A Day for Personal Faith

Scripture – John 2:12-17: After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples. There they stayed for a few days. When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a market!” His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) I wonder what they talked about in Capernauam. After the wedding, Jesus and His brothers and His disciples spent a few days together. Certainly they would have talked about the wine incident. Perhaps Jesus talked more about Himself and His calling. What questions were raised? What commitments were made? The essence of discipleship is found in the personal relationship I have with Christ and in the questions I ask and the commitments I make in private with Him.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Today is my sister’s funeral. I am leaning on the hope and promise of eternal life she is experiencing right now. Today my personal faith sustains me in my sadness. Today I have no questions for Christ, only thanks.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord, for peace and hope and comfort. Thank you for knowing me personally and for knowing the members of my family. Hold us all this day.