Have you ever thought of God grieving? What could an almighty God possibly be moved to grieve about? Today we will discuss this topic as we look at Jesus Who is the one perfect representation of the heart of God… weeping. (John 1:1-5 & 18; John 14:7-9; Colossians 1:15-18; 2:9; Hebrews 1:1-4)

Today’s text reveals what grieves God and what even angers Him.

But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. Before long, your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you from every side. They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not recognize it when God visited you.” Then Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people selling animals for sacrifices. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.” After that, he taught daily in the Temple, but the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the other leaders of the people began planning how to kill him. But they could think of nothing, because all the people hung on every word he said.” (Luke 19:41–48, NLT)

Jesus cleansed the Temple to deliver God’s holy place from the corrupt religious vendors twice, once in the beginning of His ministry and once again just before His crucifixion. Cleansing the world from corrupt religious practices and false representations of Him seem to be high on God’s priority list. 

As we look closely at today’s text consider how you and I might need some “house cleaning” before we can be fully presentable before God. Before Jesus taught in the Temple, He first cleansed it. 

Prayer: “Jesus, cleanse and purify me. Make me teachable and useable by Your Holy Spirit. Forgive me of, and deliver me from, my sins.

Pastor Mike