Jeremiah 7:1-11
Read Jeremiah 7:1-11
Helpful Background Information:
In our sermon passage, we see the Lord Jesus Christ overturning tables and chairs in the temple - righteously angry against those who abused the temple of the living God for their own gain. Often, this episode of Jesus can bring confusion. How could the same Lord who describes himself as “gentle and lowly in heart” (Matt. 11:28-30) show such fiery indignation?
A key to understanding Jesus’ actions is the Scriptures he quotes in Mark 11:17. As is sometimes the case in the New Testament, Mark 11:17 is what theologians call a composite citation, where two verses from the Old Testament are quoted together to make a theological point. Here, Jesus is quoting both Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11 in his justification for his actions
Focusing on the Jeremiah passage, Jeremiah is directed by God to stand at the gate of the Lord’s temple and deliver a message to the people of Judah. God declares that if his people want to dwell among them, they must abandon their sinful ways. The people were foolish to imagine that they could continue to steal, shed innocent blood, commit adultery, swear falsely, engage in idolatry, and oppress widows, yet still be guaranteed God’s protection simply because they had the temple. God exposes this hypocrisy, asking whether they think His house has become a den of robbers: a place to hide after doing evil rather than a place of true obedience. In short, the people have profaned God’s house by making it a place to retreat between acts of crime.
Hence, in Mark 11, Jesus' actions in the temple are not only understandable but also a wonderful display of holiness and righteous anger. Whereas the temple court was supposed to be an inviting place of prayer for all nations to meet with the living God (Is. 56:7), the Jewish leaders in Jesus’ day abused God’s vineyard for their own financial advantage. Our Lord recognized this, and it points to the surpassing authority of Jesus Christ.
Reflection Questions:
Are there sins or patterns in your life that you are tempted to excuse because of outward faithfulness (attendance, service, giving, or knowledge)?
What does this passage teach you about how seriously Jesus takes the purity of worship and the honor of God?