And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching.

Mark 11:12-25

And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching. Mark 11:18

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 11:12-25.  Excerpts from the commentary's second (of three) division (vv15-19):

• The title of the second division per the commentary is "Jesus Will Condemn What Promises One Thing but Delivers Another." 
• "We call what we read in verses 15-19 “the cleansing of the temple.” It is actually its condemnation. It is Jesus’ critique of false religion. It is not too strong to say He hates it. I am inclined to believe there were actually two cleansings: one early in His public ministry (John 2:13-22) and one at the end of His ministry (Matthew 21:12-16; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-47). The acted-out parable of the cursing of the fig tree now finds its fulfillment and reality in our Lord’s assault on those He identifies as a “den of thieves” (Mark 11:17), a hive of spiritual robbers!"  
• "The Jewish historian Josephus tells us that in one Passover year (AD 66), 255,000 lambs were bought, sold, and sacrificed in the temple courts (Edwards, Mark, 341). Pilgrims were requested to bring an acceptable (perfect!) sacrifice that had to pass a rigorous inspection. Most chose—were really forced—to buy an approved animal certified by the mafia of temple priests backed by the powerful and corrupt Sanhedrin. The markup was shameful and immoral. Some estimate they charged 16 times the normal price (two pigeons normally sold for $0.25 now sold for around $4.00). Money-changers would exchange foreign currency, which was unacceptable for transaction in the temple, into Jewish currency, again for an outrageous fee. Jesus saw extortion, bribery, greed, and dishonesty in this religious bazaar. He got physical in righteous rage and indignation, and He cleaned house! Burning with passion and purity, He restored, at least for a moment, the temple of God to its rightful purpose."  
• "Verse 17 brings us to the heart of our Lord’s anger over what His temple has become. The text says by His actions and His words, “He began to teach them.” He then quotes from Isaiah 56:7, “My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.” However, now citing Jeremiah 7:11, He declares, “But you have made it a den of thieves!” So much is here! Only Mark includes the crucial phrase 'for all the nations.'"  
• We are warned about the state of the American church and how it is failing to produce the fruit God seeks. Jesus came to create a kingdom for all nations.  "Israel missed this, and too many of our churches do as well—both at home and in their concern for the nations. And as the chief priest was mainly at fault, so are many pastors today. A genuine revival in this area will succeed or fail on the back of our religious leaders."   
• "It was popularly believed that when the Messiah came He would purge the temple of Gentiles. Instead, Jesus comes and cleanses the temple for Gentiles. Israel’s religious show with all its glitz and fanfare was an empty embarrassment. Instead of bringing people into God’s presence they obscured it until no one could find Him. Jesus effectively said, 'Enough! Your charade is over.'"  
• "Jesus’ protest caught the attention of the Sanhedrin (v18; see also v27)! He had called them out. Little wonder that the religious elite wanted to destroy Him. And the stakes are now much higher. It was one thing for Jesus to antagonize the country lay preachers, the Pharisees. It is something else to take on the chief priest and the powerful Sanhedrin. A showdown is on the horizon."
• We are exhorted to read the entirety of Jeremiah 7 and see God's anger towards Judah and a warning to repent of its wickedness with a promise of God's mercy only if they repent.

This warning applies to all of humanity but in particular to the church that God established to produce fruit. 

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My Prayer: Father God You are an awesome God who loves and saves...You provide mercies that never cease and are new every morning.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor the mercies You pour out daily in inexhaustible supply.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.