Jesus journeyed into the city with other Jewish pilgrims on Monday morning. As they approached the temple, the outer courts had transformed overnight into a buzzing marketplace. Pigeons flapped in cages, sheep tugged at their ropes, and the voices of money changers rang out as they bartered at steep rates.
“And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, saying to them, ‘It is written, My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.” — Luke 19:45–46
Tables overturned. Merchants scattered. Jesus cleared the chaos in a holy act of love and justice to make space for his people. “The blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them.” (Matthew 21:14) Children shouted praises. People hung on his every word. In the middle of the chaotic mess, Jesus was still ministering.
Can you picture it? The sounds of animals, the cries of the sick, the whispers of the Pharisees just waiting for him to mess up. The air was tense, yet Jesus stood firm, offering healing, truth, and forgiveness. He reclaimed the temple as a place of holy ground.
Jesus entered into the mess to make room for us. He cleared out what didn’t belong. He prioritized prayer and being with the Father. He made room for good things to flourish. He held space despite the Pharisee's judgment and increasing pressure from the people to “do” something to save them.
Holy Monday invites us into this same kind of heart-work.
Where have we allowed distraction or performance to creep into spaces meant for worship? What tables need to be flipped in our own lives to make more room for God?
Jesus isn’t intimidated by our mess. He steps right into it.
He doesn’t scold; he clears.
He doesn’t condemn; he calls us closer.
He takes on our mess to make a way for us to enter his holy presence.
What clutter—externally or internally—is crowding out space for Jesus? Where is God inviting you to slow down, listen, and be with him?
Pray: Jesus, show me the tables that need to be overturned in my heart. Sweep away what’s not from you. Make space for authentic worship this week—quiet, honest, Spirit-filled communion with you. Help me draw near, even in the mess. Amen.
Scripture: Matthew 21:12–17, Mark 11:15–19, Luke 19:45–48