MY HOUSE IS A HOUSE OF PRAYER Matthew 21:12

 

MY HOUSE IS A HOUSE OF PRAYER 

Matthew 21:12

SUNDAY MORNING

On Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey with worshippers

From every nation under the sun claiming Him as the KIng who came in the name of the Lord. The Jewish religious leaders ask the question, who is this.? The crowd responded,  Jesus of Nazareth.

THERE IS A TIME TO SPEAK AND A TIME TO BE SILENT

According to Mark 11:12, Jesus went into the temple on Sunday and looked around.

Because it was evening time, He returned to Bethany.  Let me suggest Jesus did not clean the Temple on Sunday because the Jewish leaders were already in an uproar and maybe He didn’t want to destroy the celebratory mood of the crowd. 

At the beginning of His ministry, just after the Wedding at Cana, He entered the Temple and cast out money  changers and the sellers of animals;

John 2:13 And the passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 And he found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: 15 and he made a scourge of cords, and cast all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the changers' money, and overthrew their tables;

16 and to them that sold the doves he said, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house a house of merchandise.

Jesus knew the spiritual conditions of the Jewish nation who came  of the Temple to offer sacrifices because He was in the Temple for the Passover festivals throughout His life and ministry on earth. He established His authority of the Holy Activities at the beginning and the end of His ministry. Notice Sunday was the day of His resurrection and Monday would be the first Work day under grace. Jesus set the standard of what we must do in our own lives.  Keep our temple clean

MONDAY MORNING

THE POWER OF THE WORD DEMONSTRATED

On Monday morning, Upon leaving Bethany Jesus was hungry, He saw a fig tree with leaves that had no fruit. He cursed the tree and said may you never bear fruit again. The tree withered and died immediately. The disciples ask why. Jesus responded with faith you can do the same thing and more if you do not doubt. This is also a warning and an encouragement to believers. No faith, no grace. Much faith much grace

Matthew 21:12-13

 And Jesus entered into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold the doves; 13 and he saith unto them, It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer: but ye make it a den of robbers.  (Isaiah 56:7, Jeremiah 7:11)

I believe Jesus grieved over the hardened hearts of the nation of Israel, their rejection of the gospel of peace and their commercialization of worship.

 Luke 19:41-42  And when he drew nigh, he saw the city and wept over it, 42 saying, If thou hadst known in this day, even thou, the things which belong unto peace! but now they are hidden from thine eyes.

There is a time in our lives when we face the consequences of our action,

Israel would face destruction 70 years after the  death and resurrection of Jesus because of their unbelief. Instead of being a light, they had become an agent of darkness

LET US NOT GRIEVE JESUS

Some of the reasons suggested for Jesus grief of the nation of Israel

Are listed below.

Jesus called the Temple a "robbers' den" because religious leaders and merchants turned the sacred house of prayer into a marketplace, exploiting worshippers with extortionate prices for sacrificial animals and dishonest money changing. This commercialization, enabled by authorities, cheated people seeking God and prioritized profit over true worship. 

Key reasons for this description:

• Exploitation of Worshippers: Merchants sold animals necessary for sacrifice at highly inflated prices.

• Dishonest Money Exchange: Money changers took advantage of travelers needing to exchange foreign currency for temple-approved currency, charging exorbitant rates.

• Preventing Worship: By filling the outer courts (often the Court of the Gentiles) with livestock and commerce, they obstructed space meant for prayer, especially for non-Jews.

• Institutional Corruption: The high priests and religious authorities were involved in or profited from these corrupt practices. 

• Perversion of Purpose  The temple meant to be a house of prayer for all nations, but was converted to a place of business

JESUS DEVINE AUTHORITY

By overturning tables and driving out the money changers , Jesus was condemning the systematic corruption and restoring the Temple's true purpose of devotion 

By merging Isaiah 56:7 (house of prayer) and Jeremiah 7:11 (den of robbers), Jesus highlighted that the leaders had turned a place meant for spiritual connection into a refuge for greedy, corrupt individuals. 

