Daily Bread

1. Why did Jesus weep? (41-44)

Although the crowds enthusiastically shouted his praise, Jesus knew that the city would reject him as the promised Messiah. Jerusalem, of all cities, should have recognized his entrance as the coming of God to them. They could have known peace and salvation, but now it was too late. Their spiritual eyes were blinded and God's judgment would fall upon them in the years to come. This broke our Lord's heart. His desire is for all people to turn to him and be saved. Jesus continues to weep over the lost today and he longs to enter the hearts and lives of those who repent of their sins and accept the peace and forgiveness he offers.

2. Second, Jesus restores the temple (45-48)

Jesus entered the temple courts and witnessed the rampant extortion and corruption. The Court of the Gentiles was filled with money changers and merchants who charged exorbitant prices for their services. Instead of being a place where foreigners could come and meet God in worship and prayer, the temple had become a den of robbers. Jesus drove out those who were selling and began to teach the word of God. The people hung on his words because his words are the words of life. Restoring the temple was our Lord's first priority.