John 2:12-17

Daily S.O.A.P. Prompts

S – What verse stands out to me today?

O – What is God revealing about Jesus?

A – How should this change my life today?

P – What is my prayer in response?

Scripture

John 2:12-17 (LEB) 12 After this he went down to Capernaum, and his mother and brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there ⌊a few⌋ days. 13 And the Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 And he found in the temple courts those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated. 15 And he made a whip of cords and drove them all out of the temple courts, both the sheep and the oxen, and he poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 And to the ones selling the doves he said, “Take these things away from here! Do not make my Father’s house ⌊a marketplace⌋!” 17 His disciples remembered that it is written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

Observation

• I notice that after the wedding in Cana of Galilee, Jesus and the disciples went to Capernaum, which is about a whole day’s journey. 

• Passover is coming, so they head to Jerusalem, which will take several days to get to the city. 

• Once they arrive, Jesus is not happy with what he sees. There are vendors who are selling animals in the temple court. What about this makes Jesus upset?

• I notice that Jesus “made a whip of cords and drove them all out” of the temple courts. It appears to me that Jesus knew exactly what he was doing and didn’t act in uncontrolled anger. He knew exactly what he was doing. 

• After driving out the money changers and vendors he gives the reason for his anger by saying, “Do not make my Father’s house a marketplace!” Based on my memory, this is a little different in the synoptic gospels. The other three gospels read, “house of prayer” not “marketplace.” The “house of prayer” phrasing comes from Isaiah 56:7.

• Lastly, the disciples remember it is written (in the Old Testament), “Zeal for your house will consume me.” This is a direct quote from Psalm 69:9.

Application

(I want to recommend a website to help you if you are wanting to better understand what is going on in the passage you just read. It is a free resource that has several tools to help you discover the meaning (or proper interpretation) of a passage of scripture. It is called The Blue Letter Bible. The website is www.blueletterbible.org )

• Jesus clearly tells us that the Father’s house shall be a “house of prayer” not a marketplace. According to the scripture, I am the temple of the Lord now, and the Holy Spirit lives in me. Therefore, I am called to be a “house of prayer.” I will pray consistently for God’s manifest presence.

Prayer

Father God, I know you come where you are wanted. I desire your manifest presence today. Will you come right now as I spend time SOAPING? I need you more than I need anything else. Come and fill this space that I have created to be with you. Reveal to me the mysteries of the faith. I seek knowledge and wisdom from your Word. Come, Lord Jesus, come! I love you so much. In Jesus’ name, amen!

Have questions about today’s S.O.A.P. study? Comment below!