When the Church Harbors Crooks

Jesus doesn't like that.

It’s the contrast between what Jesus throws out of the temple and what the chief priests and teachers of the law wanted to. They were apparently okay with the money exchange, but not with children declaring praises to Jesus.

Often, preachers ponder aloud and tease out just what might be going on in the Church today that would be enough for Jesus to toss ‘em out.

…a hideout for crooks.

Is the Church harboring any crooks these days?

Matthew 21:12-17

Then Jesus went into the temple and threw out all those who were selling and buying there. He pushed over the tables used for currency exchange and the chairs of those who sold doves. He said to them, “It’s written, My house will be called a house of prayer. But you’ve made it a hideout for crooks.”

People who were blind and lame came to Jesus in the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and legal experts saw the amazing things he was doing and the children shouting in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were angry. They said to Jesus, “Do you hear what these children are saying?”

“Yes,” he answered. “Haven’t you ever read, From the mouths of babies and infants you’ve arranged praise for yourself? ” Then he left them and went out of the city to Bethany and spent the night there.

Prayer

God,

Don’t let us compromise your glorification.
Don’t let us conflate the issues.
Don’t let us control for power.
Don’t let us confound your word.

Move us to compassion.
Instill us with care for you and your people.
Give us commitments to righteousness and justice.
Fill us with courage and confidence in who you are above the things of this world.

By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.