1. 1 Ritual and Relationship John 2:12-25 The Building The Body The Believers

2. 2 The Building  “the Lord’s Passover” – Ex. 12:11  “the Passover of the Jews”  Removal of leaven – each household  Light shines in darkness – Malachi 3:1-3  1 Corinthians 5:6-10  Colossians 3:5 Ritual and Relationship John 2:12-25

3. 3 The Resulting Picture 1.A blinded priesthood – John 1:19-26 2.A joyless nation – John 2:3 3.A desecrated temple – John 2:16 Ritual and Relationship John 2:12-25

4. 4 The Body  A challenge of their authority  They demanded a sign  1 Corinthians 1:22  The ultimate sign missed  A word for resurrection  Ah, I remember now … Ritual and Relationship John 2:12-25

5. 5 The Believers  Many believed – faith based on signs  Jesus was not entrusting – same word  Deity of Jesus – only God knows hearts  The Fall – 1 Timothy 2:14  Sinai - Exodus 32:4; Exodus 20:2-6  The Cross – Romans 5:8 Ritual and Relationship John 2:12-25

6. 6 Emphasis of Jesus’ Deity  As God, He cleansed the temple with zeal  As God, He predicted His resurrection  As God, He truly knew men’s hearts The Process of Salvation  God’s hatred of sin and impurity  God provides new life in Christ  God’s provision comes only through genuine saving faith Ritual and Relationship John 2:12-25

7. 7 You are the temple of the Holy Spirit, living stones! What is the leaven in your life? How has your relationship with God faded into ritual? On what signs from God are you waiting? Ritual and Relationship John 2:12-25