Sweet Little Jesus

Here are notes from my sermon at Hesston MB today.

Opening Illustration- Casting Crowns “Sweet Little Jesus Boy”

 

Background- Jesus first sign was turning water into wine in vs. 1-11. What was the purpose of the miracle? To prove his power and that He is God & reveal His glory.  Reminder of who Jesus is (chart from Brad’s sermon 1/9/14)

 

(Vs. 12-17) Jesus & Sacrifice (His Love)

• Vs. 13-What is the Passover?
• Refer to Brad’s sermon last week- Lamb of God-Exodus 12:26-27      
• Vs. 14-What did Jesus see at the temple?
• Men selling cattle, sheep and doves & others exchanging money-Other Gospels write about a different cleansing during the final week of Jesus life whereas John writes about a cleansing during his early years. Most scholars agree he begins and ends his public ministry in this way.
• Leviticus 1:3-9 (burnt offering-make atonement-bull, sheep, doves); 4:2-21(sin offering-bull)-necessary for people’s sacrifices and forgiveness
• It was a convenience to the people. Money changers were needed to exchange foreign currency so people could purchase sacrifices and pay temple tax.
• Vs. 15-What did sweet little Jesus do?
• Made a whip and drove all from the temple, scattered the coins, overturned tables.
• Why? Often we focus on Jesus’ anger & use this passage to explain how anger is not a sin since Jesus never sinned.
• However, I wonder if Jesus is more concerned about obstacles to forgiveness and focus off of Him. Could it be that Jesus sees firsthand the burden of the sacrificial system?
• 1 Corinthians 5:7
• Vs. 16-What did he say to those who sold doves? Those who were poor
• Get these out of there! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a market!” This is a place of worship not a market.
• Legitimate activity, but wrong place. Talking on cell phone during a play or concert, screaming during a lecture, laughing at your boss or teacher
• However, they profited out of this.  Charged high fees. Exploited situation for personal gain.
• Often, we add to what is good and it becomes about religion instead of relationship.
• Go Deeper, Law & Pharisees
• Vs. 17-Quote of Psalm 69:9-Psalm of David-zeal for worship

(Vs. 18-22) Jesus & Signs (His Power)

• Vs. 18-How did Jews respond? Prove to us (by miracles) that you have authority to do this.  Why should we listen to you? Indicates their lack of belief.
• Vs. 19-Jesus’ response-Destroy this temple & I will raise it in 3 days
• Vs. 20-Jews response-How? It took 46 years to build.
• Vs. 21-Jesus was speaking about His body
• Focus on physical rather than spiritual
• Matt Chandler quote
• Vs. 22-After resurrection, disciples remembered he had said this.  Then they believed Scripture and Jesus’ words. This is also what the priests used as reason to crucify Jesus (Mark 14:58, Matt. 26:61) and in insulting Him while of cross (Matt. 27:40, Mark 15:29)

Closing: What do we remember?  Let’s remember the goodness, greatness and faithfulness of Jesus who was the once and for all sacrifice for sins because of His love and who did and does signs for His glory because of his power.  In your bulletin, list the ways you have experienced the love and power of Jesus Christ.