From the beginning of the Nation of Israel, under Moses 1500  years

Earlier, God established the Levite priests as the Worship leaders.

Num 3:12 And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the first-born that openeth the womb among the children of Israel; and the Levites shall be mine: Num 3:32 And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be prince of the princes of the Levites, (and have) the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.

Under King David there were 38000 levite men. David organized them into

24 orders to serve when Temple was built by his son. They were selected by lot to serve only 2 weeks per year.  This was a divine selection

Caiaphas the High priest at the time of Jesus was selected by the Roman government for Political control of the priest hood. He was not a descendant of Aaron, but a descendant of Maaziah, the 24th order. 

According to   Ancient Origins   

In 70 AD, the Temple of Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans as a result of the Great Jewish Revolt. The destruction of the temple meant that the religious function of the Levites was greatly diminished. As a matter of fact, it was the rabbis who gradually took control of religious matters, and Rabbinic Judaism eventually became the mainstream form of Judaism

RACEISM IN WORSHIP PRACTICED 

In the Temple in Jerusalem there was a section called the Court of The Gentiles where non Jews could come for worship. This was the place where the money changers and sellers of sacrificial animals set up shop, It was a commercial money making supermarket that reduced the worship experience of non Jews.  

People from different areas had currency that had to be exchanged for the

Acceptable temple tax. People traveling long distances would bring money to purchase unblemished animals for sacrifice. The money changers and

Animal sellers were necessary, but they set up shop in the wrong place. They were motivated by greed rather than reverence to the Lord.

Jesus called them robbers and thieves because they were motivated by

The flesh rather than worship. 

 

WHAT WE LEARN

1. WE HAVE ONE HIGH PRIEST, JESUS UNDER GRACE

There were 38000 Levites priests at the time the Temple was being planned  They all had a job. Each assignment was important.  We each have been assigned good works by Jesus

2. Church is a place of worship, not a place of profit.

3. There is a difference between  religion and church

We have to be careful that worship of God does not become religion. Worship is what we do out of gratitude. Religion is what we do out of habit.

We have to be careful that we don’t confuse emotional excitement with the  joy of the Lord.  The Jews were excited when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, but quickly changed to resentment when He did not serve their purpose.

We have to look at our own temples to see that we have  not  defiled it’ with our own purpose. It is not our purpose that saves and changes lives. But Jesus Is the way, the truth and the life.

We need to be careful that we are not leading people away from the Lord with our attitude and actions.

You should never lose sight of God’s purpose for you because others do

We should never fail  to inform others of the right way of worship. Many Jews came to Jerusalem out of tradition and habit with no true worship.

Never forget that there will always be some who are for you and some who are against you. God is for you and more than all the world against you

4. Your job of teaching never ends.  Even on the cross, Jesus was still teaching and drawing others to Him.

          People are always following  you as you are led by Christ

Know what is supposed to be in your Temple?

  Get rid of stuff that should not be in your temple

5. God house is a House of prayer

   Pray for others

   Pray for our country

   Pray for ourselves

   Fellowship with like believers

   Conviction of our sins

6.    Draw others to Christ

   Get inspired by the Word

   Inspire others by living the Word as others read you

COME RIDE WITH JESUS Matthew 21:1-11

 COME RIDE WITH JESUS  

MATTHEW 21:1-11

Matt 21:1-11

21 As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. 2 "Go into the village over there," he said. "As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, 'The Lord needs them,' and he will immediately let you take them." 

4 This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said, (Zach 9:9). 

5 "Tell the people of Israel,'Look, your King is coming to you.

He is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey's colt.'" 

6 The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it. 

8 Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,

"Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!" 

