Luke 19:45-46
Then Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things, saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.'”

The only times we see Jesus truly and justifiably angry is either when the religious leaders (Pharisees) are holding people to the letter of the law while ignoring the greatest Commandment to love…or in this temple area scene. Here, Jesus sees the selling of small animals to people so that they might take them to the temple for sacrifice. What infuriated Jesus was that people were being misled to believe that sacrificing an animal would somehow make God forgive them…pacify God’s anger with them…make God love them. Jesus knew that God’s love…was free. God’s love and forgiveness were not for sale. Jesus said, “Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice'” (Matthew 9:13) when he quoted the Prophet Hosea (Hosea 6:6). Good works and sacrifice do not make God love you. Knowing in your heart that God loves you naturally leads you to good works and personal sacrifices. Do you know that God loves you deeply…just as you are?

Suggested song of the day—“God’s Love Is All You Need” on the Listen to Your Heart album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
Have a blessed day!