Commentary on Luke 19:46

Verse: "Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves."

Contextual Overview

The passage occurs during the final week of Jesus' earthly ministry, specifically following His triumphant entry into Jerusalem. This act of cleansing the temple reveals Jesus’ righteous anger towards the corruption of worship. The temple, intended as a place of prayer and communion with God, had become perverted and commercialized.

Theological Insights

1. The Purpose of the Temple:

• House of Prayer: The temple was designed as a place for worship and prayer, emphasizing the relationship between God and His people (Matthew Henry).
• Communal Worship: Jesus’ reference to the temple highlights God’s intent for communal worship, where society could gather to seek Him (Albert Barnes).

2. The Corruption of Worship:

• Den of Thieves: This phrase indicates the mercenary attitude of those who were exploiting worshippers for personal gain (Adam Clarke). This not only included the money changers but also the high priestly system that permitted such trades.
• Judgment Against Hypocrisy: The passage serves as a warning against turning genuine worship into a profit-making enterprise. The juxtaposition of the temple's intended purpose against its reality highlights God's displeasure (Matthew Henry).

Detailed Commentary

Jesus' Actions:

In this event, Jesus actively demonstrates His authority by cleansing the temple. His actions serve as a prophetic act against the corrupt practices that had infiltrated the space dedicated to God. He overturns tables, signaling that such activities will not be tolerated within His house. This not only emphasizes His role as a reformer but also His identification with the prophetic tradition of Israel, which often included calls for repentance and purity (Albert Barnes).

Fulfillment of Scripture:

The quotation from Isaiah (Isaiah 56:7) indicates that Jesus sees Himself as fulfilling and re-establishing the original purpose of the temple. His assertion that the temple is a "house of prayer" reclaims it as a sacred space meant for divine encounter and communion (Adam Clarke). Conversely, the “den of thieves” imagery draws from Jeremiah 7:11, connecting Jesus to the prophetic tradition of denouncing false security and corruption in religious practices.

Practical Applications

1. Encouragement for Authentic Worship:

Modern readers and worshippers are called to reflect on their own practices. Are they engaging in authentic worship, or has it become mechanized and routine? This passage emphasizes the necessity of sincerity and truth in worship.

2. Call to Accountability:

Church leaders and congregants are reminded of their responsibility in maintaining the sanctity of worship spaces. Acts of injustice and corruption within the sphere of religion are not condoned and should be addressed (Matthew Henry).

3. Jesus as the Reformer:

Believers are challenged to imitate Christ's zeal for purity in worship. This deep-rooted desire for righteousness showcases His commitment to God’s standards, urging us to be similarly passionate about the integrity of our spiritual lives and communities (Albert Barnes).

Conclusion

This passage is not merely a historical account but serves as a timeless message for all believers. It poignantly illustrates the character of Jesus as both gentle and fierce, calling readers into deeper worship and sincerity. By reminding us of the original purpose of God’s house, this scripture invites introspection and a re-evaluation of our worship practices, both individually and collectively.