No Problem too Small

Good morning!

Recap

Week 1: Jesus is the word; chose to come; Jesus is one with God; Eternity in your hearts

Week 2: Disciple meaning; never too late to choose to be a disciple

Today’s Big Idea

There is no problem too small for God, all he ask is for you to trust and follow.

I would like to read you the story found in John 2, about when Jesus attended a wedding in Cana of Galilee . Please listen as I read God’s Word John 2:1-12

This was Jesus’ first public display of his divinity or power. But why? We know Jesus goes on to heal lepers, makes the blind see, he even raises people from the dead.

Incredibly powerful signs of his divinity.

But why is his first sign?

Why did Jesus decide that here at this wedding, he would turn water into wine and not just any wine, but the best wine of the feast?

Why did he keep it secret from everyone but the servants, his mother, and his disciples?

It seems odd right?

Jesus wants to enjoy life WITH us

Jesus is at a wedding. A festival which could last up to a week as long as the energy was kept up and the wine was available. Throughout the bible we see Jesus take part of his jewish traditions and be apart of everyday life. We see him lounging in homes, and talking to thousands in their home towns and meeting people where they are. Jesus was always with the people, right in the heart of those that needed help.

Now, think about this for a second. Jesus’ first miracle was at a wedding. He used his divine power at what seems like an insignificant place. He answered a request for someone in need.

What is your request this morning? What do you need help with? What is causing you anxiety, stress, or embarrassment? Jesus is here to help you. He is showing us that location isn’t important. Whether it is in this room, on that football pitch, in your school offices, at your house with your parents, at a Minecraft PVP tournament, or when you are sitting quietly alone wondering what to do next. Jesus wants to sit next to you and help you. He just wants an invitation.

But Why?

Jesus wants to bring us Joy

Did you know that in the first century that wine was the symbol of joy and abundance and for the groom to run out of wine during this week long event would have been very shameful.

Mary was not asking for wine for the groom in this moment, she was asking to spare him the shame of not having enough for his guests, which was a very big deal back then. Still seems a little beneath Jesus though right?

We see Jesus later raise the dead, heal the sick, make the blind see. Why make water into wine?

Joy and Abundance. Overflowing jugs of water. Sweeter and more refined than the “good wine” served first.

He was needed and he was asked. Lets see how that works.

Without doubt and with obedience

I wish you could just cry out your request to God and exactly what you want would come true. But, that is not how faith works. You have to give your request to God and allow him to answer it in his own timing and way.

Mary asked without doubt and she knew that Jesus could help. She completely believed in his power. James teaches us that we can’t have doubt in our hearts when we ask for guidance. We have to believe fully.

And then you have to give it back to God. John 2:5 ““Do whatever he tells you,” his mother told the servants.”

This is what trust in God looks like. Tell God your concerns, your desires, your worries, your troubles no matter how big or small and then trust and obey.

Finally, we see obedience.

The servants fill these six massive stone jars with water, easy enough. But here is where it gets a little tricky.

These jars were for Jewish purification. That means that people used these jars to wash their hands and some used to clean dishes between meals. These were working jars and I am sure not the most clean.

Jesus said, draw some and take it to the headwaiter. He is telling the servants to take it to your boss!

The Servants saw the power of Jesus. They believed, just as it says the disciples believed, and they obeyed.

They did not overthink it. They did not object or think they knew better.

There were a thousand reasons for them to pause. What happens if they serve the wine and a piece of food that was left in the jars bobs to the top. What happens if the wine isn’t good or is bitter? But they still obeyed and their obedience was well rewarded.

It was the best wine

Jesus and salvation is the best wine. Though we drink from the world each day and even grow intoxicated on its feeling, those that get to experience Jesus finally understand that the wine they have been drinking all their life before Christ was inferior, a secondary drink that holds no comparison to the richness of Jesus.

When you leave out here today, remember that Jesus wants to meet us where we are. He wants to bring us joy in abundance. He wants to walk beside each and every one of us in the large and small trials. So ask him without doubt and give it back to God and realize that it is all in his control.

[done]

This would be 450 to nearly 700 liters of Water

Remember, Jesus who is God knows absolutely everything. There is no surprise. How do you question someone who knows everything. Now, no one here knows everything, but we have teachers and mentors who constantly try to give us wisdom and it is wholly rejected. You might even think them foolish in their efforts. But how many times have you found that if you just listen, things tend to work out for the better.