MARK 11:15–19
CLEANSING OF THE TEMPLE
Text – Mark 11:15–19
15 They came to Jerusalem, and on entering the temple area he began to drive out those selling and buying there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves.
16 He did not permit anyone to carry anything through the temple area.
17 Then he taught them saying, “Is it not written: ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples’? But you have made it a den of thieves.”
18 The chief priests and the scribes came to hear of it and were seeking a way to put him to death, yet they feared him because the whole crowd was astonished at his teaching.
19 When evening came, they went out of the city.
Introduction
In this dramatic scene, Jesus enters the Jerusalem Temple and cleanses it of corruption. His actions are not merely a protest against commerce but a prophetic declaration of judgment on a system that had lost its spiritual purpose. The Temple, meant to be the dwelling place of God and a house of prayer for all nations, had become a marketplace where worship was overshadowed by greed and exploitation. By overturning the tables, Jesus reveals His divine authority and zeal for His Father’s house, fulfilling the prophecy of Malachi and prefiguring the new Temple of His Body, which would replace the old order through His death and resurrection.
Historical and Jewish Context
The Temple in Jerusalem was the center of Jewish religious life, particularly during major feasts when pilgrims came to offer sacrifices. The money changers exchanged Roman coins (bearing the image of Caesar) for Tyrian shekels, the only currency accepted for the Temple tax. Vendors sold animals for sacrifice, often at inflated prices, making worship inaccessible for the poor. This trade took place in the Court of the Gentiles—the only area where non-Jews could worship. By filling this space with commerce, the leaders effectively excluded the nations from prayer. Jesus’ reference to Isaiah 56:7 (“My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples”) and Jeremiah 7:11 (“You have made it a den of thieves”) denounces both the exploitation of worshippers and the spiritual corruption of the Temple’s leadership.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple signifies His authority as the Son of God and the reformer of true worship. Theologically, it foreshadows the replacement of the old Temple with His own body (John 2:19–21)—the new and eternal dwelling of God among His people. In the Church’s understanding, Jesus’ action also calls for the continual purification of the heart, the true temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Every believer must examine whether the sacred space of the soul has been filled with distractions, pride, or greed. The zeal of Christ reveals His love for authentic worship that unites all peoples. His quotation of Scripture shows that genuine prayer is inseparable from justice, mercy, and holiness.
Parallels in Scripture
Isaiah 56:7 – “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”
Jeremiah 7:11 – “Has this house, which bears my name, become a den of thieves?”
Psalm 69:9 – “Zeal for your house consumes me.”
John 2:13–22 – The cleansing of the Temple at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry.
Malachi 3:1–3 – The Lord will come suddenly to His temple to purify it.
Key Terms
Temple – The sacred place of God’s presence, now fulfilled in Christ Himself.
Money Changers – Those who exchanged currency for offerings but often profited unjustly.
House of Prayer – The true purpose of the Temple, symbolizing communion with God.
Den of Thieves – A metaphor for hypocrisy and exploitation within religion.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This passage is proclaimed during Lent and on the feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica—the mother church of Christendom. It reminds the faithful that churches are sacred spaces for worship, not for personal or material gain. The liturgy calls believers to interior purification before participating in the Eucharist. The Church, as the Mystical Body of Christ, must continually reform herself to remain a true house of prayer for all peoples.
Conclusion
The cleansing of the Temple demonstrates Jesus’ divine authority and His passion for true worship. God’s house is meant to be a place of holiness, justice, and prayer. When religion becomes corrupted by greed or hypocrisy, it ceases to serve its purpose. Christ’s action invites every believer to cleanse the temple of the heart and to make worship sincere, free of self-interest and deceit.
Reflection
Do I treat God’s house—and my own heart—as a sacred place of prayer? Have I allowed worldly concerns to clutter my spiritual life? Jesus calls me to renew the temple within, to honor God with purity and reverence, and to make my life a dwelling of His presence.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, zealous for Your Father’s house, cleanse my heart from all impurity and selfishness. Make me a living temple of Your Spirit, a house of prayer and love. Renew Your Church that she may always reflect Your holiness and truth. Amen.