John Chapter 2
Three Responses of Jesus.
Introduction with illustration:
I. REFRESHMENT
Jesus offers refreshment for those who thirst after Him.
1 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine."
This was in a family that Jesus and his mother knew.
Interesting note. In his Gospel, John does not use his name or the name of the mother of Jesus.
Greek oinos indicated fruit of the vine. Juice from grapes, unfermented or fermented.
Two theories on “They have no wine.”
One, Mary was asking Jesus to politely leave, to not embarrass the family.
Two, Mary was asking Jesus to perform a miracle.
The way to determine this is see how she responds and what she expects.
4 Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come."
Some have suggested that Mary had carried the stigma of Joseph not being Jesus’ father for many years and this was the time to validate her claims that He was the Christ, from God.
5 His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it."
Mary’s response was that she expected a miracle, not for Jesus to leave.
6 Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece.
The shortage of wine indicates the family was most likely not wealthy.
These waterpots were probably old, chipped and faded.
7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the waterpots with water." And they filled them up to the brim.8 And He said to them, "Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast." And they took it.9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom.10 And he said to him, "Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!"
Old and new wine in skins.
Families typically reversed stock, except on a special occasion.
Jesus would not have promoted drunkenness.
These events lasted three days, typically, and wine was the primary drink.
11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.
Reflecting on the interaction with Jesus and His mother. What was he like as a child? Miracles? Etc?
The language indicates that this was Jesus’ first miracle.
How did Mary know? Had they discussed it?
She knew who He was, and she knew He would have to show the world.
Her goal was to show the family refreshment.
Jesus is a refreshing change to all who are weary and are heavy laden. He gives rest and refreshment to those who follow Him.
II. RESTORATION
Jesus offers restoration for those who seek Him.
12 After this He went down to Capernaum, He, His mother, His brothers, and His disciples; and they did not stay there many days.13 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.14 And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the moneychangers doing business.
Sin progresses. The temple is a good indication of that.
First, some merchants and travelers did not have the required sacrifice animals like the farmers and ranchers did.
As a convenience, you could bring money and purchase the required animal.
To increase this business, it later became a requirement to purchase a “temple” animal, as they were called sanctified and better for sacrifice.
The temple had its own coinage and money.
It was not proper to submit an offering with Caesars picture on it.
Since travelers came from all over the world, other currencies were considered not as good an offering as the official temple coinage.
Money exchanged became so important, you would even have to change your money to have the proper currency to buy a temple animal for sacrifice.
15 When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables.
People would be surprised at the ruggedness and strength of Jesus .
Not the effeminate image portrayed by artists through the ages.
16 And He said to those who sold doves, "Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!"17 Then His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up."
Quoted Psalms 69:9
18 So the Jews answered and said to Him, "What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?"
The Jews recognized the zeal and remembered this passage.
19 Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."20 Then the Jews said, "It has taken forty–six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?"21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body.
The Jews thought Jesus was talking about Herod’s temple, 46 years and still not finished.
22 Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.
Jesus zeal for God’s house sought for him to purify it, to restore it t be a glory to God.
Jesus wants to restore your life, move it back into the purpose for which He created it.
III. RESERVATION
Jesus offers assurance to those who have reservations.
23 ΒΆ Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did.
Believing because of signs is not faith.
Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
The problem? What happens when you see evidence to the contrary?
Mt 24:24 "For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
24 But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men,25 and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.
Jesus still knows the hearts of men.
We can only read the action, examine the fruit, and make assumptions.
Jesus cannot be fooled.
Whatever you seek, Jesus satisfies the soul.
Whatever you are replacing that thirst with, Jesus knows the truth.
Don't hide from Jesus today, but come freely and receive refreshment, restoration and assurances for your reservations.
