Monday Morning

Monday Morning

Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were 

buying and selling.  He overturned the tables of the money changers 

and the benches of those selling doves. 

“It is written,” He said to them, “My house will be called a

house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers.”

The blind and the lame came to Him at the temple,and He healed them   

But when the chief priests and the keepers of the law saw the wonderful things 

He did and the children shouting in the temple area, 

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”  they were indignant.

“Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked Him.

“Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read,

‘From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise.’”

And He left them and went out to the city of Bethany

where He spent the night.

John 21:12-17

On Monday of Holy Week, Jesus walked from Bethany to Jerusalem, hoping to teach in the temple.  When he arrived, however, he found a biblical version of the Chicago stockyards - bustling with the cacophony of greedy men selling the animals needed for sacrifice.  The strident cries of those hawking their overpriced goods left no room for prayer, song or contemplation.  Jesus drove them all out, down to the last dove: as He scattered the animals, the display tables, and their ill-gotten gains, it all vanished.

Only then did the common people come forward, including the blind, the lame, the shattered, and the lonely.  Even the children came, shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David!”  The priests weren’t happy, but I dare say the people were thrilled.  The religious leaders plotted and fumed, while Jesus healed and taught.

Does your day sound like an endless chorus of demanding voices?  Or are you surrounded by a deafening silence?  During this time of social distancing, both noise and silence can be overwhelming.   Take a moment and reach out to a friend today.  Give them a call to let them know that you are thinking of them.  Chat for a few minutes; have a prayer together.  Encouraging them will encourage you. 

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Come, Christians, join to sing:  Alleluia!  Amen!

Loud praise to Christ our King:  Alleluia!  Amen!

Let all with heart and voice before His throne rejoice!

Praise is His gracious choice:  Alleluia!  Amen!

Come, lift your hearts on high:  Alleluia!  Amen!

Let praises fill the sky:  Alleluia!  Amen!

He is our guide and friend; to us He’ll condescend.

His love shall never end: Alleluia!  Amen!

(The United Methodist Hymnal No. 158)