Ministries
Care + Counseling
Groups
fpKIDS
fpStudents
fpWorship
Missions
Get weekly updates about what’s happening at Faith Promise Church.
10740 Faith Promise Lane | Knoxville, TN 37931 | [email protected] | (865) 251-2590
TODAY’S READING
Mark 11:15-28; John 2:14-17 (NIV)
Mark’s Story:
15 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, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 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.’ ”
18 The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.
John’s Story:
14 In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” 17 His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”
DEVOTIONAL
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to witness a moment when passion for purity collides with human complacency? Picture Jesus in the temple, full of righteous anger as He overturns tables, challenging those that turned a sacred space into a money market. What drives such fervent action, and what can we, as modern believers, learn from this encounter about standing against injustice and preserving the sanctity of our faith? Today, let’s enter this passionate scene as we uncover the motives of this act and its relevance to “winning our world” for God’s kingdom today.
In one of the most striking episodes from the life of Jesus, we find the Cleansing of the Temple, an event that showcases Jesus’ commitment to purity and righteousness within a sacred space. This story unfolds as Jesus enters the temple courts, only to find merchants and money changers conducting business, cheating the poor travelers out of their offering money. In a bold move, Jesus overturns their tables, declaring, “My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers.”
This powerful moment is a stark reminder of the need for believers to lovingly stand up for what is right, especially when faced with a culture that often compromises truth and tolerates sin. It challenges us to examine our lives and communities, asking whether we have allowed practices that dilute our commitment to God’s righteousness.
Jesus’ actions in the temple court teach us several important lessons about “winning our world” for the Kingdom of God:
First, the necessity of “zeal for the things of God” (John 2:17). Jesus’ passionate response was driven by His love for His Father’s house and its purpose. Similarly, our zeal for God’s presence and His kingdom should motivate us to uphold truth in our surroundings.
Second, the courage to confront wrongdoing. Jesus didn’t shy away from addressing the corruption He saw. He took decisive action, demonstrating that following God’s way might require us to take uncomfortable stands against practices that contradict biblical principles.
Lastly, the importance always choosing to honor God. The temple was meant to be a place of prayer for all nations. By cleansing it, Jesus was restoring its intended purpose. This act invites us to consider how we might be a force for good and a light to our own environments—our homes, workplaces, and communities—so they can better encounter God’s holiness and love.
Taking these lessons to heart, here are three actionable steps we can take to embody the principles Jesus demonstrated in the Cleansing of the Temple:
Evaluate Your Environment
Take time to reflect on the places you most frequently go. Are there influences that take away from your ability to live out your faith authentically? Identify these things and consider what changes you can make to create a more God-honoring environment.
Be Bold in Upholding Truth
Courageously stand up for what is right, even when it’s unpopular. This might mean having difficult conversations with friends or family, advocating for justice, or simply living out your convictions in a way that challenges cultural norms. Remember, winning your world for Christ involves both proclaiming His truth and embodying it in action.
Speak Out… in Love
The act of standing up for truth should always be in the service of helping people return to God. It should be done with gentleness and respect, never with argument or condemnation. The relationship needs to come first, because people matter most to God!
By embracing these steps, we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, who calls us to a life of integrity, courage, and dedication to the Kingdom of God. Just as Jesus took a stand in the temple, we are invited to win our world by standing up for what is right, ensuring that our lives honor God and inspire others to seek His truth and righteousness.
