Cleaning House (Study Guide)

 “Cleaning House”

Sermon Study Guide for March 5, 2023


Downloadable Version


Scripture: Mark 11:15-18



Spring cleaning


1. Assess the Situation

Jesus on Sunday evening…


What will bring shalom?



2. Peace is Not Passive

the Temple grounds



Court of the Gentiles


“for all nations”



barriers - Ephesians 2:14



the blind, the lame, the children






Questions to Discuss or Ponder:

  1. Does your household participate in spring cleaning? What does that look like?
  2. Why was it important for Jesus to assess the situation on Sunday evening? What do you think his disciples thought about that inaction?
  3. Why is our tendency to want to “fix it right away”? How would you have responded when you first arrived at the Temple on Palm Sunday?
  4. What really angers Jesus on Monday at the Temple? Why?
  5. What are the barriers we intentionally or unintentionally set up that keep people from worshipping God?
  6. Who are the “blind, lame and children” who are excluded from worship today? How can we move toward being better at welcoming all?
  7. How is Jesus’ peace different from the world’s?


Scripture for the Week:

Monday - Matthew 21:12-22

Tuesday - Luke 19:45-48

Wednesday - John 2:13-25

Thursday - Ephesians 2:11-22

Friday - Isaiah 56:1-8

Saturday - Matthew 23:13-39


In response to this Scripture, how will you live?



Prayer Prompt: What needs cleaned out in your life?

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