Jesus has two temple clearings in the Gospels.

John 2:13-17 (earlier in His ministry) and

Mark 21:12-14 - Jesus went straight to the Temple and threw out everyone who had set up shop, buying and selling. He kicked over the tables of loan sharks and the stalls of dove merchants. He quoted this text:

My house was designated a house of prayer;
You have made it a hangout for thieves.

Now there was room for the blind and crippled to get in. They came to Jesus and he healed them.

So how do we create an atmosphere that's welcoming to others.

Jonah 1:15-17 - They took Jonah and threw him overboard. Immediately the sea was quieted down. The sailors were impressed, no longer terrified by the sea, but in awe of God. They worshiped God, offered a sacrifice, and made vows. Then God assigned a huge fish to swallow Jonah. Jonah was in the fish’s belly three days and nights.

What happened to Jonah and Asa that weakened their faith? How do we respond is tough times? How do we keep our faith strong and our eye on God and not ourselves?

1- Listen to those speaking truth to us.

2- Seek God first and before people every time

3 - Remember and recount all God has done for you

2 Chronicles 16:7-9 - Just after that, Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said, “Because you went for help to the king of Aram and didn’t ask God for help, you’ve lost a victory over the army of the king of Aram. Didn’t the Ethiopians and Libyans come against you with superior forces, completely outclassing you with their chariots and cavalry? But you asked God for help and he gave you the victory. God is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him. You were foolish to go for human help when you could have had God’s help. Now you’re in trouble—one round of war after another.”

Matthew 10:21-23 “When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family. There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate! But don’t quit. Don’t cave in. It is all well worth it in the end. It is not success you are after in such times but survival. Be survivors! Before you’ve run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived.

Jesus has some incredible advice for His Disciples and it's just as meaningful for us!

Verses 24-39 - be pleased when you get the same treatment I do, don't be intimidated, don't be silent because of threats, stand up for ME, don't think I came to make like easy, and forget about yourself and look to Me!

Don't forget to take a look at the entire chapter because Jesus also shares some great advice from verses 1-20 as well.