Lifegroup map 2/8/09 “Get out of God’s way” John 2:13-17
Please choose any of the following Ice breakers:
(Everyone doesn’t have to answer the same one… pick one you like!)
What was the highlight of your week?
How have MP3 players and Ipods changed your household?
What’s your reaction when you step in used-gum in a parking lot?
Life exploration time: Read out-loud John 2:13-17
Brief background:
Folks traveling into Jerusalem to observe the Passover feast (Jn 2:13) were required to exchange their “common” money for “temple” currency to be allowed to make any vows or contributions to Temple treasury. Also, to offer an animal sacrifice they could only offer animals the priests considered 100% perfect; without spot or blemish. Since it could be difficult for a weary traveler to produce an acceptable animal, “pure” animals could purchased at the Temple grounds.
History reveals the currency exchange and animal sales were both offered at over inflated prices… Both the attitudes and the corrupt practices of the Temple officials, who tended these affairs, presented sizable hurdles for people who genuinely wanted to Worship God… Our passage seems to indicate Jesus was confronting these “excepted” attitudes of insensitivity and corruption.
~ How were the people in JN 2:14 guilty of dishonoring God and making it more difficult for people to simply worship God?
~ Keeping in mind that the practices described in JN 2:14 were fully acceptable by the standards of their day… What would your personal reaction to Jesus have been if you were with Him (Either as His disciple or simply an onlooker) while He was weaving a whip and then using it??
~ How could Jesus’ response (Jn 2:15-18) be an example for Christians to emulate today?
~ In what ways is it possible that Christians today could be unintentionally making it more difficult for “outsiders” to connect with God?
Personal reflection:
How will I remove barriers and help other people see God more clearly this week?
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