WEEK 8.7 Discussion questions below.Episode 56  of A Slow Journey Through John discusses the cleansing of the temple by Jesus. We explore the dynamics of Jesus' actions, the reactions of the disciples and Jewish leaders, and its placement in John's gospel versus the synoptics. We also delve into the challenges of maintaining worship purity, the dangers of narrow-mindedness, and the importance of a welcoming church. Additionally, Nick and Jamie tackle modern faith practices and the consumer culture influencing today's worship, urging listeners to reflect on their spiritual habits and the openness of their faith communities.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:19 Spiritual Habit Tracker01:07 Jesus Flipping Tables: A Cinematic Description03:07 Recap of the Week's Meditations05:29 Theological Insights: Jesus Cleansing the Temple10:18 Injustice in the Temple14:25 Modern Church Reflections22:27 Consumerism in the Church26:43 Reactions to Jesus' Actions27:10 The Temple Leaders' Reaction28:11 Jesus' Cryptic Response28:52 The Holy of Holies Explained31:39 We Are the Modern Temples35:05 Cautions and Misinterpretations39:06 The Disciples' Understanding46:46 Final Reflections and Takeaways—JOURNAL PROMPTS / SMALL GROUP GUIDERead through John 2:13-25. Share what the passage reveals to you about God, about humanity, and about following Jesus. Then discuss the following questions:Jesus cleansed the temple as a response to injustice that excluded sincere seekers from encountering God. If Jesus were to walk into our churches today, what might he praise, and what might he want to remove?We heard how our consumer culture affects our approach to church and spirituality. In what ways have you found yourself "church shopping" or treating faith as a consumer experience rather than seeking where God is calling you to serve?The podcast compared the moral outrage demonstrated by some followers of Jesus today with the things that angered Jesus. Without losing our perspective on godly living, how might we align our priorities more closely with those of Jesus, focusing first on the issues that were primary to him?The disciples experienced an ever-deepening faith, meaning there were understandings in which they had to grow. Are you upon to growing in understanding, or does the possibility of changing your mind frighten you?We heard the Greek word for Holy of Holies is the same word Jesus used to describe himself and the same word Paul later uses to describe both the church and the individual follower of Jesus. How does the knowledge you are a holy of holies, God’s sacred space on earth, change the way you see yourself?End your time by taking a minute to listen to the Holy Spirit and prayerfully choose an “I will…” intention. One small, practical step you’ll take this week to put your learning into practice.--SJTJ s a year-long contemplative journey through the Gospel of John. We invite you into Scripture, reflection, and intentional practices to help you pause, listen, and respond to God’s love in transformative ways. BibliographyVisit our websiteFollow us on social media for weekly practices: @gothewildwayContact us: podcast (at) thewildway.caAll Scripture from the Common English Bible (2012) unless otherwise noted.Music credits:Weekday music by Maksym Dudchyk on Pixabay. Used with permission.Examen music: Music by Laniakea from Uppbeat. License code: HRU7UD9ID388DFJTTeaching podcast: Music produced by Nick OsborneDONATE TO THE WILD WAY⁠.  Your support helps us create spiritual formation and discipleship resources that help people be formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others. 

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