Initial Holy-Week Confrontations with the Religious Leaders

July 17, 2022 PM, Matthew 21:12-17.

I am struck on the initial reading of this passage that Jesus went into Jerusalem, visited the temple, saw it needed some tidying up, and then cleaned it out in preparation to work there in the upcoming days. He was cleaning up his workspace! When Jesus came into the city, he was making a public announcement of Himself as king. Verse 17 tells of our Lord’s departure back to Bethany to stay for the night. He did not have a home in Jerusalem to stay and the city was packed with worshippers, so he stayed where he had made other arrangements. Tuesday would see continued confrontation with the religious leaders. Notice how the Lord judged some of the people but also exercised mercy toward others. Behold the goodness and severity of God (Romans 11:22).

Our Scripture reading was found in 2 Chronicles 18:1-34.