This morning Pastor Alex continued the study of Matthew that we began two years ago. This morning finds us in Matthew 21:12-22, which occurs right after the Triumphal Entry. Jesus goes into the Temple and in His righteous anger, begins to turn over the tables as He rebukes the money-changers and reminds them that “My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you make it a den of robbers.” This fulfills prophecy from Malachi 3:1! Why is Jesus so passionate:

1. His name and His Father’s presence was there. Isaiah 56:7

2. He cares about His glory – when we pray, He is made much

3. He longs for the intimacy with the Father. He wants us to walk in that blessing.

4. He has chosen to do things on earth through the prayers of the saints.

Jesus not only spoke with passionate authority, but he demonstrated His power too. In verse 14, He healed a blind man and a lame man. Then he quoted Psalm 8, which speaks to His authority.

After cursing a fig tree, which is the symbol of covenant blessing for Israel, He speaks to His disciples and says, “…but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

The mountain that they were standing near had already been moved. King Herod took one mountain and put it on top of another to build His fortress palace called the Herodian. That mountain represented everything that stood against Jesus and His plan. He told His disciples that if they put their faith in Him, anything impossible could be accomplished!

1. If Jesus was that passionate about the Temple (where His Father dwelled), how passionate do you think He is about you? How do you want to respond to that?

2. What is the greatest impossibility in your life today? (prodigal, broken relationship, illness, financial resources, etc…)How have you approached that impossibility in the last 3 months?

3. Knowing prayer in faith can “move mountains”, how do you feel about that impossibility now?

Father, You are worthy of my praise. I choose today to turn my attention and my affection towards You. Father, too often I let my fears or discouragement get in the way of my faith in You. I trust that You know my circumstances, and that You care deeply about them. This impossibility _______________________________ in my eyes seems too big to move, but I trust that You can. Father, I choose to remember today that I am the Temple of God, and Your Spirit resides in me now. Please teach me how to pray in faith for the things that benefit Your renown, and help me have faith to trust You.