10 The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. "Who is this?" they asked. 

11 And the crowds replied, "It's Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."

Holy Bible, New Living Translation 

READ THE BIBLE WITH A VIEW OF THE GLORY OF GOD

When we read the Bible we can see the glory of God exemplified in everyday circumstances. His character is always in plain view for us to see and learn. The final week of Jesus' life is known as the Holy Week, which began on Sunday. Notice Sunday was the day Jesus arose from the dead

ALL THE DETAILS OF GOD’S PLAN INCLUDES YOU

On Sunday, Jesus sent His disciple to Bethphage to get a donkey and a colt to be brought to Him. This was in fulfillment of the prophecy by;

 Zachariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy king cometh unto thee; he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, even upon a colt the foal of an ass.

From book to book the Word of God confirms it’s truths. The prophecy of Zachariah was penned 500 years before the birth of Jesus. All events of our lives have been planned out by our Lord and Savior. 

THE LORD SCHEDULES ALL EVENTS CONCERNING YOU

Matt 21:1-2

 Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying unto them, Go into the village that is over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose (them), and bring (them) unto me.

At Jesus' command the chosen disciple acted immediately. They did not give excuses, consider their own agenda, they acted at the Lord's word.

Jesus did not identify the two. Some work we are called to do we will not get any recognition from man. It is still important work. Sometimes we play supporting roles in the ministry. Jesus didn’t give the disciples all the information about their trip, but enough to know what to do. They didn’t know why Jesus wanted the colt or how He would use it. 

THE LORD HAS NEED OF YOU

Matt 21:3 And if any one say aught unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. 4 Now this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying,

Jesus did not identify the owner of the donkey and her colt, He did not tell the disciples what the colt would be tied up at the entry way to the village.  

He did tell us He had need of the doney and her colt.

The Lord’s needs should always outweigh any need we have. The Lord’s need will benefit us more than any need of ours. We are not designed to know all the thoughts of God, are expected to be obedient to His call

The Lord knew in advance that the donkey and her colt would be available for’His use. The owner of the donkey remains unknown but he was gracious enough to allow the Savior to use what he had. He was blessed with the donkey and a new colt and perhaps satisfied to see their use.

Jesus could have gone and got the colt, or had the colt tied up on the Mount of Olives. He chose to partner with us in the ministry, He chose to develop our relationship with Him through service. 

 “Not the maker of plans and promises, but rather the one who offers faithful service in small matters. This is the person who is most likely to achieve what is good and lasting.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

You and I should wait expecting the Lord to use what he blessed us  with.

If we are available to God, He uses us in His service in His time. The two disciples chosen by Jesus went immediately and found the donkey and her colt just as Jesus said. If Jesus tell us to do something, you can believe He

Has provided the means to make it successful. 

MAKE JESUS COMFORTABLE IN YOU

Matthew 21:6 The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it. 

Consider the example Jesus gives.  The disciple placed their garment on the colt for Jesus to sat on. You and I ought to make Jesus comfortable in our homes and in our lives, He should have the best place in our hearts. We should set Jesus high so we can set at his feet. It is better to walk with, ride with  and be led by Jesus than the world. He shows us who He is by what He does for us. 

Zechariah 9:9,  500 years earlier gave all the details of Jesus arrival as King in Jerusalem

1. He would arrive as King 

2. The children would rejoice

3. He would be just

4. He would be empowered with salvation

5. He would come humbly 

6. He would be riding on the foal of a donkey

The mount of Olive was set on a hill overlooking Jerusalem. It was the place Jesus often went to spend the night after teaching near Jerusalem. The road from Bethany to Jerusalem laid over the Mount. He visited Mount Olives 3 times during His last week on earth. Mount Olives was the launching point of Jesus' descent into Jerusalem as king. Mount Olives was His palace

Jesus often withdrew from the crowd and went alone to the mount to pray and communicate with Father. All believers need some quiet time with the Father to be refreshed, strengthened and gain new insights to His will. 

THE KING’S RIDE INTO JERUSALEM

From the Mount of Olives, Jesus rode the colt into Jerusalem. The colt had never been ridden. I suggest that the colt was the first fruit of the donkey saved for Jesus the first fruit of the Gospel. Worldly kings rode on horses

Followed by a well trained and well equipped army. They came proud and uplifted. The world kings come without love or compassion for their subjects.

