The Best And The Last Series

“The Best and the Last”

Pastor V. P. Oliver

John 2: 10 (1-11)

“And said to Him, “Every man serves the good wine first, and when have drunk freely, then that which is poorer; you have kept the good wine until now.”

The occasion of our text is the first recorded miracle of Jesus, at the wedding feast of Cana of Galilee. Jesus and His disciples were invited and accepted the invitation to attend the feast. The record is that Mary, the mother of Jesus was also present. But we are told that a very embarrassing incident occurred – the host ran out of wine for his guests. Have you ever been there? I believe we can all sympathize with this host. The Bible says that Mary made Jesus aware of the situation. We don’t know what she expected Him to do, but it seemed like a natural thing for her to tell her unusual Son that there was not only a shortage, but there was also a potential for embarrassment. But Jesus’ response was rather surprising: “Woman, what have I to do with you? My hour has not yet come.” When you first hear His response, it almost sounds disrespectful, but the Greek translation of the word for “woman,” tells us otherwise. Jesus used a Greek word for woman, “gunai,” which translates “dear woman.” No doubt, Jesus and His mother enjoyed a close relationship, yet there was a part of His life that she could not enter. So He says to her, in essence, “What is that to you and Me?” And its clear that the Lord’s words did not rebuff or discourage Mary, because she turned to the servants and told them, “Whatever He tells you to do, do it.”

Notice the significance of Jesus’ words, “Mine hour has not yet come.” It meant that the time when He would reveal Himself and His divine nature had not yet come. But the miracle that He was soon to perform would accelerate the time when He would begin to demonstrate to the world His true identity and nature. John tells us in verse 11 that in performing this miracle “Jesus manifested forth His glory and His disciples believed on Him.”

Look at the miracle that Jesus performed. There were six stone jars that held 20-30 gallons each, and they were used for the ceremonial cleansing or purification of the Jews. Jesus instructed the servants to fill them full with water from the well. Then He told them to draw some out and take it to the master of the feast. Now the true meaning and significance of the miracle is wrapped up in the words of the Master of Ceremonies. He said in verse 10, “…You have kept the good wine until now.” The spiritual message here is that Jesus is the best that God has to offer man. God has given us great prophets and great leaders; He’s given us the best that humanity has to offer. But He saved the best for last. Hebrews 1:1,2 (NIV) says, “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, Who He appointed heir of all things, and through Whom He made the universe.” Not only is Jesus the Best that God has to offer, He’s the Last that God has to offer. Throughout the Bible, from the moment that sin entered into the world, God has been providing a means for our security and salvation.

- Adam and Eve were given coats of skin for a covering.

- Abraham was given a covenant promise.

- Noah was given the ark to save him and his family.

- Moses was given the law by which to lead and guide the people.

- Israel was given judges, kings and prophets to lead them.

And John 1:6-9 tells us that: “There was a man sent from God whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the light, that all men through Him might believe. He was not that light, but was sent by the Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”

So after all the judges, kings and prophets, God not only sent the Best, but He also sent the Last. Jesus is the Best and the Last that God has to offer to lost humanity.

Then notice what the Master of the Ceremony said: “You kept the good wine until now.” My beloved brothers and sisters, God would have me to remind you that the wine is symbolic of the blood, and blood is symbolic of life. Without blood there can be no life. The new wine that Jesus created was symbolic of the new life that He offers to you and me; to those who are lacking; to those who are in need; to those who are thirsty. So I just stop by to tell you about "The Best and the Last." Oh, but it really doesn’t have anything to do with wine. No, I’m talking about Jesus.