March 9, 2021 - We turn to the next section of Matthew chapter 21, which contains Matthew's account of Jesus' cleansing of the temple. Before verse 12, we see a written record of Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The crowds treat him with honor and respect, not because they fully understood who he indeed was. We see in verse 11 that the masses believed Jesus was a prophet. As I've said before, that is only partially right. He is prophet, priest, and king. This is called the threefold office of Christ.
Jesus makes his way to the temple in Jerusalem, and we can assume that the crowds might not have expected what was to happen next. We certainly see the religious leaders not prepared for what was to come. Jesus surveys the temple and sees a marketplace in its place. People were selling animals for the traveler who needed a sacrifice but didn't bring one himself. What if they had a currency that was not used in Jerusalem? No worries, there were bankers ready to exchange currencies. A temple to the Holy God became a temple to money and self-gain.
Christ does not let this stand but begins to overturn the tables and the seats. We do not read of any resistance, only Jesus telling them, "He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you make it a den of robbers."
After Christ cleanses the temple, the blind and the lame came to the temple to be healed by him. The religious leaders saw the wonderful things being done and the children shouting what they, the leaders, didn't understand. Christ is the Messiah, the Son of David who has come to free God's people.
I desire that we, the church, join those children in singing the praises of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He cleanses the temples knowing that this is another step to the cross whereby his wounds, we are forgiven.
Wynter is an Elder at Mariposa Reformed Baptist Church. Find out more at MariposaChurch.org or email him at wynter@mariposachurch.org. Visit Mariposa Reformed Baptist Church on Facebook.
Pastor’s Corner is a column from Pastor Wynter Sturtevant III of the Mariposa Reformed Baptist Church.
The Church has moved locations, services are now held at the Bootjack Stompers Hall (located at 4662 Morman Bar Crossing) across from the Mariposa County Fairgrounds.
Time of service is at 10:00 A.M. on Sunday.
I am happy to announce that MRBC has its own sermon podcast. Please check it out by clicking on the link below or searching MRBC Sermons on iTunes. New sermons will be posted every Wednesday.
https://mariposachurch.transistor.fm/episodes
Note: Area churches interested in submitting Articles of Faith are welcome to contact us.
Please email the Sierra Sun Times at sst@goldrushcam.com for more information.