Jesus the king of kings came humbly followed by the poor and the lowly of heart. He came with love and compassion for all who would follow Him. 

The disciple laid their coats on the colt for Jesus to ride on, The crowd

Laid their coat on the ground and branches the cult from trees for Jesus to

Ride over. 

It was a time of great excitement because they had claimed Jesus as the king Of Israel. They voiced their claim fo all to hear

Matt 21:9

"Praise God for the Son of David!

Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

Praise God in highest heaven!"    New Living Translation

When you get excited about the Lord, it inspires the excitement of others

Matt 21:10 The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered.

He is our spiritual King, not a worldly king. His palace is in heaven not on earth. His power is not limited but unlimited. 

A TRIUMPHAL RIDE TO THE HOLY CITY 

1. It was the climax to Jesus 3 ½ year ministry on earth 

2. It was the fulfillment of all the Old Testament prophecies and commandments. 

3. It brought to an end the judgement of the law. 

4. It was the end of the tudor(the law) and the beginning of the teacher for all times (Jesus)

5. It was unending Grace and Mercy being implemented for all times

6. It brought Joy to the world and peace on earth 

7. It was salvation being offered to all who would believe in Jesus

8. It was the one time payment for all sins for all times, establishing peace with the Father

9. It was a ride that put an end to the devils reign over God’s people

10. It was the ride with the king that we all take.

B. IT WAS A KINGS RIDE   

1. It was ride that claimed Jesus as king of kings and Lord of lords

2. It was a servants ride

3. It was a humbling ride

4. It was a sacrificial ride

5. It was a powerful ride  No one took His Life, He had the power to lay it down and the power to pick it back up again 

6. It was a rich ride. All the riches of the world belong to Him 

7. It was a ride of adoption 

8. It was a purposeful ride. Established the Church of Jesus Christ

9. It was an eternal ride 

C. IT WAS A PRACTICAL APPLICATION RIDE

1. Jesus practice what he taught 

2. Jesus lived the word he taught

3. Jesus was the Word of God in action 

D. IT WAS A GLORIOUS RIDE

1. Jesus glory was proclaimed by the common people in the face of His enemies 

2. Crowd came and praise His Name

3. The crowd gave Him the highest prairie

4. The crowd recognized Jesus as the long awaited Messiah 

E. IT WAS A LIFE CHANGING RIDE

1. Old lives were made new in Christ Jesus

2. Harden heart hearts were soften

3. The intolerant became tolerant

4. True love became the trademark for believers

5. Spiritual Gifts given to all believers

6. Believers known by the fruits of the Spirit

7. Power to change lives given to believers 

WHEN YOU PRAISE GOD THE DEVIL RISES IN OPPOSITION

Luke 19:39 And some of the Pharisees from the multitude said unto him, Teacher, rebuke thy disciples. 40 And he answered and said, I tell you that, if these shall hold their peace, their stones will cry out.

It was a joyful, celebratory ride into the Holy City.  The disciples knew the

Prophecy. They were expecting Jesus to be their King, The haters of Jesus were in the crowd to destroy the excitement.

The Pharisees knew the power and authority of Jesus over the crowd, so they asked Jesus to tell the disciples to shut up. They were afraid of the crowd,

But Jesus who made the stone had control of the stones which had no mouth to speak, no brain to form words said if the people are silent the’

Stones would make the same praise. 

Jesus will not be denied praise. It is gratefulness that drives us to praise God. You can’t make us shut up when we know what He has done for us, the world can’t do. 

DON’T GRIEVE THE LORD WITH UNBELIEF

Luke 19:41 And when he drew nigh, he saw the city and wept over it,

Jesus was grieved as He look at the crowd. He knew their praise was not genuine. In a short while they would reject him under the peer pressure of the ruling religious folk. 

JESUS WEEPS

• When we fail to believe that He is

• When we fail to proclaim His Name

• When we fail to trust His Words

• When we fail to trust Him

• When we fail to take everything to Him in prayer

• When we fail to praise Him

NEVER LEAVE HOME WITH JESUS