Matthew 21:13

And He declared to them, "It is written: 'My house will be called a house of prayer.' But you are making it 'a den of robbers.'"

Study Bible

It is written
This phrase underscores the authority of Scripture in Jesus' teachings. The Greek term "γέγραπται" (gegraptai) is in the perfect tense, indicating a completed action with ongoing relevance. Jesus often used this phrase to affirm the enduring truth and divine authority of the Scriptures. By saying "It is written," Jesus connects His actions to the prophetic and legal traditions of the Old Testament, emphasizing that His mission is in fulfillment of God's revealed word.

He said to them
This phrase highlights Jesus' direct communication and authority. The Greek verb "λέγει" (legei) is in the present tense, suggesting a vivid and immediate action. Jesus is addressing the people in the temple with authority, confronting them directly. This direct address signifies the importance of His message and His role as a teacher and prophet.

'My house will be called a house of prayer.'
This quotation is from Isaiah 56:7, where God declares His temple to be a place for all nations to worship. The Greek word for "house" is "οἶκος" (oikos), which can mean both a physical building and a household or family. The temple was intended to be a sacred space for communion with God, emphasizing prayer as a central act of worship. The phrase "house of prayer" signifies the temple's intended purpose as a place of spiritual connection and devotion, open to all who seek God.

But you are making it
The contrast introduced by "but" (δέ, de) highlights the deviation from God's intended purpose. The Greek verb "ποιεῖτε" (poieite) is in the present tense, indicating an ongoing action. Jesus accuses the temple authorities and merchants of actively transforming the temple from a place of worship into something profane. This phrase underscores human responsibility and the consequences of straying from divine intentions.

'a den of robbers.'
This phrase is a reference to Jeremiah 7:11, where God condemns the people for turning His house into a place of corruption. The Greek word for "den" is "σπήλαιον" (spelaion), meaning a cave or hideout, and "robbers" is "λῃστῶν" (lēstōn), referring to bandits or thieves. The imagery suggests a place where wrongdoers gather, highlighting the moral and spiritual corruption present in the temple. This condemnation serves as a powerful critique of the religious leaders' failure to uphold the sanctity of God's house, turning it instead into a place of exploitation and injustice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is asserting His authority and fulfilling His role as the Messiah by cleansing the temple.

2. The Temple in Jerusalem
The sacred place where Jews gathered to worship God. It was meant to be a place of prayer and communion with God.

3. Money Changers and Merchants
Individuals conducting business in the temple courts, turning a place of worship into a marketplace.

4. The Chief Priests and Scribes
Religious leaders who were responsible for maintaining the sanctity of the temple but were complicit in its misuse.

5. The Crowd
Witnesses to Jesus' actions and teachings, representing the general populace who were affected by the temple's corruption.

Teaching Points

The Sanctity of Worship
The temple was meant to be a sacred space dedicated to prayer and worship. We must ensure that our places of worship remain focused on God and not on worldly pursuits.

Righteous Anger
Jesus' actions demonstrate that there is a place for righteous anger when God's holiness is compromised. We should be zealous for God's honor and integrity.

Personal Reflection
Just as Jesus cleansed the temple, we should examine our own lives and remove anything that hinders our relationship with God.

Community Accountability
The religious leaders failed in their duty to maintain the temple's sanctity. As a community, we must hold each other accountable to uphold God's standards.

Prayer as a Priority
Jesus emphasizes the importance of prayer. We should prioritize prayer in our personal lives and communal worship.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jesus' cleansing of the temple challenge our understanding of righteous anger and its place in our lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our places of worship remain focused on God and not become distracted by worldly concerns?

3. Reflect on your own life as a "temple" of the Holy Spirit. What areas might need cleansing to better honor God?

4. How can we, as a church community, hold each other accountable to maintain the sanctity of our worship spaces?

5. Considering the emphasis on prayer in this passage, how can you incorporate more prayer into your daily routine and communal worship?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 56:7
This verse is the source of Jesus' quote about the temple being a "house of prayer." It emphasizes God's desire for His house to be a place of worship for all nations.

Jeremiah 7:11
Jesus references this verse when He calls the temple a "den of robbers," highlighting the corruption and hypocrisy of the religious leaders.

John 2:13-17
Another account of Jesus cleansing the temple, emphasizing His zeal for His Father's house.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Paul speaks of believers' bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, drawing a parallel to the physical temple's intended holiness.