When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. [14] In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. [15] 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.

[16] To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” [17] His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

John 2:13-17 NIV

Word definition:

Courage is defined as “the ability to control fear and to be willing to deal with something that is dangerous, difficult, or unpleasant.”* The courage of Jesus is on display when he enters the temple alone in John 2:13-17, makes a whip out of cords, and then proceeds to drive out those who had driven God from his own house.

Jesus has the courage to resist the temptation to conform, defy the crowds, and reclaim God’s house.

Deep reflection:

  • Read all of John chapter 2-3
  • Read Mark 10:32 and explain how the courage of Jesus affected disciples and followers
  • Use Mark 12:13-14 to identify three qualities which made Jesus courageous
  • Read Acts 4:11-20 NIV and notice the quality associated with those who been with Jesus

Jesus redefined:

Few would dispute the fact that Jesus was courageous. What we might dispute is whether it is essential for a disciple of Jesus to be courageous. When you read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John do you see courage as an important part of following Jesus? What about in the book of Acts, which is the history of the first Christians?

How different might you or your church be if courage was taught, encouraged, and expected from everyone in every area of their lives? Could the reason we all struggle with doubt and unbelief be a courage problem? Should we redefine our view of Jesus as courageous to include the expectation that anyone who follows him should be courageous?

*Definitions in “The 12 Days of Jesus” studies are based on the Cambridge Dictionary

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The 12 Days of Jesus, Day 2: Courage in the Temple 7

As the editor in chief for Deep Spirituality, Russ Ewell writes, teaches, and innovates with his eyes on the future. His teaching is rooted in providing hope for those turned off by tradition and infused with vision for building a transformative church. His passion to inspire even the most skeptical to view God through fresh eyes can be found in his book, He's Not Who You Think He Is: Dropping Your Assumptions and Discovering God for Yourself.

The 12 Days of Jesus, Day 2: Courage in the Temple 8

As the editor in chief for Deep Spirituality, Russ Ewell writes, teaches, and innovates with his eyes on the future. His teaching is rooted in providing hope for those turned off by tradition and infused with vision for building a transformative church. His passion to inspire even the most skeptical to view God through fresh eyes can be found in his book, He's Not Who You Think He Is: Dropping Your Assumptions and Discovering God for Yourself.

Our first book is officially live.

Rebuild your relationship from the ground up with He's Not Who You Think He Is: Dropping Your Assumptions and Discovering God for Yourself.

The 12 Days of Jesus, Day 2: Courage in the Temple 9