Day One

Scripture: John 2:12-25.  Jesus Bible pg. 1612

Observation: After the wedding the disciples get to hang out with Jesus and His family for a few days.  They get to see Jesus away from everyone else.  They see His personal life.  Sometimes, when we get to see people this up close and personal, we see their “real” self and it is not so nice.  However, it is cool to think the disciples got to see this side of Jesus and they REMAINED with Him. As they grew in their knowledge of Jesus, their faith got deeper too. The same thing happens with you and me.

So it is the Jewish Passover, a big Jewish holiday and everyone is gathering in Jerusalem to worship.  (The Passover in the book of Exodus pointed to Jesus’ life in a big way.  Every part of the Bible points to Jesus.)  When Jesus and His disciples get there, they find people selling all kinds of stuff to take advantage of them and make a big profit.

Write down what happens next?  How does Jesus react?  As a disciple standing there, are you surprised at what Jesus did?  Why/why not?  Do you understand why he went all “Indiana Jones” on the merchants in the temple?

Application: Jesus, God with skin and sandals on, got angry.  Real angry. Jesus was jealous for God’s name and His reputation.  He did not want anything to damage it.  He did not want anyone to think that buying and selling animals had anything to do with a personal relationship with the living God.  People were more concerned with marketing religion that having a vibrant, passionate relationship with God.

It is easy to turn what is meant to be a living relationship into a dead religion!  God wants your heart, all of your passion, all of our love.

WHAT CONSUMES YOU?  Is it stuff?  Is it being well-liked?  Is it looking good in the mirror?  Is it the position on the team?  Is it grades?  These all be can be good things if not carried too far.  These can all be good things, if they do not become more important than the one who made you and loves you like crazy beans.

Prayer.  Make this your consuming prayer:  God I want Your name, Your fame and Your glory to be the things that drives me.  I want you to have my heart completely.

Remember, just talk to God.  Tell what is on your mind and heart.  Don’t try to sound religious or churchy.  Be real.

You are loved big time!  Be strong and courageous today!  Rock this day.  Love ya tons!