SOAP Bible study is a method that involves Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. It’s a way to delve deeper into the Bible and apply its teachings to one’s life. Let’s apply this method to our SOAP Bible Study: John 2:13-15, which describes Jesus’ cleansing of the temple.
Scripture
“When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 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.” (John 2:13-15)
Observation
This passage describes a significant event early in Jesus’ ministry when He goes to Jerusalem for the Passover and finds the temple courts being misused as a marketplace. The temple, meant to be a place of worship and prayer, is being used for commercial purposes, corrupting its sanctity. Jesus’ reaction is forceful and deliberate; He makes a whip out of cords and drives out the merchants and money changers, emphasizing the need to maintain the holiness of God’s house. This act of cleansing the temple demonstrates Jesus’ authority and His zeal for the purity of worship.
Application
Jesus’ actions in cleansing the temple challenge us to reflect on the purity of our own worship and the spaces we dedicate to God. It prompts us to consider if there are areas in our lives where the sacred has been compromised by the secular, where our focus on God has been distracted by other pursuits. We are encouraged to examine our hearts and remove anything that hinders our genuine worship and relationship with God. Additionally, this passage calls us to respect and uphold the sanctity of places and practices dedicated to God, ensuring they remain true to their purpose.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us the importance of maintaining the holiness of our worship and the spaces dedicated to You. Help us to examine our lives and remove anything that distracts us from genuinely worshiping You. Give us the courage to cleanse our hearts and minds from anything that compromises our devotion to You. Teach us to respect and uphold the sanctity of our worship practices and places, keeping them pure and focused on Your glory. May our lives be a testament to Your holiness and zeal for true worship. Amen.
Let our SOAP Bible Study: John 2:13-15 be just the beginning. Let it ignite a deeper desire within you to continue exploring the Scriptures. Each chapter and verse in the Gospel of John is rich with divine revelation waiting to be uncovered. I encourage you to keep studying, keep questioning, and keep seeking the light that Jesus offers. Dive deeper into the free Bible outlines available, engage with the full text, and allow God’s word to continuously transform your heart and mind. Embrace this journey of faith with enthusiasm and let the Word that was in the beginning guide you each step of the way.
