Holy Monday
OPENING PRAYER:
Jesus, help us remember you well this week.
'On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’ ” The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching. ' Mark 11:15-18 NIV
REFLECT:
Yesterday, on Palm Sunday, we remembered Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey. The people in Jerusalem laid down palm branches and shouted “Hosanna! He who comes in the name of the Lord is the blessed One – the King of Israel!”
Today, on Holy Monday, we remember that when Jesus went into the temple complex, he saw that people were buying and selling things in this place that was supposed to be a house of prayer. He got angry and threw them all out, even overturning their tables and chairs. His righteous anger came out because men were using his Father’s house as a place for profit instead of prayer. Their priorities were wrong and he wanted them to remember what was important and to leave room in their lives for God.
APPLY:
Over the last couple of years, we’ve seen times that required us to think differently about how we remember and celebrate Jesus’s actions during Holy Week. Just like the people of Jerusalem, we want to welcome Jesus, but we also need to be aware of the ways that we defile his presence in our lives and the name that we carry as Christ-followers.
How have you ensured that your life and your heart are laid open for him and that you are figuratively laying out the palm branches for his arrival? How can you use this week as an opportunity to “clear out your temple?” Take time to reflect on your priorities and make decisions that ensure that you are leaving room for God in your life. Be reminded that, as a Christ follower, the Holy Spirit dwells with you and you function as a living, breathing temple. Take steps to abolish idols from your heart and life.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Jesus, thank you for reminding us to be intentional about the focus of our hearts.
CONTINUED READING:
Luke 19:28-44
WORSHIP: