Have you ever wondered what it would be like if Jesus walked into our churches today? Would He be pleased with what He sees, or would He start flipping tables? In a recent sermon I heard by Pastor Jason Cruise, he explored a moment in Jesus’ ministry that challenges our understanding of worship and what it means to be the church.
The Day Jesus Lost His Cool
Jesus is often known for His love and gentleness. One day, He walks into the temple, creates a whip, and starts driving people out. He flips tables, scatters money, and yells at everyone to leave—a far cry from the “gentle Jesus, meek and mild” we often imagine.
This might make you think, What got Jesus so riled up? And what can we learn from it today?
When God’s Mission Becomes an Institution
One key lesson from this event is that “judgment comes when His mission becomes an institution.” Jesus was furious because the temple, meant to be a place of connection with God, had become a stale religious institution more concerned with rules and status than true worship.
This is a warning for us today. It’s easy for churches to become more focused on structures, processes, and attracting people than on serving the Savior. As Pastor Cruise often says, “The structures are always there to serve the Savior, not to become it.”
When Worship Becomes Novelty
Another issue Jesus confronted was that worship had become hollow – all appearance with no substance. He condemned the fig tree with leaves but no fruit, symbolizing this empty religiosity.
This challenges us to examine our own worship. Have we turned it into a show or a novelty? Pastor Cruise says, “You will know what a church cares about based on what it talks about.” If we’re more concerned with having great music, entertaining sermons, or impressive programs than with truly encountering God, we’ve missed the point.
The Power of Prayer and Submission
So what does Jesus want from His church? He declared, “My house will be called a house of prayer (CSB).” (Matthew 21:13) This isn’t just about praying more; it’s about cultivating an attitude of submission and dependence on God.
Pastor Cruise’s second point in his sermon was: “God grants access to His power when He’s approached through submission.” Prayer is the ultimate act of humility, acknowledging our need for God. And it’s in this context of humility and hunger for God that true transformation happens.
You Are the Temple
Here’s the revolutionary part: Jesus wasn’t just cleaning up the old system. He was introducing something entirely new. One of the quotes from this sermon I clung to was:
“He was wiping it clean, and he wasn’t going to rebuild it. He was going to redefine it. And the way he was going to redefine it is that you no longer had to come to the temple to experience the power of God because all of a sudden, you are the temple, and the power of God is now inside of you.”
This is the incredible reality for believers today. We don’t go to a building to meet God; we carry His presence wherever we go.
Putting It Into Practice
So how do we live out these truths? Here are some practical steps:
1. Examine your heart: Are you approaching God with genuine humility and hunger?
2. Prioritize prayer: Make seeking God’s presence a non-negotiable part of your daily life.
3. Be the temple: Look for ways to bring God’s presence into every situation you encounter.
4. Guard against institutionalism: In your church involvement, always keep the focus on Jesus and His mission, not just on maintaining structures.
Let’s commit to being a people who truly seek God’s presence and power, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out. As we do, we’ll become living temples that bring His light and love to a world in desperate need.
This blog post was adapted by Molly Atkins from ClearView Baptist Church’s sermon by Senior Pastor Jason Cruise on September 22. To watch the full sermon, click HERE.
