Cleaning Out the Temple!

March 30, 2026, Monday Message:

Mark 11:15a NLT: “Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices.”

Yesterday, we celebrated Palm Sunday, when Jesus made his Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. People waved palm branches and shouted, “Hosanna, save us, save us now!” Both the Pharisees and the Roman army ordered Jesus to silence his people, but Jesus told them that even rocks would cry out, celebrating the return of God’s Son to Jerusalem, celebrating sins being forgiven!

So today became the day to clean house at the Temple. It seems to me like Jesus had a list titled “Things to do before the crucifixion,” and this topped the list.

The Temple had three general areas. The innermost was the “Holy of Holies,” reserved for God. The Temple Sanctuary was for worship, sacrifices and Jewish traditions and rituals. The outer court was where all hell broke loose, and I mean that literally. Lies were uttered, scams took place and merchants took advantage of visitors.

Let me explain. Devout Jews would travel hundreds of miles, bringing their best animal to sacrifice to the Lord at the Temple. Upon arrival, they were told that their animal wasn’t suitable, and they would have to purchase a different animal, which was conveniently available right up the street at an inflated price. Of course, the visitors only had their native currency, so money-changers saw an opportunity to make another unfair shekel. This was the scam taking place in God’s house, and Jesus would have none of it. He drove the animals out of the Temple, and overturned the money-changer’s tables! Jesus stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace. He concluded: “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.”

Jesus’ opinion on this hasn’t changed. There will be times when we need to collect money at a church, but honesty should be the key: no scams and no over-inflated prices. You don’t want Jesus to have to overturn your money tables!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Come Again?

For Tuesday, July 30, 2024:

2 Peter 2:3 NLT: “In their greed, these false teachers will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed.”

Some people complain about going to church: “All they ever talk about is wanting your money!” To which I’d say, “You’re at the wrong church!”

The internet is filled with stories of scamming church leaders who pursued the job expecting people to give them free money in exchange for alleged “spiritual guidance.” Some even lead what we call “mega-churches,” with much property and fancy buildings. They’ve connived their way into prosperity, deceiving many. About that business plan, God promises that the first will be last and the last will be first. The false teachers are already condemned!

Your church should first be about growing closer to Jesus and his ways, thereby giving us assurance of salvation in the life after this life. We then support our churches out of gratitude for Jesus’ love and forgiveness. We have been blessed! Support of a God-loving church insures that many more can also learn the Good News, and that’s what Jesus called us all to do!

As each day passes, we’re one day closer to Jesus’ return when everything will be made right. The destruction of false teachers will not be delayed! Believers get to watch it all happen!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship