Congregation Bible Study (30 mins.) lfb lessons 76, 77.
Analysis of Lesson 76: Jesus Cleanses the Temple
What did Jesus do when he saw some people selling animals in the temple?
When Jesus saw some people selling animals in the temple, he made a whip out of cords and drove the sheep and cattle out of the temple. He also overturned the tables of the money changers, and the coins were scattered on the floor. He also said to those selling doves, “Take these things away! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!”
Why did he do that?
Jesus did this because he had deep respect for his Father's house, as the prophecy about the Messiah in Psalm 69:9 stated. He would not allow anyone to show disrespect for his Father's house. For this reason, he cleansed the temple a second time in the year 33, as recorded in Mark 11:15-17.
What does this account teach us about Jehovah?
This account teaches us that Jehovah highly values purity of worship and does not allow disrespect to be shown to him. It also shows that he is a God who loves order, justice, and the sanctity of his house.
What practical lessons can we learn?
We learn that we must respect places and acts of worship, not using them for improper or selfish purposes. Furthermore, we must imitate Jesus’ zeal, showing love and respect for everything related to Jehovah, and stand up for what is right.
Analysis of Lesson 77: Jesus speaks to a woman at a well
Why was the Samaritan woman surprised that Jesus spoke to her?
The Samaritan woman was surprised because Jews and Samaritans generally did not associate with each other due to deep-seated prejudices. Therefore, the woman asked in astonishment, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?” as recorded in John 4:9.
What did Jesus say to the Samaritan woman?
Jesus told the Samaritan woman that if she knew who he was, she would ask him for a drink and he would give her "living water," and that whoever drank that water would never thirst again. He also revealed aspects of his personal life to her, such as having had five husbands, and he told her something he had never told anyone else: "I am the Messiah."
What does this account teach us about Jehovah?
This account teaches us that Jehovah is not partial, since Jesus spoke with a Samaritan woman despite the prejudices between Jews and Samaritans.
This account shows us that Jehovah cares for all kinds of people, regardless of their background or past. Furthermore, we see that he wants people to gain everlasting life, represented by the “water of life.”
What practical lessons can we learn?
We learn that we should treat everyone with respect and without prejudice, just as Jesus did. It also teaches us to share the good news with others, as the Samaritan woman did when she told her people. Furthermore, this story encourages us to accept Jesus' teachings and have faith in him, for in this way we can obtain eternal life.
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