Mark 11:15-18 :27-33   "And they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple and began to cast out those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of those who were selling doves; and He would not permit anyone to carry goods through the temple."

It is the day after the "triumphal entry".. Jesus has announced His kingship by coming into the holy city on a donkey's colt.  The people had shouted "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" He had judged the barren fig tree. He now judged the unholy works taking place in the Father's House. 

" Is it not written, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations? But, you have made it a robber's den."  The chief priests and scribes "heard this and began seeking how to destroy Him; for they were afraid of Him, for all the multitude was astonished at His teaching." (v18) 

They wanted to know what authority He had.  These men who knew the Word of God.. knew that they were in the wrong and He was right.. these men questioned the Son of God about His authority to rule in His House.  They were afraid of Jesus.. they were afraid of the multitude.. they were afraid to admit that John was a prophet or that Jesus was the Messiah.  Because of their fear they chose violence instead of repentance. 

What a picture of our world today!  Those who want authority of their own.. refuse to submit to the rightful authority of God. They fear their own loss of power so they choose to cut down those who have God-given roles of leadership.. They persecute God's servants. But.. we need to remember that Jesus has "all authority in heaven and earth".  He has overcome the world!  He is King of kings and Lord of lords. There may not be a temple in Israel now.. but there is a House of Prayer in the Presence of our Holy God and we must not neglect it.. He tells us that we can come boldly to the Throne of grace to find help in the times of need.  It is a place of prayer for all the nations.. It is a place for us to find Jesus.. the True "balm in Gilead" 

Father in heaven, hear our prayers.. that Your name would be kept holy in every place.. that Your Kingdom would come in power, in peace, in joy, and in truth;  that Your will would be done in each of us that You have made.  We are asking.. that we might receive more of Jesus.  We are seeking that we might find You.. We are knocking that the door will be opened and we can come into Your Presence today.. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit we pray. In Jesus' name. Amen.