Chico Alliance Church
November 14, 1999
“Wedding Blessing / Temple Cleansing”
REVIEW
The first chapter of John is like the overture to a grand symphony. John introduces us, in this first chapter, to nearly every theme he will explore throughout his writing.
I. Initial presentation of the Word and His witness 1:1-34
A. Introduction of the Eternal Word, Jesus 1:1-5
B. Introduction of the witness - John the Baptist 1:6-8
C. Relationship of the Word to Men 1:9-18
D. John’s eye witness testimony concerning the Word 1:19-34
1. John’s witness to the Jewish delegation 1:19-28
a). He was not the Christ but a voice in the wilderness 19-23
b). The worthy Christ is yet to come 24-28
2. John’s witness to the multitude concerning the Lamb of God 29-34
3. John’s witness to two of his disciples concerning the Lamb of God 35-36
E. Introduction of some core disciples to the Word 37-51
Why did these initial people follow Jesus?
Directed by a friend or confidant.
Personal experience.
III. The Public ministry and Teaching of the Word 2-12
A. Ministry at Cana inspiring disciples belief 2:1-12
1. The Setting – A wedding 2:1-2
And on the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; and Jesus also was invited, and His disciples, to the wedding. John 2:1-2
Just as in our culture, weddings occupied a prominent place in Jewish society. Some weddings might run for up to a week. They were a big deal – a time to commemorate and celebrate God’s gift of marriage. Numerous preparations. Multitudes of friends and family. Lots of food and drink. John implies that perhaps Mary, the mother of Jesus had some responsibility in the preparations or administration of this wedding. John directly asserts here that Jesus and his disciples received invitations to the wedding. Probably more to the point is that Jesus ACCEPTED the invitation. He came to live among men. Jesus became involved in the everyday concerns and lives of those he touched.
2. The Opportunity – Ran out of wine
And when the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine." John 2:3
Mary informs Jesus of a social disaster. Perhaps she knew about it because she help with the administration of details. They ran out of wine. The reason for the shortage is not known but Mary comes to Jesus for help.
3. The impact of Jesus
a. Taught concerning authority and ministry. 2:4-5
The word translated “woman” is not intended as derogatory but dignified; a term of respect.
The phrase following, is a common Jewish phrase “what to you, what to me” You are not the boss of me. I am not answerable to you. This is not my problem. By using this familiar phrase, Jesus attempts now to clarify lines of authority. He is no longer responsible to follow the dictations of his mother but operates exclusively, for now, on the time table and event schedule issued by the Father. There will come a time when men will again be allowed to dictate what happens to him, but for now he calls the shots. Jesus was not indifferent to the request of His mother but found it necessary at the beginning of His ministry that he called the shots and behind what he did was purpose and meaning. It seems clear that Mary got the message because she backed out of the picture from this point on and instructed the servants to respond directly to Jesus not to her.
b. Turned water to wine 2:6-10
John provides enough detail to eliminate certain future speculation about the spectacular nature of this miracle. They were not wine jugs. They were pots used for water only in their purification and washing rites. leaving no room for simple watering down of previous wine containers. They were instructed to fill them “to the brim” leaving no room for adding anything else. In our day we might not recognize this as such a big deal. We can add grape cool-aid or concentrate to water and get grape drink. We must not down play the significance of what Jesus did. Nothing was added. He did not just flavor water. The response from the people included by John demonstrated that what Jesus produced was the genuine article. Not 10% juice. It was wine. Instantly produced by his word. What would have taken extreme time and effort was done in seconds!! John also informs us as to not only the quality but the quantity. Perhaps up to 180 gallons. We must not, lose the significance of including this miracle by getting hung up on the wine issue. It is fairly clear from the context that Jesus made real wine. The people recognized it as good stuff. The issue is that Jesus demonstrated the very nature and power of the creator who invented grapes in the first place by turning water (which he also invented) into quality wine.
4. The Results – belief among the disciples 2:11
The important thing is the results which follow the purpose of John’s entire writing.
