God’s House
Matthew 21:12-16 (ESV)
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.”
And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read,
“‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies
you have prepared praise’?”
Study Guide Questions:
Observation Questions
Observation Questions focus on gathering facts and identifying key details. This can include repeated words, themes, and characters). Observation asks "what does the text say?" not "what does the text mean?" It is not intended to go into interpretation or life application yet. Observations provide a crucial foundation for accurate interpretation and application, preventing misconceptions.
What observations do you note in today's passage?
What specific purpose does God give for His house?
Who is included in this vision?
In the temple cleansing story, what groups did Jesus confront and how did their actions disproportionately harm the poor?
What does the fig tree’s lack of tukwash (edible buds) symbolize about religious performance without genuine fruit?
Interpretation Questions
Interpretation Questions focus on interpreting what has been observed. The goal is to try to understand the original author's intended meaning and purpose for the intended audience. Interpretation bridges observations with life applications. It will consider key terms, explores context, and answers "why" to uncover the main point.
What are some key points that resonated with you from the message?
Why did the temple’s layout matter for how Gentiles were treated, and how did this contradict God’s design?
What is the significance of Jesus calling the temple a den of robbers?
Life Application Questions
Life Application questions are intended to transform knowledge gleaned from observations and interpretations to practical application in your life. These questions are intended to move the facilitator and the participant from understanding what the text meant to how it applies to daily life. Life application questions are intended to transform listeners into doers, bridging biblical truth with current circumstances to foster personal transformation and spiritual maturity.
What is your key take away from the message?
In what practical ways can our group actively create space for “outsiders” (e.g., newcomers, marginalized, skeptics) to encounter God?
The sermon warns against replacing costly obedience with convenience. What’s one area where you’re tempted to prioritize convenience over wholehearted worship?
“Leaves without fruit” describe performative faith. How might you move to Spirit transformed fruitfulness?
How might our small group become more like a “house of prayer”—not just in meetings, but in everyday dependence on God?
Children with “no clout” led worship in the temple. Is there someone in your life (e.g., a child, a quiet coworker, an overlooked neighbor) that models a faith that challenges your pride or self-sufficiency?