YOUR OCTOBER 2023 SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDIES

Free Subscribers can access their study directly below. Paid subscribers — scroll down the page to access the entire month’s studies. There are five studies this month.

October 2023 Study #1

Small Group Bible Study: John 2:13-25

Open It:

Icebreaker Question: Have you ever witnessed or participated in an act of standing up for what's right, even if it was unpopular? How did you feel?

Dig Into It:

1. In verses 13-17, why does Jesus choose to cleanse the Temple, and how does this action connect to Old Testament passages like Malachi 3:1-3?

2. Jesus says, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" (v. 19). How does this statement look forward to other events in Jesus' life, and how does it relate to Scriptures like Matthew 26:61?

3. In verse 22, the disciples remembered Jesus' words after His resurrection. How does this connect to other instances in the Gospels where the disciples' understanding deepens after an event, such as Luke 24:6-8?

4. Verses 23-25 speak of Jesus knowing the hearts of people who believed in Him because of the signs. How does this relate to Scriptures that speak of God’s omniscience, like Psalm 139:1-4?

5. Why do you think the passage mentions that Jesus "didn’t entrust himself to them" (v. 24)? How does this caution relate to other Scriptural examples, like Matthew 10:16-17?

Reflect On It:

1. How does Jesus' zealous action in the Temple challenge us to be vigilant about the sanctity and purpose of our worship spaces today?

2. What does Jesus' statement about destroying the Temple and raising it in three days teach you about understanding God's greater plan in moments of confusion?

3. How can you personally relate to the disciples' post-resurrection realization in verse 22? Are there moments when Scripture has become clearer to you after experiencing certain life events?

4. What lessons can we learn from Jesus' discernment in knowing when to entrust Himself to others?

5. In what ways can you apply the principle of Jesus "knowing what was in man" to your interactions and relationships today?

Pray About It:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Jesus who stood firm for righteousness and purity in Your house. Help us to discern what needs to be "cleansed" in our own lives and give us the courage to take action. Grant us wisdom to understand Your Word more deeply and to trust Your perfect timing. Guide us in our relationships and grant us discernment. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Note: If you are a Free subscriber, to access the rest of the September Studies You will need to become a paid subscriber. Free subscribers are given one free small group study each month. If you are a Paid subscriber, all of your studies are directly below.