The Gospel of John- Part 6: Jesus Clears theTemple - John 2v13-25// February 8th, 2026
Teaching overview
Riley Taylor continued the series in the Gospel of John in chapter 2, showing how Jesus cleansing the temple reveals his deep passion for God’s presence and his opposition to anything that blocks people—especially the marginalized—from encountering God. He explained that Jesus was not only correcting corruption but pointing to himself as the new and true temple, the place where God now meets humanity. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, God’s presence is no longer limited to a building but is available to all through the Holy Spirit.
Our prayer for your Community
Jesus, thank you that through your death and resurrection we have direct access to the presence of God. Search our hearts this week, remove anything that crowds you out, and help us live as people who carry your presence with humility, love, and openness to others.
Group questions and further meditations:
Jesus’ Zeal for God’s Presence
Meditation:
Jesus’ strong reaction in the temple shows how deeply he values God’s presence being accessible to all people. His zeal invites us to consider what we truly value and protect in our own spiritual lives.
Question:
What does your time, energy, or emotions reveal about what you value most, and how does that align with Jesus’ passion for God’s presence?
2. From Sacred Space to Living Temple
Meditation:
Jesus declares himself to be the true temple, and through the Holy Spirit, God now dwells in his people rather than a building. This means God’s presence is meant to shape our everyday lives, not just our church attendance.
Question:
How does seeing yourself as a “temple of the Holy Spirit” challenge or change the way you approach your daily choices, habits, or relationships?
3. Removing What Crowds God Out
Meditation:
The cleansing of the temple reminds us that even good or religious things can crowd out space meant for God. Jesus invites us into honest self-examination so his presence can be restored and made central.
Question:
Is there anything—busy schedules, self-reliance, past hurt, or distraction—that might be crowding out space for God in your life right now, and what is one small step you could take this week to make room for him?
