Jesus in the House

John 2:13-25

Jesus discovers people conducting business on Temple grounds. (13-14)

Jesus surprises everyone with his passionate response. (15-17)

Three groups of people respond to their encounter with Jesus:

1. The Jewish leaders were devout, but proud. (18-21)

2. The Disciples were confused, but committed. (22)

3. The Many were excited, but fickle. (23-25)

How do you respond when you encounter Jesus?

1. Read verse 13. For what occasion did Jesus go up to Jerusalem? What is the Passover and why was it being celebrated (see Exodus 12:21-27)?

2. Read verses 14-17. How would you describe the situation that Jesus found in the Temple when he got to Jerusalem? Why do you think people were acting this way? What did Jesus do and why do you think he was so upset? How would you evaluate Jesus’ actions? Were his actions justified? Why or why not? What did the disciples think of Jesus’ actions?

3. Read verses 18-22. What was the attitude of the Jews in Jerusalem toward Jesus after the incident in the Temple? Why do you think Jesus responded the way he did? What was Jesus trying to communicate? How did the words of Jesus here plant a seed that encouraged the disciples years later? How do these words of Jesus encourage you in your faith?

4. Read verses 23-25. Why do you think Jesus was hesitant to entrust himself to the people who were impressed with the signs he performed? What do you think “for he himself knew what was in man” means in verse 25? Why do you think verses 23-25 are included here at the end of this tense action-packed scene in the Temple?

5. So what? What types of practices in the church today correspond to the actions we see here in the Temple? What does this teach us about what we should do to protect the integrity of our church? What do you learn about Jesus in these verses that encourages you in your faith?