Part 2 – Entering the Temple
Leader Guide
In so many ways, God was revealing Jesus as the Way even in the architecture of the tabernacle and temple. Let’s enter a study of the temple gate and outer courts and find truth about Jesus there.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to knowing more, exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. What surface level of “knowing God” was the most prevalent in your life? Is it still true?
2. Read John 14:6. What do you feel Jesus is saying here? Is there any way to misconstrue it? Did you agree with the message, that Jesus is the only way to God and for salvation? How did the tabernacle, and later the temple, reinforce this principle? (If you are unsure of or if you are uncomfortable confidently expressing this belief, please take time to work through the Deeper section this week.)
Leader’s Note: Jesus says that He is the only way to the Father many times in lots of different ways. We may not like it, but it is impossible to ignore His meaning. The gate to the tabernacle and later the temple face East toward the sun (Son). And there is just that one way into the Old Testament presence of God.
3. Read Hebrews 13:8-9. How do you see culture redefining God? In what ways does knowing God is our Creator define us? What does verse 8 assure you? What “rights” does this verse take away from you? Why does the author warn us not to be led off by strange, diverse, false teachings? How does the Lord help you discern who to follow and what to do?
Leader’s Note: The times and culture change. Methods may change, but Biblical Truth will not change. The Spirit and the Word help us discern Truth. The Word is inspired and does not change, just as Jesus does not change! We do not have the right to decide Who God is or how He works.( The last part of verse 9 is about another topic: meat offered to idols. It was a current issue... and it is an example of how this practice is held up to the Word, specifically the OT law about sacrifices. But you don’t have to discuss it unless it comes up!)
4. Read John 10:9-11. In this passage, Jesus refers to Himself as “the door.” What things does He provide in that capacity, according to this verse? How did the tabernacle and temple gates point to Him?
Leader’s Note: The door (to the sheep fold or the cave) allows the sheep to enter and be safely cared for by the shepherd. He is then in charge of their provision: he leads them in and out to pasture. In verse 10, He provides abundantly for His sheep. wolves, bears, robbers, etc., must go through the shepherd to get to the sheep. In verse 11, Jesus promises He will lay down His life for the sheep. He has already done this for us, but continuing, He still protects. Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:35-39). The tabernacle gate, the four pillars (the Gospels), the eastward orientation, facing the sun (the Son), and the colors all point to Jesus.
5. Read John 10:12-15. What is the difference between the Good Shepherd and the hired man? Does Jesus know you, and do you know His voice? What steps can you take to avoid being misled?
Leader’s Note: The hired man is out for himself. His teachings may be false and benefit only him. Jesus warns us because He wants us on the good path; not because He wants us to do or not do certain things. He is a loving Father and has a good, protective plan for our lives. That’s why He wants us to beware of others who are not the true Shepherd.
6. Read Mark 11:15-18. Why is Jesus offended at the money changers? Why did this in turn offend the religious officials? How can you make the worship service and even the church building a place to connect with God? What will you do this coming week to implement this?
Leader: It “made sense” to have the money changers and animals for offering available at or near the temple. However, the priests most likely struck a deal and the temple got some of the proceeds of the exorbitant prices. Jesus was offended by the stuff, the business, the stress, the noise and more into the house of the Lord. It should be out in the markets. Like a date night, no kids, no crying, no noise: you need time to focus on the relationship. We need that time of quiet and prayer when we gather. The officials were offended because He went against their traditions and self-interest. We can come early, leave the stress outside, pray before we enter, not talk about business or politics.
7. Action Step: Would you go on a date with Jesus, get out alone with Him? Talk to Him. Listen to Him. Let your family or roommate know, then grab a sandwich or cup of coffee, and go spend an hour with Jesus.
Deeper
Leader: This section is designed for further use in your Life Group or for personal study. These can also be used as discussion points and ways to stay connected with your group throughout the week. Encourage your group to take time daily to walk through these questions.
8. Have you ever wondered if Jesus is the only Way? Does this seem exclusive to you? Consider this devotion by Susan Murray, Cove Leader:
“Many people believe that there are multiple ways to God. To say that there is only one way to heaven—though Christ—sounds offensive. Yet, Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, ESV). Our culture strongly insists on inclusion, meaning all ways to live and all other religions are acceptable to God; to say they are not acceptable is judged to be bigoted and exclusive. The truth is that the Gospel is available to anyone, no matter their history, heritage, or present situation.
“All religions, including Christianity, have moral rules to live by. They all say, ‘Don’t steal,’ ‘Be kind,’ ‘Be generous,’ and ‘Forgive others.’ All religions, except Christianity, require you to meet those rules to gain favor with God so you can go to heaven or reach a higher plane of happiness. That is very exclusive. You must measure up to meet that mark. But what about when we fail to measure up? Christianity is different. Instead of us doing well in order to reach God, God reached down to us first. ‘God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us’ (Romans 5:8, NIV).”
9. Watch this video (or read the transcription in the article). Take time to look up all the verses and assure yourself of this basic truth of Christianity.