Questions:

• In what areas of your life do you feel the need to “put on a good show”? To give the appearance that you have it all together?

• In what areas of your life do you need to take “bear fruit”? To back up your claims with action?

• Do you need to forgive anyone so that God can forgive you (Mark 11:25)?

Parent can say: The second day of Holy Week is called “Holy Monday.” On this day, we are reminded that Jesus cleansed the Temple in Jerusalem. The Temple was a special place given by God to instruct His people about the right way to worship Him. It was a place to offer sacrifices for sin, and a place to pray. It was meant to be a holy place.

Jesus saw that the merchants were taking advantage of those who had traveled a long distance to celebrate Passover. The temple was supposed to be a place of worship, but the merchants had turned the temple into a giant Walmart! Jesus got angry, but did not sin. His anger was not from selfishness or pride. After Jesus cleansed the Temple, people were drawn to Him because He was not there to take advantage of them. He was there to share God’s message of forgiveness.

Watch: Clearing the Temple

Questions:

• Why did God give His people a Temple? (to worship Him and pray)

• Why was Jesus angry? (the merchants were taking advantage of people and made the temple a place that wasn’t holy)

• Have you ever gotten angry? What happened? (Pay particular attention to your child’s answer. Most answers may be because of pride or because a child didn’t get his/her way. Discuss how Jesus’ anger was different and not sinful.)