Matthew 21:12

Arabic Bible AVDDV 1999 (الكتاب المقدس (تخفيف تشكيل))

ودَخَلَ يَسوعُ إلَى هَيكلِ اللهِ وأخرَجَ جميعَ الّذينَ كانوا يَبيعونَ ويَشتَرونَ في الهَيكلِ، وقَلَبَ مَوائدَ الصَّيارِفَةِ وكراسيَّ باعَةِ الحَمامِ

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes Jesus entering the temple and removing those who were selling goods there, including moneychangers and dove-sellers. He overturned their tables and seats to show that the temple should not be used for commerce but for prayer and worship.

Explained for Children

Imagine if your school was turned into a big market where people bought and sold things instead of learning. Jesus came into the temple, which is like God's house, and he cleared out all those who were turning it into a marketplace. He wanted everyone to remember that this special place should be used for prayer and talking with God.

Historical Background

Matthew wrote his gospel around 80-90 AD, aimed at Jewish Christians and others interested in understanding Jesus as the Messiah. This event took place during Jesus' final week before His crucifixion, where the temple's commercial activities were disrupting its true purpose of worship and prayer.

Living It Out Today

In a modern scenario, if you see a church or community center being used for purposes that detract from spiritual growth and communal support, like turning it into a store or office space, you could take action to remind others about the importance of keeping these places sacred and focused on faith and community.

Topics

• temple
• worship
• commerce
• prayer
• righteous anger
• sanctuary

Related Verses

• Mark 11:15-17
• John 2:13-16
• Isaiah 56:7
• Jeremiah 7:9-11
• Psalms 69:9

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Jesus angry when he cleansed the temple?

Yes, but his anger was righteous. He was upset that God's house was being used for commerce rather than worship.

How did this event affect the temple worshippers at the time?

It would have shocked many and served as a powerful reminder of the true purpose of the temple, which is to be a place of prayer and not commerce.

What can we learn about Jesus from this action in Matthew 21:12?

We see that Jesus had strong principles and was willing to take bold actions to defend what he believed was right, especially when it came to matters of faith.

How should churches today apply the lesson from Matthew 21:12?

Churches should ensure they are focused on spiritual growth and service rather than being commercialized or used for purposes that detract from their core mission.