Mark 11:17
What a contrast! Jesus’s message on this occasion was easy for anyone to grasp. The evidence of the truth of his words was all around. Everyone knew why the setup was like it was. They all knew the temple elite were getting rich off of everyone. Indeed, many of the Jews living in Jerusalem likely benefitted from the arrangement. Bilking the visitors of their extra dough was easy for the residents. Rather than looking forward to prayer, the visitors could expect to spend much of their earnings for their trouble.
Heavenly Father, you are worthy of our attentions. We tend to give our best attention to our greatest interests. You should be at the top of the list. Other things must not crowd you out of our lives, nor can we compartmentalize you. You are primary, and you influence everything. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.