Mark 11:15-17 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.’

This challenging scene comes as Jesus enters the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus actually gets violent with the merchants in the temple courts; overturning tables, making a whip and driving out those selling animals for sacrifice. While there are many times when Jesus does not hesitate to offend His listeners, this is the only time we see Jesus use physical force in the Scripture. Why?  

The simple answer to this question is that Jesus, God, hates anything that keeps His children from coming to Him intimately in prayer and relationship. John 3:16 reminds us of God’s motivation in coming to us; “For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son…”

Why does God want you to come to His temple?  Wait…Let’s turn this around for a moment. Why do you pray?  What does God want from you when you pray?  Why go to Church? Why do you read the Bible? Why do you worship? The best answer to any of these questions involves LOVE!

Our Father wants to have deep, intimate relationship with you based in true love.  That is why He fights for your attention.  That is the only thing that could motivate Jesus to get violent for you.  I encourage you today, this week, this moment; turn back to basics.  Ask Jesus to fill you with His love.  Ask your Father to show you afresh, remind of how much He has loved you, how much He does love you.  Remember His love, think about His love, ask for more of His love. It is the best thing in this life, it is worth the cost. Lord, fill me, fill us with your love.

Oh, and here is a little hint: The best way to grow in love is by expressing it to someone else.  Lord teach us to love others as we have been loved.  We will talk more about this…