A Den of Thieves

What Jesus Meant When He Called the Temple a Den of Thieves?

As I ponder the passage in Scripture in which Jesus cleansed the Temple of the money changers, I wonder about its relevance for today's churches. Yet, some individuals may think that the cultural differences between Jesus' time and modern churches make it difficult to apply this passage. Cautiously, some individuals may allude to the fact that Jesus' actions were a symbolic demonstration of His authority over the Temple. Please understand that during Jesus' three-year ministry on Earth, He ran the money changers from the Temple on two different occasions, indicating that Jesus, with all His authority, will never interfere with man's free will.

Nevertheless, the practicality of such relevance is more important to our modern churches than ever since the revenue generated Sunday after Sunday tends to gravitate as a priority for some churches.

12 And Jesus went into the Temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the Temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, 13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

(Matthew 21:12-13)

When Jesus referred to the Temple as a Den of Thieves, he likely criticized the profitable activities within the sacred space designated for Gentiles and women to worship. His statement highlighted the misuse of the Temple for profit rather than focusing on its intended purpose of worship. If you reread the passage, you will notice that Jesus forced all, including the merchants (sellers) and patrons (buyers), to leave the designated area. Therefore, all who were linked to this profit-sharing understood Jesus' message from His action. Remember, every male age 20 and above had to make an annual sacrifice at Jerusalem. Therefore, the individual who traveled a great distance for convenience could purchase their offering at the Temple. Even the males who lived in the city without access to animals could conveniently purchase their animal sacrifice at the Temple. This convenience became profitable for the vendors, forcing the priests to accept only animals purchased at the Temple to sacrifice. For example, A pair of doves could cost as little as 4p outside the Temple and as much as 75p inside the Temple. This is almost 20 times more expensive.*

*(Guzik, D. (6/2022). Study Guide for Matthew 21 by David Guzik. Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/matthew/matthew-21.cfm)

Now, fast-forward to the age of technology and social media. Think about the number of church programs you attended last year for profit-sharing. In other words, did you attend church programs designed to acquire funds or entertain others, resulting in more monetary payment?

Jesus restated the Old Testament writing by saying, My house shall be called the house of prayer. Prayer is necessary to maintain our spiritual health. For instance, we go to the gym to maintain our physical health. Likewise, we attend church to exercise our spiritual health. At the gym, you pay a monthly fee to exercise as much as needed to maintain your physical health. Is it appropriate to do the same at church as well?

I understand the need for funds to operate a ministry; even Jesus paid the Temple tax during His ministry on Earth. Yet, the sole purpose of the money changers who set up in the Temple courtyard was to gain a profit. Finding a balance between financial needs and spiritual needs in our church operations is essential. While churches need the necessary funds to operate and fulfill their mission, the primary focus must lead to spiritual growth instead of financial profits. It is crucial to understand that the pursuit of profit cannot overshadow the core purpose of the church, which is to provide a place of prayer and worship for everyone.

So, avoid membership in the Den of Thieves Club and become active worshippers and prayer warriors for every church program.