Preparing for Sunday - Matthew 21:12-17

April 16, 2015 Preparing for Sunday

Read Matthew 21:12-17; Matthew 21:1-11; Psalm 8
In the context of Matthew 21, when does verse 12 begin?
What were the tables setup for that Jesus was overturning?
How do Jesus actions in 12-13 compare to his "coronation" in verses 1-11?
What is the emphasis of the healings in verse 15? Why would the chief priests and scribes respond this way? How are the crowds still responding?
Why does he leave the scene in verse 17?

Think on the fervor in which Jesus enter's the temple and his passion for his Father. Does this reflect your passion when you see someone violating the worshp of the Father?
Why would Jesus quote Psalm 8:2 in response to the chief priests and scribes?
What acts of worship do you do that violate the true worship of the Father and would receive a rebuke as strong as Jesus?

Identify areas in your worship that have become idols and distractions from worshipping the Father.
See the authority Jesus claims over the temple that was central to Jewish worship. List ways to give Jesus this authority in your life.
Pray for your heart to be ready to receive the preaching of God's Holy Word and that it would change you to be more like His Son.
Pray for our body that it might be one body, one spirit, one mind this Lord's Day as we gather, sing and receive the Word. Pray that we are not hearers only, but doers of the Word.
Pray for those leading this week to protect, heal and apply the Word: Dawson Bryant, music; Adam Naler, scripture reading and prayer; Bret Capranica, teaching.
Prepare yourself further by reviewing the lyrics and music so that you might understand and sing with zeal for the Lord, reflecting Christ's zeal for his house.