For All the Nations

Scripture:

He was teaching and saying, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.”

(Mark 11:17 NRSV)

Observation:

This is Mark’s account of Jesus entering the temple and overturning the tables of the money changers. The story would not have been lost on the Gentile readers in Rome, for Jesus was making his way through the courtyard that was to have been the space for Gentiles to pray. This space had now become occupied with those who were changing money and selling sacrificial animals. That business actually needed to be done, but it was where they were doing the work that was a problem. By using the space for the Gentiles they had, in essence, said that the Gentiles would not be allowed to come and pray. God had always anticipated that the Jewish faith would be an evangelistic faith. The business of the temple had turned it into a den of robbers, a place where they were robbing the Gentiles from becoming a part of God’s people. This was to be a place of prayer — for all nations!

Application:

Each one of us occupies space in this world. This includes space where we live, with our family, at work, and yes, even in church. The great challenge of this passage is to consider whether the space that we are occupying becomes a barrier to the gospel for others. 

This whole scene is sandwiched between the two comments about the fig tree. Jesus is trying to teach his disciples about what it means to bear fruit, which is to be active in the kingdom of God. Fruit bearing is the result of a hospitable spirit and welcoming lifestyle. This is how evangelism is to be done. 

Space is supposed to be provided for those who may not be just the same as us. Jesus was angry when this area was occupied for the wrong reason. The Lord’s house is to be a house of prayer for all nations. 

In a practical sense this ought to make us examine how our spaces of worship are utilized. Unconsciously (or even consciously) one congregation may think of themselves as the primary or dominant group. They believe they have the right to the best hour in the sanctuary and to the nicest rooms in the building! But what if God is wanting to do a work through those “Gentiles” who are supposed to have space? What if the “other” group is really the hope and future for the ministry of the church and we are refusing to give them a place. If so, we have become a “den of robbers” — robbing them of the place that they are supposed to have. 

This was Jesus’ indictment on those who thought they were doing all the right business of the church. The church is to be a place for all the nations. A house of prayer for all who would want to worship becomes a reflection of the temple that God   intended from the very beginning. Every church and every believer is to be a part of the evangelistic mission of God. All are to provide welcoming communities where no one will be robbed of their place to worship God. 

Prayer:

Lord, help us to resource all that we have toward bearing your fruit. Amen.