Scripture to Read: John 2:17
As we have examined John 2 so far, it is interesting that after Jesus drove the religious leaders and the animals out of the temple that God had John write this in John 2:17, “His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for Your house will consume me.’” This is a quote from Psalm 69:9, “For zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me.” What a great testimony of the culture in the day of Christ. In Avot 5 (from the Mishnah, the rabbinical commentary added to the Old Testament), we learn of the ancient Jewish education traditions. It tells us that Scripture study began at age 5 for every Jewish young man. Then, the study of the Mishnah began at age 10. Then, at age 13, a Hebrew young man was held accountable to live according to the obligations in the Torah. Continued rabbinical study began at the age of 14 or 15 for Hebrew young men who were chosen to be tutored by a formal teacher. Jesus was the disciples formal teacher, and He chose these young men to follow Him. Because of what the disciples had been taught in their homes, they knew Psalm 69:9 and were reminded that this was a prophecy about their Messiah. What a great reminder as to why we must be in God’s Word daily. It’s also a reminder to all parents that it’s our responsibility to teach our children God’s Word so they are prepared for this world and all that it will throw at them.
Challenge & Application
• When you consider what the Hebrew young men were taught, starting at age 5, how have things changed in today’s culture?
• What must we do to make sure we are growing in God’s Truth and making sure we’re prepared for the world we live in?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!