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“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 merchan- dise 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.’”” (Mark 11:15–17, NIV)


When Jesus entered the temple in Jerusalem, he found that it had been turned into a marketplace. The sacred space meant for prayer and worship had been desecrated by greed and exploitation. In righteous anger, Jesus cleansed the temple, driving out those who defiled it.


This event not only reveals Jesus’ zeal for pure worship but also serves as a reminder that we, too, are temples of the Holy Spirit. Lent is an invitation to invite Jesus to cleanse our hearts—the places where sin and distractions may have taken over. Just as He cleansed the physical temple, He longs to purify us, making our hearts a place of true worship and devotion.


Challenge: What areas of your life need cleansing today? Are there distractions or sin that are hindering your relationship with Jesus?


Prayer: Lord, cleanse my heart as You cleansed the temple. Remove any distractions or sin that keep me from fully surrendering to You. Amen.