Weekly Ministry Tip #7 Fall 2013
Zeal for God
After Jesus had turned water into wine in Cana, we see in John 2:11-13, He traveled to Capernaum and then after a few days went on his first recorded trip down to Jerusalem. While in Jerusalem Jesus participated of the observance known as “The Passover of the Jews…”
In John 2:14-17 Jesus entered the large outer Court of the Gentiles area where He saw tables that were set up for the moneychangers and merchants that were selling animals for sacrifices during the Passover. This outer court area was mainly where the Gentiles would go for quiet prayer and worship. However, this was a great distraction to non-Jewish worshippers who traveled to the temple.
Jesus experienced a zeal for God that led Him to drive the moneychangers and the animals out of the temple area. This was the first big confrontation with the religious leaders that began to place Him into conflict with their practices and corruption. He declared war on the hypocrisy of these religious leaders. This opposition with these priests and their hostility would ultimately end with His crucifixion. This was God’s plan from the very beginning – His sacrifice for the sins of many.
Jesus said in verse 16, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” The disciples remembered in verse 17 that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” By recording this statement, one point John was making was to reinforce in the minds of the believers that Jesus was the Messiah, as prophesied in the OT.
Jesus was revealing Himself more and more to His disciples, his enemies and to everyone who would listen. His enemies ended up crucifying Him, others doubted, and others saw Him for who He was, the Son of God, the Messiah who could cleanse them from their sins. That is also what God has called us to do. We are to help as many, in our place of ministry, understand who Jesus is and they can have a relationship with the living God.
Next Steps
Continue to think through a fun but meaningful evangelistic effort in your school or living situation, to make Jesus an issue and encourage spiritual conversations everywhere. One of the easiest surveys to use to help you meet new people, understand their story, and give you a chance to share the gospel message is the Quest 1.0 survey. You can find it here: (go down to page 4 of this article) – http://crupressgreen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Surveys-and-Questionnaires.pdf
Here is an article with ideas and opinions on using the “Knowing God Personally” (KGP) booklet. You’ll be encouraged by the writer: http://crupressgreen.com/kgp-awkward-outdated-or-invaluable-to-college-ministry-discuss/
Be sure to ask your staff coach to help you learn to share your faith. God wants to use you to tell others about Jesus our Messiah.
Talk to you next week,
Ben with Cru
Orlando, FL