond by confessing any lack of love and acceptance, and ask Him to help you to love this person as He loves you.