Spring Cleaning

Scripture Reading: Mark 11:12-21
Scripture Focus: Mark 11:16

“…and He would not permit anyone to carry merchandise (*literary vessels*) through the temple.”

The money changers and the sellers in the temple were located in an outer court of the temple known as the court of the Gentiles. Now upon first reading this, we think “Oh nice, the Jews are letting the Gentiles play church as well.” However, this could not be further from the truth.

The Temple priests used this court as a barrier, a wall of separation between the Gentiles and Temple worship. In fact, signs were placed warning Gentiles to not pass any farther, or else the offense was punishable by death. Many times we come across this passage and see righteous anger, which, in a sense it is. What actually takes place here is the judgment of God against the Hebrews and their temple practice. The use of the terms “drive out” and “overturned” turn our mind to ideas of judgment, not reform. Lastly, we see the judgment of God in that Jesus did not permit anyone to carry vessels through the temple. The English translation of “merchandise” is inaccurate and misleading. The Greek word actually translates as “vessel” and is used in reference to the vessels necessary for temple worship. What Jesus did on day two was put an end to temple worship. No longer would it be used in the history of salvation, but a new way was on the horizon.

Today, thank Jesus for the grace that we now experience. Thank Him for becoming the sacrifice once for all.