Sermon Discussion - John 2:12-22
Here’s a few sermon discussion questions to help our church love God by applying his word to our lives. Feel free to use these questions for personal reflection, alongside your family, within a smaller discipleship/journey group, or even within the context of your Life Group. If you missed Sunday’s sermon from John 2:12-22 you can view it online here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNloDmJXWvU
TPQ – Thought Provoking Question:
When you hear the word worship, what comes to mind?
or
In the sermon introduction, I shared a few ‘optical illusions’ found in creation. Share a memory when you have been thrown off by an optical illusion?
Restored:
The temple was seen as a place to come and worship God. What do you know about the temple and the things that were to take place there?
Jesus zealously wanted to remove the obstacles that was preventing the gentiles to worship. How can we continue to remember Jesus removing the ultimate object (our sin) that prevents us from truly worshiping God? 1 Peter 3:18, 2 Cor 5:17, Galatians 2:20
Replaced:
What does Jesus mean when he says ‘destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it?’
In light of the passage, how is the temple being/going to be destroyed?
What does the temple ultimately represent? Can you identify some verses or passages that talk about God dwelling with his people? Gen 1:26-31, Gen 2, Gen 3:9, Ex 33:12-23, Ex 40:34-38, Lev 26:11-13, 2 Sam 7:1-17, John 1:14, Rev 21:1-4
Consider the implications of the church being the temple (along with Christ) from the following verses: 1 Cor 3:16, Ephesians 2:20-22, 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1 – How do we respond in worship to God in light of these verses?
Raised:
Why do you think John stops the dialogue between Jesus and the Jewish leaders with a question in verse 20? (Hint – the editorial note provided in verses 22 & 23)
Can you identify the difference between science and miracles? How can they co-exist? Are there any questions within the Christian life that you would like to find out more information on? If so, how can your Life Group help you with some of those questions?
Can you identify any of the evidence for the resurrection? Can you think through some practical implications in light of Jesus being raised from the dead?
Since God has intervened in the world and allowed not only his presence to come to us but also we can now be in his presence because of our faith in Christ. How would you say we are to respond in worship? Mark 12:28-34, Romans 6:11, Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 4:25-28, Psalm 40:6-8, Proverbs 21:3
BONUS STUDY!
Compare the temple cleansing account in John to the accounts in Matthew 21:12-16, Mark 11:15-19 and Luke 19:45-47.
What are some similarities in the passage?
What are the differences? (Jesus’ focus, the quotes from the OT, context of the passage)
Jesus has a passionate zeal in this passage; some would even classify it as anger. Why is Jesus so fired up here? Can you think of verses or biblical characters that exemplify anger for the good or righteous motivations?
Next time you get angry, stop and ask these questions – why is this so important to me right now? What am I desiring (deep down) that’s causing me to respond with anger? How can I fix my eyes on Christ and respond with worship in light of the present circumstance?
Next week’s passage: John 2:23-3:8. We suggest you take some time read it and pray for our church in preparation for next week’s Gathering.