FROM SEEING TO BEING

DAY 2: John Chapter 2

11 “This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.”

13 It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. 14 In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; He also saw dealers at tables exchanging foreign money. 15 Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers’ coins over the floor, and turned over their tables. 16 Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!”

17 “Then his disciples remembered this prophecy from the Scriptures: “Passion for God’s house will consume me.””

23 “Because of the miraculous signs Jesus did in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration, many began to trust in him.”

Main Point: What we see, impacts what we believe, what we believe impacts what we do.

Whether we realize it or not, the vast majority of issues we face are related to what we believe. The mission of One Shot Church is to combat this issue of unbelief. This wedding miracle in John 2 was the first miracle of Jesus and began to show His true significance and power. The disciple’s belief in Jesus was initiated when they saw what Jesus did. The same concept applies today. An accurate vision of Jesus’ actions leads to a sincere belief in His identity. Jesus desires, specifically in 2020 and always, to show you His character through His actions. His actions will be rooted in love.

Later in John 2, we see Jesus taking further action. It seems a bit peculiar to envision our savior, who is often portrayed as meek and mild, literally whipping things into shape. However, we can see Jesus' actions were driven by His beliefs. He was extremely passionate about the honor of His Father's house, and therefore, when merchants and money changers did dishonorable things He was driven to take action. The temple was intended to be a place focused on connecting with God. Jesus was so consumed with passion for this purpose, He could not sit idly by and watchin things go off course.

We are now God's temple. Not just the corporate church, but also, the individual believer. How much more is our Lord consumed with a passion for us versus a physical building. The gospel is Jesus took action on our behalf to pay for the sins we never could, and bring us by faith into right standing with God. Seeing His passion for the temple implicates His passion for us, and can inspire us to have a passion for both the gospel and others.

Deeper Focus:

- What have you personally witnessed Jesus do?

- What inspires your belief in Jesus?

- Reflect on the things you are most passionate about in life. Ask God to show you His passion for you. What (God inspired) actions are your passions leading you to take in this new year?