Who is this man?

What did he do? Why does it matter?

We tend to relate to Jesus in one way… But he’s bigger than we imagine!

John’s gospel - water into wine. Then… Resistance as he challenges the world view of the Jewish leaders.

Understanding the temple: the beating heart of Judaism Focal point of the nation. Worship and sacrifice were made here. God was found here.

John 2: When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 To those who sold doves he said,

“Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” 17 His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.” 18 The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” 20 They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in

three days?” 21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.

Jesus’ actions were outrageous! Dinah Roe Kendall

Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market! v16 This isn’t Jesus being cross about churches having a book desk!

This is what the kingdom looks like when the king comes. Massive opposition. What sign can you show to prove your authority? v18 Jesus’ cryptic answer: Destroy the temple and I will raise it again in 3 days. v19

But the temple he had spoken of was his body. v21 He symbolically stops the flow of sacrifice. Freedom will forever be found in him.

The temple wasn’t wrong. But it was intended to be a signpost to Jesus. And he was now out on the streets – being the temple; the place to find God.

The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighbourhood. John 1:14 This is a profoundly challenging world view.

Samaritan woman: John 4 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem. v20 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you - I am he.” v26

Where do people find life? What do they have to do to get in? The good news continues to be the good news. Free access to him and his presence.

An amazing thing… Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? 1 Cor 3:16

Our aim? To know Jesus And to make him known.

Through our values…

Through our dreams for our town… After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken. v22

Everyone gets to play

Being naturally supernatural

Acts of generosity and compassion

Acts of kindness, friendship and service

2 Cor 6: 4 – 10 People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly... in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we’re beaten up, jailed, and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we’re telling the truth, and when God’s showing his power; when we’re doing our best setting things right; when we’re praised, and when we’re blamed; slandered, and honoured; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumoured to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, yet having it all.

Jesus is on the move in our town. Will we partner with him?

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life - your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life - and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it….God brings the best out of you...Rom 12: 1 - 2

Next week: Who is this man? Jesus: Making all things new