- 1. In the biblical account of Matthew 21:12-13, we find a profound moment where Jesus, upon entering the temple in Jerusalem, is filled with righteous anger at the sight of merchants and money changers conducting their business within the sacred space. This scene unfolds as Jesus approaches the temple and observes the exploitation taking place, where what should be a house of worship has been turned into a bustling marketplace, filled with the clattering of coins and the cries of those selling animals for sacrifices. In a powerful display of authority, Jesus overturns the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves, declaring with fervor that, 'It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you make it a den of thieves.' His actions not only cleanse the temple of corruption but also challenge the social and religious norms of the day, reaffirming the sanctity of the temple as a place of worship and devotion rather than a venue for profit and commerce. This act symbolizes Jesus' commitment to purifying spiritual practices and returning the focus to genuine faith, as he confronts the corrupt exploitation of the faithful, thereby emphasizing the true intent of worship and the need for a sincere connection with God.
Which types of people did Jesus expel from the temple?
A) Sadducees and Pharisees
B) Publicans and sinners
C) Leaders and priests
D) Merchants and money changers
- 2. What did Jesus call the temple in Matthew 21:13?
A) A sanctuary
B) A market
C) A house of prayer
D) A fortress
- 3. What did Jesus say the merchants had turned the temple into?
A) A house of sacrifice
B) A gathering place
C) A place of worship
D) A den of robbers
- 4. What did Jesus use to drive out the merchants?
A) A whip
B) His hands
C) A stick
D) His words
- 5. What was the main reason for Jesus cleansing the temple?
A) To restore its sacred purpose
B) To gain power
C) To gather followers
D) To teach the people
- 6. After cleansing the temple, what did Jesus do?
A) He called his disciples
B) He healed the blind and lame
C) He returned home
D) He began preaching outside
- 7. Which group benefited from the commercial activities in the temple?
A) Pharisees
B) Worshippers
C) Romans
D) Merchants
- 8. What lesson can be learned from Jesus cleansing the temple?
A) Reverence for sacred spaces
B) Success in business
C) Authority of leaders
D) Power dynamics
- 9. How did Jesus view the merchants' activities?
A) As corrupt and exploitative
B) As traditional
C) As helpful and necessary
D) As justifiable
- 10. What did the money changers do?
A) Gave offerings
B) Counted donations
C) Sold sacrifices
D) Exchanged currency for temple use
- 11. What does the cleansing of the temple signify?
A) A political movement
B) A personal vendetta
C) A simple act of violence
D) Jesus' authority over religious practices
- 12. What does cleansing the temple demonstrate about Jesus’ character?
A) Indifference
B) Righteous anger
C) Weakness
D) Fear
- 13. When is the cleansing of the temple typically remembered?
A) At Pentecost
B) During Holy Week
C) During Advent
D) At Christmas
- 14. Who was expected to be the Messiah that the people awaited?
A) Peter
B) Paul
C) Jesus
D) John the Baptist
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