Christ as God: A Study in JohnSampl

What does it say?

Jesus changed water into wine and drove merchants and money changers from the temple.

What does it mean?

This chapter records contrasting responses to signs that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. The miracle in Galilee resulted from obedience to Jesus as an honored guest: “Whatever He says to you, do it.” In Jerusalem, greed and corruption blinded the eyes of Jewish leaders. They should have recognized Jesus as the Messiah they had studied in the Scriptures when He said He would restore the destroyed temple in three days. Instead, the religious elite challenged His authority because they failed to understand He was talking about His body, not the temple in which they met.

How should I respond?

Who is Jesus to you … someone you honor or an authority you challenge? Honoring Him is as simple as doing what He says is right and avoiding what He says is wrong. Obedience increases your awareness of attitudes that creep in and lead to sinful habits. What do you need Jesus to remove from your life today? Just as He cleansed the corruption from the temple, Jesus can clean anything out of your life that doesn’t reflect His righteousness; all you have to do is ask (1 John 1:9). As you read God’s Word, ask what He wants you to do today; then honor Him by obeying what He shows you.