Remember?
but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name. John 20:31
This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him. John 2:11
“This beginning of signs” What is the purpose of a sign? A sign point the way to an important destination or communicates something important. The signs performed by Jesus served to cause people to look at him not the sign. As wonderful the things that Jesus did appeared, their purpose was to manifest the glorify of the one doing the sign. Today we get so captivated by the sign we miss the glory of the one responsible. Often many today seek to draw attention to human instrument rather than the God who heals. Whatever we do in word or deed is to be done with the purpose of being a sign urging people to recognize the glory of God. “Do all to the glory of God.” “We beheld his glory” -- Theme form chapter one
“disciples believed” -- Main theme of the book.
5. The retreat – time with family 2:12
Lessons
What did John intend us to learn by including the account of this wedding in His writing?
The demonstration of his glory (early theme) through miraculous power to turn water to wine.
The shifting of authority from an earthly to heavenly.
The abundant nature of the works of Jesus.
The quality nature of the works of Jesus.
The inspiring of belief in the disciples.
The continued ministry and connection with friends and family.
Through John’s writing we will observe the impact of Jesus on a whole range of individuals.
He began first with the familiar.
Application
Jesus us the Christ the son of the living God.
Jesus cares and is fully able to deal with any situation even simple social problems.
Believe Him.
Believe in Him.
B. First Passover – Temple cleansing 2:13-25
1. The circumstance and concern 2:13-14
Jesus found in the temple something other than what He should have found in the temple.
The purpose of the temple was to be a central location where people would come to meet God together. Sacrifice, prayer, fellowship, teaching. Instead Jesus found those taking advantage of the situation for material gain. Rather than a tribute to the worship of the living God, the temple had become a monument to the god of money. Some say that the whole operation was a money making scam by the religious leaders in full swing during Passover time. The animals were pre-approved sacrifices for those whose animals got “disqualified” or who had opted to get their sacrifice when they arrived in town. The money changers existed to change people currency into the “holy” temple money. Of course it would be gladly exchanged for a nominal fee.
2. The reaction of Jesus 2:15-16
This is the first of two recorded temple cleansings by Jesus. Jesus reacted to the desecration of a place dedicated to display the glory of His Father. They had turned it into a place associated more with a carnival than a place of worship.
3. The Response of the disciples - they remembered 17
His disciples remembered that it was written, "ZEAL FOR THY HOUSE WILL CONSUME ME." John 2:17
John provides a commentary as to the disciples understanding of Jesus’ actions as predicted in the scriptures regarding Messiah. “Zeal” comes from the Greek word “zelos” sometimes translated jealousy. It was used to describe the capacity or state of passionate commitment. It was used to describe the force that motivates personality. Jesus manifested a passion to see the temple function as originally intended by God. In his mind perhaps was visions of what it had been in the past. Now to see it perverted and desecrated by materialism aroused action based on passion.
4. The response of the Jews 18-21
What give you the right to cleanse the temple?
5. Deeper response of the disciples – they believed 22
6. The Response of People -- they believed 23
7 .Caution of Jesus 22-25
You cannot fully trust the un-regenerated heart and the flesh, only God.
Person of Christ:
Boldness and anger
Identified with the father and the temple
Aware of the purpose and future laid out for him (predicting death and resurrection)
Personal awareness of man’s untrustworthy nature and heart.
Theme:
Personal claim that God was His Father.
Referencing prophecy connects Jesus to Old Testament and fulfillment.
Jesus offering prophecies concerning himself (death) remembered later adds to validity.
More signs were done and people were believing.
Application
What is happening in the church today as a place intended to reflect God’s glory?
What is happening in you, the temple of the Holy Spirit intended to reflect God’s glory.
God has a zeal that the temple be dedicated to Him alone. James 4:2-10
The word was used by Paul to describe his passion for a pure temple.
I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness; but indeed you are bearing with me. For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin. But I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. 2 Cor. 11:1-3
