Doing Whatever Jesus Says

DOING WHATEVER JESUS SAYS

John 2:1-5

Even though I am 36 years old I still go to my father for advice when I have a major decision to make. I have found that there is much benefit in seeking out wise counsel. I have 4 children of my own and I attempt to give them good advice... they rarely listen to me but I give it to them regardless.

As I prepared for this opportunity to stand before you today I began to ponder what would be the greatest advice that I could give you. The answer to that question is found in John 2:5. Just before Jesus turned the water into wine, His mother, Mary instructed the servants at the wedding to "do whatever Jesus says". On the surface this may seem like some simple instructions, but Mary's words are actually the key to living a successful Christian life. And that would be the greatest advice that I could give you today. In every situation, just "do whatever Jesus says".

If we want true peace in our lives, we must do what Jesus says! If we want to experience sweet fellowship with Jesus, we must do what He says! If we want to live a life pleasing to God and one that would bring Him glory, we must do what Jesus says!

Our selected text covers a time when Jesus & His disciples attended a wedding in the town of Cana. Sometime after they arrived, it comes to Mary's attention that there was not enough wine for the wedding feast. Mary took this problem to Jesus. She then instructed the servants to do whatever He told them to do. The servants may have been confused by Jesus' method of solving this problem, they may have even been doubtful that He could solve this problem, but they obeyed His command and they witnessed an amazing miracle.

Like Mary, there are times when we must realize that Jesus is the only one who can solve our problem. We may not always understand His timing or His method of solving our problem, but when we take it to Him He can work a miracle in our lives.

In this story, Jesus had some simple instructions for those servants, and He has some instructions for His servants today. I want to talk to you for just a little while about "Doing Whatever Jesus Says".

I have been following the Lord for over 20 years and I can testify that it is always best to "do whatever Jesus says". I wish I could say that I always do what He tells me to do, when He tells me to do it, but that is not the case.

If you are a Christ follower, He will provide you with guidance and direction. I would like to look to the text and examine:

I. HOW JESUS SPEAKS TO US

It is amazing to think that the very Son of God speaks to us. This is a tremendous privilege that we enjoy as Children of God. The lost world may think that we are crazy when we say that we talk to God and that He talks to us, but it is true nonetheless.

- I want to look to this passage and see several truths about the fact that Jesus speaks to us today. The scriptures tell us that:

A. JESUS SPEAKS TO US AUTHORITATIVELY - Jesus is Lord. This means that He is the Supreme authority. As Lord, Jesus has every right to dictate the direction of your life. This means that when He speaks we MUST listen. When He gives us directions or commands we MUST follow!

- Not only does Jesus speak to us authoritatively:

B. JESUS SPEAKS TO US PERSONALLY - Jesus had a specific task for these servants to accomplish. He told them what to do with the expectation that they would obey His Word. If you belong to Him, Jesus has a specific task for you to accomplish. He will speak to you and make it clear what He desires from you!

It is an amazing privilege to have a personal relationship with the Saviour. We talk to Him and He talks to us. When He talks to us, He lets us know what He would have us to do. Whatever His plan is for your life, let me echo the words of Mary ..."whatever HE tells YOU, do it".

- Jesus speaks to us authoritatively, He speaks to us personally and:

C. JESUS SPEAKS TO US CLEARLY - Though He may not speak to us with an audible voice, Jesus speaks in a very clear and understandable way. There are 2 main ways that He speaks to us. First of all:

1) HE SPEAKS THROUGH HIS HOLY SCRIPTURES

Jesus speaks to us through His Holy Word... the Bible. The Apostle Paul said that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16) The Bible teaches us how to live, furthermore the Bible teaches us how to live like Jesus! What Jesus wants you to know is found in the scriptures. And when Jesus speaks, we must "do whatever He says".