“My house shall be called a house of prayer. You have made it into a den of thieves.” – Jesus (Mark 11:17)
Jesus strongly condemned and protested the corruption on and around the temple grounds. When religious leaders allowed their house of worship to be corrupted by idolatry and mockery, they fundamentally obstructed people’s ability to connect with God and one another. (See Isaiah 56:7)
In response, Jesus overturned their tables and chairs, driving out anyone selling or buying on the temple grounds. He refused to comply with the corrupt religious rules of that house of worship. Instead, Jesus restores order and reaffirms its true purpose: prayer.
Mark 11 clearly shows how the religious leaders, upon witnessing Jesus’s actions, immediately began plotting His death. Yet some Christians online have declared that anyone protesting their Church’s service could and would be shot on sight. This is a betrayal of the Gospel.
A pastor in Minnesota continues to serve as the acting field director of ICE, despite how ICE is executing its duties in that city. One can argue that this, too, is a betrayal of the Gospel.
This situation reminds me of Matthew, the despised tax collector for the Roman authorities in Galilee, who was associated with betrayal and greed. When Jesus says, “Follow me,” Matthew courageously abandons and renounces his former life.
This is a prophetic message for Christians and the Church today!
Christians and pastors involved in roles that dehumanize people made in God’s image must boldly reject and condemn evil practices—they must renounce and denounce them.
Christians must advocate for dignified, humane, and just practices. We must stand firm and speak out when people are being treated improperly. This is not optional—it is our prophetic witness and calling.
Question: As a Christian or someone outside of the Christian faith, what do you think Christians’ and the Church’s response should be to the injustices happening in America?
Josh Samarco 