What constitutes true worship? This is the theme we meditate on as we come to the middle of the Lenten season.
God reveals Himself in the giving of the 10 commandments. He introduces Himself as the sole God and any form of idol worship is therefore worthy of punishment. All worship is reserved to Him alone. Moses receives the laws under which the people must live in order to maintain a covenant relationship with God. This is a break from the pagan beliefs of the past where little was asked of worshippers other than that they worship. God is making His people a part of His family and that means they must devote themselves entirely to Him. This includes one day a week that is held back from man and given solely to God.
We can understand the zeal showed by Jesus as he cleansed the temple from that which was unclean.
The Jews ask for proof of the authority of Jesus, but the only proof He offers is one they cannot accept. It is a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. It is the cross.
Until the death and resurrection of the Messiah, the temple must be reserved solely and exclusively for prayer. Jesus’ cleansing of the temple foreshadows the new covenant. No longer will men sacrifice sheep and oxen in a house of stone and wood. The new temple is Christ Himself and the sacrifice He demands will be the sacrifice of our hearts and minds.
Pax Vobiscum
3rd Sunday of Lent
Jesus Cleansing the Temple, Rembrandt Van Rijn, 1635