Matthew 21:1-17

When Jesus made His entry into Jerusalem it is significant to note that He did not turn toward the Roman garrison to drive them out. The reason He did not do what so many were expecting and desiring Him to do was not because He lacked the power to drive out the Romans. No, the reason was because He had more important things to do than deal with the political situation.

Instead, He turned toward the temple and drove out the merchants and money changers. His heart had always been for His Father’s House, even as a young child in the Temple. What was happening in the temple was far more important than what was going on in the state house.

Jesus was not driving the merchants and money changers out because they were selling but because they were exploiting the people. They had a racquet going with the priests. The priests would only accept animals bought from the approved venders and the approved venders were charging exorbitant prices for animals that were not any better (and in many cases not as good) as the animals people brought themselves. If fees were needed they could only be paid in official Temple currency. Enter the money changers charging unreasonable fees to exchange money. They were all making a big living by bringing the worship of God into disrepute. This was the sin of Hophni and Phenius the sons of Eli.

Jesus was zealous for His Father’s House when it was a building in Jerusalem. How much more is He zealous for it now that it is made up of “living stones.” (1 Peter 2:5)