“He Healed Them” (Matthew 21:14)

During the last week of His earthly life, the Lord took the time to clear the temple of money changers, restoring its sacred nature as a “house of prayer” (Matthew 21:13)—a place where women and men may commune with God. Once the temple was again a sacred, holy space, Jesus Christ compassionately healed people there:

“And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them” (Matthew 21:14).

We learn two important lessons from this event. First, we show love for God by honoring sacred spaces—this includes our hearts, our minds, and our homes—and striving to keep them clean from sin and corruption. Second, God wants to heal us and help us become true disciples of Christ, especially when we are weighed down by burdens as imperfect people living in an imperfect world.

Invitation: Open Your Heart to Greater Love

What is something you could do this week to prepare to receive the Savior’s compassion or healing? Is there something in your physical space that needs to be removed, changed, or cleaned up? Is there something in your heart or mind that needs to change? The Lord invites us on this day—and every day—to become clean and whole as we seek Him, ask for forgiveness, and repent.

Questions

What came to your mind as you thought about small or large changes you might make in your life to prepare to receive the Lord’s help and healing?
What is one step you can take today to create more holy and sacred space in your life?

Record Your Impressions

Video

Song

“More Holiness Give Me,” Hymns, no. 131

Activity for Children

illustration of a family eating dinner on a blanket on the floor

Read this story from the Friend and have your own “Jerusalem dinner.” As you eat, share your favorite stories from the Savior’s life.