The Gospel of John: Where is Your Zeal?

Pastor Jonathan's sermon on John 2:13-22 focuses on Jesus cleansing the temple and the implications for believers today. He begins by setting the context of the Passover celebration and explains why the text says Jesus went "up" to Jerusalem, despite it being geographically lower than Galilee.

The pastor vividly describes the scene Jesus encountered at the temple, with corrupt practices of selling sacrificial animals at inflated prices and exchanging money unfairly. He emphasizes that Jesus' anger was righteous and controlled, noting how Jesus took time to make a whip before acting. This cleansing is presented as Jesus reestablishing spiritual authority in God's house.

A key verse highlighted is John 2:17, "Zeal for your house will consume me." Pastor Jonathan uses this to pose the central question of the sermon: "Where's your zeal?" He challenges the congregation to have the same passion for God and His purposes that Jesus demonstrated.

The sermon then shifts to apply this concept to believers today, emphasizing that we are now the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19). Pastor Jonathan stresses the need for regular spiritual cleansing, stating, "There's a conversion first, then the cleaning." He identifies four specific areas often needing cleansing in our lives:

1. Unforgiveness - which can steal our joy and passion for Jesus
2. Comparison - leading to identity crisis and aligning with worldly values
3. Anger - especially deep, silent anger that can destroy relationships and one's soul
4. Worry - which leads to fear and paralysis

For each of these, the pastor provides scriptural support and personal anecdotes, encouraging listeners to "take these things away" and align themselves with Jesus instead of the world.

Pastor Jonathan uses the phrase "flip the tables" repeatedly, urging believers to take active steps in cleansing their hearts. He emphasizes that this isn't just about passive waiting for Jesus to act, but about partnering with the Holy Spirit in the cleansing process.

The sermon concludes by returning to John 2, noting Jesus' prophecy about raising the temple (His body) in three days. Pastor Jonathan uses this to reinforce the idea that Jesus knows our hearts and calls us to deeper commitment.

Finally, he leads the congregation in a prayer of invitation to the Holy Spirit, asking for cleansing and alignment with God's purposes. The message ends with an altar call, inviting those who need prayer to come forward for ministry.

Throughout the sermon, Pastor Jonathan maintains a passionate, direct speaking style, using humor and personal examples to connect with the audience while consistently pointing them back to Scripture and a deeper relationship with Jesus.