Today I read Mark 11 which contain the stories of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on the colt and being hailed as the Messiah which of course infuriates the Pharisees. I can understand why the Pharisees did not believe Jesus was the promised Messiah, but I've never understood why they hated Him so much. Now, they obviously were a people who took their blaspheme very seriously, and perhaps that's all that it is. More likely though I suspect it was more a matter of pride. The Savior had on multiple occasions insulted and tricked the Pharisees by turning their own tricks against them, so maybe it was nothing more than wounded pride. We do know that there was at least 1 Pharisee who did not hate Jesus, although he was ashamed to be associated with Him. But we'll read more about him in John.
This chapter also contains the story of Jesus cursing the fig tree, although Mark oddly enough records that it was not the proper time of year for figs, which is more than what Matthew says about it. Matthew does not mention if it is the time for figs or not, he only records that Christ cursed the tree. Now, Joseph Smith did not correct this part of the story so it leads me to wonder, why would Jesus curse the tree if it was not time for the fig tree to bear fruit? I had always figured that it was because it was actually time for figs to be on the tree and there were none so Jesus cursed it. But this one little line changes that. We all know that the Savior is not one to do something just to show off His power, or without cause. So why would He curse the tree if it was not the time for figs? I must admit I do not have an answer for this one and will ponder on it. Maybe I will learn something I can share.
This chapter also contains the story of Jesus cleansing the temple of the money changers and the merchants selling animals for sacrifice purposes. When I was younger I used to wonder why Jesus was throwing them out. But when I went to seminary it was explained to me that these people were not just selling these animals near the temple, they were actually inside the temple itself, in the outer rooms. It would kind of be the equivalent of people selling temple clothing inside the modern day temples themselves. Could you imagine, going into the temple to worship and having a table setup inside with clothing for sale? Talk about not helping to get you in the proper frame of mind to worship.
This is also the second time Jesus cleanses the money lenders out of the temple, although Mark only records this one instance. In the beginning part of His ministry, John records that Jesus cleanses the temple and casts out the money changers and merchants and tells them that His Father's house is not a house of merchandise.However, at the end of His ministry when He cleanses the temple again, He states that it is His house. This is a very interesting distinction and I have often wondered what made the difference between the first time and this second time. He has not yet started the Atonement, so I can't help but wonder why the distinct change in it being His Father's house and now it is His house.
However, that distinction aside, this story has got me thinking about proper worship in the temple. Now, we all live frantic, hectic lives with many, many things vying for our attention. Some of them are bad, some of them are just time wasters and some of them are very good. But we all need to take the time out for proper temple worship for those of my readers who are Latter-day Saints. It is an important work that has to be done and we are doing it for those who cannot do it for themselves. The temples are built for a very specific reason, and ever since President Hinkley's revelation that we can build small temples, temples are closer than they ever were before now. It is a negligence to not use the temples that are around us and if it has been a long time since you have been to the temple, I really suggest you take the time to go and worship. You will be very glad you did. Until tomorrow.
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