March 30th, 2026

Today, we read and reflect on Jesus’ actions in the temple courts.

Read: Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-18

Jesus likely cleared the temple courts twice during his ministry, but the second time is the one we are focusing on today. In this story, we see Jesus exhibiting righteous anger – the temple, a place designed for worship, was being used for commercial gain and exploitation.

The temple court was one of the few places on the temple grounds where gentiles, women, and children could be. The religious leaders had taken the purpose of the Passover Festival –  a time for the Jewish people to remember His care and provision – and turned it into an economic opportunity.

As Jesus prepares to go to the cross, he literally and symbolically clears God’s house of sinful acts. In many ways, Jesus does the same thing with us. Through sometimes harsh words and deep conviction, he reveals to us the depth of our sin and demands that we cleanse our hearts and return to Him. 

In what ways is Jesus clearing out the temple of your heart this week?

Pray: “Create in me a clean heart, Oh God, and renew a right spirit within me” Psalm 51:11