Luke 19, Part 4

Scripture: Luke 19:45-48

Observation: Jesus shows His authority to the religious leaders by cleansing the temple. He drives out those who were selling there, telling them the temple is to be a house of prayer (Isaiah 56:7), not the den of thieves they've turned it into (Jeremiah 7:11). What was being sold were items used for sacrifice that were of inferior quality, and the money changers also exchanged Greek and Roman coins for half-shekel temple tax, adding on surcharges. Then Jesus goes on to teach daily in the temple. The religious leaers want Him dead, but they can't find a way to do it. The crowds are spellbound by His teachings.

Application: Jesus was not afraid to show His authority because He knew the authority belonged to Him. He declared Himself King and went in the temple as such. I declare myself a Christian; do my actions show it? Can I be looked at and declared a follower of Jesus by my words and actions, or would people be surprised to hear it?

Prayer: Holy Father, I want to stand out as one of Your children, as a follower and disciple of Jesus, as one who has the Holy Spirit living in me and guiding my life. I never want to be ashamed of who I am in You. You have given me reason to live, to love, and I want to share that joyful hope with others. May everyone around me see You when they look at me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.