Jesus’ mission on earth was to clear a path between the presence of God and the people he loves. John’s Gospel puts Jesus’ cleansing of the temple front and center so that we read the entire story in light of this central action.

Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine. With so much sorrow and injustice in the world, why start there? It turns out far more was at stake than a catering crisis. In this moment, Jesus offers a glimpse of what he has come to bring into the world.

For some, faith comes easily. For others, it’s a struggle. In this message, we look at Jesus’ encounter with a skeptic–an honest and hopeful story that helps us navigate doubt, cynicism, and the surprising beauty of faith and community.

Our Exploring Faith series begins with a fascinating figure Jesus once called the greatest person who had ever lived. John the Baptist embodied rare courage, clear purpose, and deep humility—yet even he wrestled with moments of uncertainty. How did he navigate faith in seasons of confidence as well as confusion, and what might his story reveal for our own search for faith today?