JOHN
CHAPTER TWO
OBSERVATION
STAGE
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
The purpose of
the observation stage is to maintain focus on the text at hand in
accordance with the framework in which it was written: a framework which
is defined by the normative rules of language, context and logic. Rules
which do not impose undue, unintended meanings to the text
,
and which largely limit the observer to the content offered by the Gospel
of John. In order for any passage from elsewhere to be considered, it must
have a relationship with the context at hand, such as a Scriptural
quotation or a specific cross reference in the passage at hand by the
author. This will serve to avoid going on unnecessary tangents elsewhere;
and more importantly, it will provide the framework for a proper and
objective comparison with passages located elsewhere in Scripture.
Remember that
something elsewhere may be true, but in the text at hand it may not be in
view.
I)
[Jn 2:1-12]:
A)
THE THIRD DAY, JESUS CHANGES WATER INTO FINE WINE AT A WEDDING IN CANA
OF GALILEE - THE BEGINNING OF HIS MIRACULOUS SIGNS, MANIFESTING HIS
GLORY. AND AS A RESULT HIS DISCIPLES BELIEVED IN HIM. AFTERWARDS JESUS,
HIS MOTHER, BROTHERS AND DISCIPLES WENT DOWN TO CAPERNAUM FOR NOT MANY
DAYS
II)
[Jn 2:13-22]:
A)
NEAR THE TIME OF THE PASSOVER, JESUS CLEARED THE TEMPLE OF MERCHANTS,
ANIMALS, BIRDS AND MONEY CHANGERS:
WITH
A WHIP, OVER TURNING TABLES, DECLARING "MAKE NOT THE HOUSE OF MY
FATHER A HOUSE OF MERCHANDISE;" FULFILLING SCRIPTURE: 'ZEAL FOR
YOUR HOUSE WILL CONSUME ME" AS NOTED BY HIS DISCIPLES. THE JEWS
DEMANDED A SIGN FROM JESUS TO PROVE HIS AUTHORITY TO DO THIS, WHEREUPON
JESUS SAID, "DESTROY THIS TEMPLE, AND IN THREE DAYS, I WILL RAISE
IT UP." THE JEWS RESPONDED INCREDUOUSLY, "IT TOOK FORTY-SIX
YEARS TO BUILD THIS TEMPLE, AND YOU WILL RAISE IT UP IN THREE DAYS?"
AUTHOR JOHN NOTES THAT JESUS WAS SPEAKING OF THE TEMPLE OF HIS BODY, AND
NOT THE JERUSALEM TEMPLE BUILT BY HEROD AS THE JEWS WERE THINKING OF.
WHEN JESUS WAS RAISED FROM THE DEAD, HIS DISCIPLES REMEMBERED AND
BELIEVED THE SCRIPTURE AND THE WORD WHICH JESUS HAD SPOKEN
III)
[Jn 2:23-25]:
A)
WHILE JESUS WAS IN JERUSALEM DURING THE FEAST OF PASSOVER, MANY BELIEVED
IN HIS NAME, HAVING OBSERVED HIS MIRACULOUS SIGNS. BUT JESUS WAS NOT
TRUSTING HIMSELF TO THEM IN THE SENSE OF TRUSTING THEM WITH HIS LIFE AND
MISSION BECAUSE HE KNEW WHAT WAS IN MAN - HIS SINFUL CHARACTER; AND HE,
BEING THE SON OF GOD, HAD NO NEED THAT ANYONE SHOULD TESTIFY TO HIM OF
MAN
MOVE TO JN
CHAPTER 3
