A Life that Misses Him

How Should We Respond to Jesus?
A Life That Misses Him
John 2:12-25

5 Ways A Life can miss the truth of Jesus

1. When we become satisfied with religious convenience. (John 2:12-14)
   1. The sacrifices were right onsite, no need to travel with animals used in the sacrifice.
   2. There was obvious commotion, with all the activity in the courtyard.
   3. Whatever was going on, it was disturbing to Jesus.
2. When we are driven by our own personal gain. (John 2:15)
   1. The exchanges were on commission.
   2. We cannot serve God and money. (Luke 16:13)
   3. We are working for what profit? (Mark 8:36)
3. When we do not honor what is dedicated to God. (John 2:16-17)
   1. The commerce was abusing worship, God, and others.
   2. Is this house dedicated to the Father or simply a place to get my personal needs met?
   3. We are the temple of God (Romans 12:1)
4. When we have more religion than we do relationship. (John 2:18-21)
   1. Church attendance is not the end goal.
   2. How to keep teenagers from graduating God and the church after they graduate from high school?
      1. A meaningful relationship with Christian parents.
      2. A relationship with a mentor who is not a parent.
      3. A dynamic relationship with Jesus.
5. When we ignore the condition of our heart.(John 2:22-25)
   1. If we are not following, we are not believing.
   2. They believed in Jesus, but he did not entrust himself to them.
      1. “Entrust” is the same word “believe” in the previous verse.
      2. While they believed in Jesus, he did not believe in them – may this never be said of us as a church, or me as an individual.
      3. God help us to avoid shallow or superficial faith.

Questions for Further Study:

1. How do you feel after a much-needed bath or shower?
2. Why do we put off necessary cleaning (such as the bedroom, car, or garage)?
3. With whom did Jesus go to Capernaum? (John 2:12)
4. What time was it when Jesus went to Jerusalem? (John 2:13)
5. What did Jesus find in the temple courts? (John 2:14)
6. What did Jesus do in the temple courts? (John 2:15)
7. How did Jesus respond to those who were selling doves? (John 2:16)
8. What did Jesus’ disciples remember? (John 2:17)
9. What did the Jews demand from Jesus? (John 2:18)
10. How did Jesus respond to the demand from the Jews? (John 2:19)
11. What temple did the Jews think Jesus was talking about? (John 2:20)
12. What temple was Jesus talking about? (John 2:21)
13. When did the disciples remember what Jesus had said? (John 2:22)
14. How did the people respond to Jesus’ miracles? (John 2:23)
15. What was Jesus’ response to those who believed in Him? (John 2:24-25)
16. How has Jesus cleansed our lives?
17. What does Jesus still need to clear out of our lives?
18. What do we demand from Jesus?
19. How do we attempt to use the church to our own advantage?
20. In what ways do people accuse the church or believers of being corrupt or hypocritical?
21. What sign has Jesus given us to believe in?
22. Why is it sometimes hard to recognize how God is working in our lives?
23. What will you ask Jesus to clear out of your life this week?
24. What demanding attitude do you need to change today?