Hey everyone! Today is such a pretty day! I should be outside with my kids before it gets too hot, but I have a feeling if I don’t go ahead and post–it won’t get done until late!! My little girl is running around, carrying her baby, and pushing a stroller….they sure like to mimick what mommy does. I have to be on my toes around her..but shouldn’t I be on my toes all the time?? God is always watching. Anyhow, let’s get started with Chapter 11. Please sit back and enjoy!
The Trimphal Entry: As they were getting close to Jersusalem, Jesus sent two of the disciples ahead of them to go into the village and get a colt that was tied up that no one had ever ridden before and bring it to him. He told them if anyone asks what you are doing…tell them the Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly. So, they did just that. When they brought the colt back to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, Jesus at on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the field. The people shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything, but since it was late, he went out to Bethany with the disciples.
Jesus Clears the Temple: The next day, Jesus was hungry. He saw a fig leaf in the distance. He went to see if it had any fruit. It did not. Then Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” The disciples heard Jesus say that. They went to Jerusalem. Jesus went to the temple area 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. He wouldn’t allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. Jesus told them that the temple was a house of prayer, but they had made it a den of robbers. The chief priests and teachers of the law heard this and began really looking for a way to kill Jesus. They were afraid of the way the crowds were amazed at his teachings.
The Withered Fig Tree: As Jesus and disciples went along, they saw a withered fig tree. Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered.” Jesus told him to have faith in God! Jesus continued, “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes what he says will happen, it will be done for him.” He, also, told them that when we pray, don’t hold on to anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you and your sins.
The Authority of Jesus Questioned: They went again to Jerusalem. While Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him. They asked him what authority are you doing these things. Jesus told them-if they could answer one question, he woudl tell them. The question was, “John’s baptism–was it from heaven, or from men?” The chief priests, teachers of the law, and the elders discussed it. They answered…we don’t know. Because of their answer, Jesus wouldn’t tell them what authority he was doing those things.
So, let’s clean out our temple…like Jesus cleaned out the temple. What’s in your temple–your heart? With all the baggage in the temple, is there room for Jesus? We can store so many evil things in our hearts. If we keep sinning, but do not ask forgiveness, then they stay right there in our hearts–bugging us. So, clean it out. Ask forgiveness and Repent!!! Make Jesus’ temple, our hearts, clean again for him. Make your heart a place of worship for Jesus. Forgive us, Lord!!! I’ll see ya here tomorrow for Chapter 12! God Bless You!
I love this passage of scripture. Good word!