The Path to the Temple: Clearing the Way

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.’"

 

As I picture my journey of faith, I see the temple in the distance… a symbol of God's presence, a sacred place of communion and holiness. That's where I want to be. But the path to the temple is crowded with distractions. Along the way, the enemy has set up tables, each one carefully crafted to catch my eye and slow my steps.

There's the table of pride, with its trinkets of admiration and accomplishment. The table of lust, covered in fleeting images and desires. The table of comfort, offering me an easier road than the one Christ walked. There's a table for gluttony and greed, whispering, "More will satisfy." And for me personally, one of the most deceptive of all… the table of judgment. It's dressed in religious language, pretending to be truth, but in reality, it fosters comparison, criticism, and control. These tables aren't neutral, they're temptations meant to distract me from what's holy.

But when I walk with Jesus, He doesn't just walk beside me quietly. He acts. Like He did in the temple courts (Mark 11:15-17), He flips tables. He calls out what doesn't belong in sacred space. He drives out what seeks to take advantage of my longing for God. And like the temple He cleansed twice (John 2:13-17; Mark 11:15-19), He cleanses me - my heart, my thoughts, my motives. Because I am now His temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). His Spirit dwells in me, and He refuses to let unholy things take up residence. With Him, the tables lose their power. Without Him, I linger too long and start to believe their lies.

Personal Application

Take time this week to reflect on the tables in your path. What are the distractions you're most vulnerable to? Where have you been tempted to stop or settle? (Need a reflection on sins?) Ask Jesus to walk with you and to overturn whatever needs to go. This is not a one-time event. Just as Jesus cleared the temple at the beginning and end of His ministry, He lovingly returns to cleanse our hearts again and again.

You don't need to flip the tables alone. You need only walk with Him.

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for loving me enough to turn the tables in my life. Help me recognize the distractions that keep me from You. Overturn anything that doesn't belong in the temple of my heart. Cleanse me again and again, and walk with me every step of the way. I want to walk with You toward holiness - not just to look like a Christian, but to truly follow You. Amen.