Jesus cleanses his Father's house

Jesus Christ, the Son of God: a study in the Gospel of John
John 2:12-25
Jesus cleanses his Father’s house
Christ’s people must not cater to religious consumerism, but must believe the gospel and keep it pure and prominent

 1.   The House of God and a House of Business (vv. 12–17).

Why does John specify the Passover was the “Passover of the Jews” when this was widely known? What is the problem Jesus confronts in the temple (1 Kings 8:20, 29, 41-43, Zechariah 14:20-21; Malachi 3:1-4)? Why is Jesus so upset?

See the context for what the disciples would remember “that it was written, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me’” (Psalm 69:7, 9). How is Jesus ultimately “consumed” by zeal for his Father’s house, and for bearing dishonor and reproach (Hebrews 12:2)? If we love what Jesus loves, hate what he hates, with a passion that is like his, people will like us, right?

2.   A Challenge of Temple Authority (vv. 18–20).

Why were the Jewish religious leaders demanding a sign from Jesus? What “sign” does he say he will give them? In what way is this similar to what Jesus says in Matthew 12:39-40 when asked for a sign?

3.   The True Temple, the Body of Jesus (vv. 21–22).

What does John mean by his comment in v. 21 on Jesus’ answer to their request for a sign? How can people meet God today? What did the disciples believe about Jesus after he was raised from the dead?

What is the connection between the temple and us today? How should we apply what Jesus was prohibiting in the temple in his day to what we should guard against today? Give examples. What should we do instead? 

4.   Jesus’s Witness to the Nature of Humanity (vv. 23–25).

What sounds so encouraging about the response in v. 23? Why didn’t Jesus entrust himself to people? Was the problem with the signs? What was the purpose of the signs (20:30-31)? What is in us that keeps us from truly trusting in Jesus (Jeremiah 17:9)? What is the difference between false and true faith in Jesus?