January 21, 2007 · Mark 11:12–21

The Money Changers - Mark 11:12-21

“Let me translate this way, and Jesus catastrophed the tables of the money changers and the seats of the pigeon sellers. Jesus brought their entire operation to ruin. To them, Jesus was a catastrophe. See, I hope this helps us understand the severity of the situation. Jesus puts himself into this. These people are not going to remember him very kindly. I'm sure there were more than a few money changers chanting and hurling insults at Jesus as he hung on the cross, and see, the section just ended with his overturning. He then proceeds to set up an economic embargo. He would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. See, he's found some new found political stature, and Jesus knows he only has it for a little bit of time. And so he quickly mobilizes the people to blockade the front gates of the temple. No longer allowing anyone to come in and sell their wares. No more pigeon selling, no more holy water selling. … And once he set up his boycott, he assembles his team of protesters and he addresses the entire temple and he explains to them what is happening. Continues in verse 17, and he taught them, he said, isn't it not written? My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations. But you have made it a den of robbers.”