In John 2, Jesus began his public ministry with two incidents that started the countdown toward what he called “my hour.” Turning water into wine and driving out the marketers from the Temple courts seemed like two unrelated incidents. However, they both indicated that Jesus came to replace religious activities that could never take away sins. Also, these signs pointed forward to the way that he would take away sins: his death and resurrection. (Here are Larry’s complete sermon notes.)
In three related episodes, Jesus demonstrated his authority to forgive our sins.
Two parables directed against the religious leaders indicated why they would lose their management of the kingdom, and why others would take their place.
Since James is the likely the oldest writing of the New Testament, it appears from James 4:1-17 that church conflicts have been around almost...