Forgiveness is Free

In Matthew 21:12-13, Jesus capped his triumphal entry into Jerusalem by clearing out the temple. He rid His house of those who were buying and selling. But why did he call it a “den of robbers”, and why was Jesus so angry?

Note that the people at the tables were “selling doves.” Don’t pass over this. Additionally, I don’t think it’s too much to presume that they were probably selling the doves for more than the MSRP. Why is this important?

The doves were used for the sacrifices that were required for the people of Israel. Most families and clans had come from far and wide and were probably not able to bring their own animal for sacrifice. As a result, they had to buy a dove at whatever the asking price was.

Not only was this highway robbery, but it made Jesus angry for even another reason. The doves were used for sacrifices for the sins of the people. The people were selling forgiveness! And they were selling it at a high cost! Jesus was angry, because forgiveness is free – and in a week he was going to prove it.

This reminds me of something else that happened in the early 1500s. Martin Luther tacked up his 95 Theses to combat the unbiblical actions of the Catholic Church. Specifically here, I am reminded of Luther’s chastisement of the church because they were requiring the purchase of indulgences. Again, they were selling forgiveness. And again, right in the church building. But Luther knew that forgiveness was free.

So I wonder what the church of today is doing to sell forgiveness. What are we requiring of people before we allow them to meet Jesus and his true forgiveness? Are we trying to change the sin of a person instead of showing them the gift of forgiveness? Are we selling them something as a prerequisite to meet Jesus?

Today, I’m thinking that forgiveness is free...although let us never forget that it was very costly for Jesus.