2:23-25 “many believed in His Name” – This passage is not merely transitional but connects the cleansing of the temple with the discourses with Nicodemus. The previous section is indicated by the repetition of “the Passover” (2:13,23) and the coming section by the “signs” (2:23; 3:2), the plurals “we” and “many,” “man” (2:25; 3:1), and pronoun “to Him” (3:2) referring back to 2:24.
So, it is for those in the Church. We too have “a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence.” For, indeed, the Triune God has promised that “everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” (Joel 2:32; Rom. 10:13). He who is Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier gives us His abiding care and protection through all the battles and storms of this life, and He promises to carry us in the ark of His Church into the safe harbor of heaven.
Introduction—The cleansing of the Temple in John is the first public act of Jesus. It is also the first visit to Jerusalem, the first Passover, and the first confrontation with “the Jews.” The reference to “the Passover” (2:13, 23) are not mere indications of time.
Lord God, heavenly Father, we thank you for instituting holy matrimony to keep us from unchastity and other offenses. Send your blessing on every husband and wife, that they may not provoke each other to anger and strife, but live peaceably together in love and godliness, receive your gracious help in all temptations and raise their children according to your will.
Lord God, heavenly Father, we thank you for instituting holy matrimony to keep us from unchastity and other offenses. Send your blessing on every husband and wife, that they may not provoke each other to anger and strife, but live peaceably together in love and godliness, receive your gracious help in all temptations and raise their children according to your will.
It’s all simple, but it’s not easy. We are learning to guard all that Jesus has commanded us to defend. Speaking, singing, and praying to guard the gifts He gives. We live together with Christ in the life He gives through His gifts. Simple, not easy, but it is good.
Lord God, heavenly Father, we thank you for instituting holy matrimony to keep us from unchastity and other offenses. Send your blessing on every husband and wife, that they may not provoke each other to anger and strife, but live peaceably together in love and godliness, receive your gracious help in all temptations and raise their children according to your will.
Amen comes from the Hebrew word for faith or faithfulness. When used as a verb, this word meant “to establish, support, or make certain.” Amen is one of those unique Hebrew words that has followed the Gospel into every language in which it has been preached.
Introduction: The sequence of John’s Gospel is wholly different. In Matthew and Mark, the temptation by the Devil follows immediately after the Baptism of Jesus.
Introduction: The Baptism of Jesus – The testimony of Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” is unique to John (1:29; 1:36) and worth our detailed consideration. It is in the sacrifice of the Lamb that God comes into the world in order to take away sin, cleanse it from disobedience, and bestow the Holy Spirit that we live the life of righteousness.
