Wedding Blessing Temple Cleasning Series

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.