Mark 11:17
And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Mark 11:17
In Mark 11:17, Jesus quotes Isaiah: “Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.” This central teaching reframes the temple’s purpose as a house of prayer for all nations, a hub for relationship with God and intercession for the world. The “den of thieves” accusation targets a corrupted system that exploited the vulnerable and prioritized profit over prayer. Jesus’ teaching here underscores the missional heart of God: worship that flows into generosity and outreach, to include Gentiles and all peoples. It also links judgment against corruption with a call to restorative worship—a worship that centers prayer, justice, and humility.
This statement crystallizes key theological themes: God’s desire for accessible, prayerful worship for all nations; the integrity of sacred space; and the ethical demand that worship leads to ethical living. It connects worship with missional outreach and social justice. The phrase “house of prayer for all nations” anticipates the church’s global mission and the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s covenant.
Practically, reflect on how your local faith community embodies a “house of prayer” for all people. Do your worship and gatherings provide space for diverse voices, languages, and needs? Do you engage in prayer that intercedes for neighbors near and far? Practical steps: host intercessory prayer times; support international missions; ensure hospitality to newcomers and the marginalized. If you oversee a ministry, design spaces that welcome diverse cultures and provide practical support—language access, accessibility, and open invitations to explore faith. Let prayer catalyze mission and justice, turning sacred space into a launchpad for loving neighbors.
Cross-References: Isaiah 56:6–7; Acts 2:17–21; Romans 1:5; 1 Timothy 2:1–4