Purity and Holiness

“Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables … ‘It is written … “My house will be called a house of prayer,” but you are making it a “den of robbers.”’”—Matthew 21:12–13 NIV

As Jesus entered Jerusalem, He was welcomed by the multitudes who waved palm branches and shouted “Hosanna!” Riding into the city, He must have seemed serene and regal.

But His demeanor changed when He entered the temple area. This kind of emotion was displayed by Old Testament prophets or by God Himself acting with anger (Psalm 2:5) and rising in anger (Psalm 78:31) against those who would not believe Him.

Entering the temple, Jesus acted with this kind of righteous indignation, displaying His total devotion to the Father and His uncompromising dedication to removing anything impure or inappropriate.

There was an overwhelming sense that God was present. With the temple purified, He could be expected to move powerfully. Miracles could happen. The blind and lame came, and Jesus healed them. Children, too, shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David” (vs. 14–15).

Jesus was showing us that God’s house should be a place of worship and praise, a place of prayer where people could seek His presence. Jesus also was demonstrating His holiness and reminding them of God’s standards. Standing in His holy place required clean hands and a pure heart (Psalm 24:3–4).

In this holy week, remember the importance of purity. Enter God’s presence with holiness. Purify your life, expecting Him to be present and to meet you with power.

Reflection Question: Write a renewed commitment to enter your church with the right attitude.