The Beginning
The Beginning
John 2:1 – 12
FPBC December 18, 2005 [AM]
Anne Rice is a novelist best identified by her volumes detailing the occult and vampires in particular. Mrs. Rice is receiving rave reviews on her latest novel Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt, described as “the life of Christ the Lord based on the gospels and on the most respected New Testament scholarship.” This first person account of Jesus’ life as a child was named “The Best Spiritual Book of the Year” by online giant BELIEFNET.COM.
For a book claiming to be based on the gospels and the most respected NT scholarship, she misses several key facts. Jesus faces inner turmoil when He accidentally kills a young friend; He finds joy by bringing him back to life; He mindlessly makes clay birds fly by touching them. These miracles are fanciful and legendary – but they are not true. John records Jesus’ first miracle; far away in time and place from Egypt.
Jesus is present at times of celebration 2:1 – 2
The timing of this event
· Third day
o Day 1 – delegation speaks with JTB
o Day 2 – “Behold the Lamb of God”
o Day 3 – John and Andrew
o Day 4 – Andrew brings Simon
o Day 5 – Philip and Nathaniel (“the 1st day”)
o Day 6 – Travel (“the 2nd day”)
o Day 7 – Wedding (“the 3rd day”)
§ May or may not have been an actual Sabbath
§ Even so, it was not the only Sabbath on which Jesus would do something miraculous!
· Cana of Galilee
o Hometown of Nathaniel John 21:2
o Starting point of Jesus’ public ministry
o Rural obscure town
o “Something good out of Nazareth” begins in “No-where’s-ville” Cana!
· Invited guests
o He, his mother and his disciples invited
o Relatives? Friends? We do not know
o Invited; thus, not the cause of shortage to come
The theme of this event
· A positively joyous situation
o Wedding
§ One of the great celebrations of life
§ A great social gathering & celebration
§ Prolonged celebration (often a week in duration)
§ Deeply religious celebration
· A potentially embarrassing situation
o No wine
§ Lack of provision
§ Lack of courtesy
§ Great shame and embarrassment
§ Insulting to guests
§ Implied lack of honorees
Jesus is present at times of consternation 2:3 – 5
A request that brought rebuke
· Lack of common ground
o Mary’s implied request
§ To leave? No.
· He was invited.
§ To distract? No.
· He was not center of attention at this function.
§ To clear her reputation? Perhaps.
· By proving He was the Son of God; but this was not the venue – the empty tomb would be!
§ Provide for needs at her request? Perhaps.
· She may have been responsible for the catering; trusted His resourcefulness to provide for her.
· Lack of understanding purpose
o Jesus blunt response
§ Woman
· Not a disrespectful address
· Not a familial address; he wasn’t saying “Mom”!
§ What does your concern have to do with me?
· What she was asking was not in line with what He was trying to accomplish
· Jesus had not come to perform purposeless exhibitions of supernatural power. His purpose was to use miracles to teaching deeply significant spiritual truths.
o No miracle was merely distress relief
o They all taught something!
o She wanted physical help, He gave spiritual insight 3:3, 4; 6:32, 33, 41
§ My hour has not yet come
· God’s timetable controlled Jesus’ schedule
7:6, 8, 30; 8:20; 12:23; 13:1; 17:1
· Concern for Father’s wishes; not mother’s!
o Even in her lifetime, Mary received no preferential treatment as Jesus’ mother.
o No “inside track” or “special access” with Jesus.
A realization that brought response
· A response of faith
o Whatever He says to you, do it!
§ Faith He would act according with His schedule
§ No limitations placed on Him
§ Total faith and trust
· A response of folly?
o Fill the water pots
§ They lacked water, not wine!
§ Substantial amount ~ 120 – 180 gallons
§ Total obedience to His command
o Take some to the master
§ Continued obedience displayed
§ They knew what they were doing 2:9
Jesus is present at times of conversion 2:6 – 12
Total transformation
· The water was made wine
o Which water? In the pots or in the well after the pots?
§ The water from the filled water pots
§ Drawing from well was woman’s task
o When did it become wine?
§ After being drawn; before being tasted
§ Servants drew water; master tasted wine
o How much wine?
§ As much as was eventually drawn out
§ Great potential (500 – 700 liters)
· 650 – 900 bottles ($26K - $36K @ $40 / bottle)
· 215 – 300 bottles ($8,333 - $12K @ $40 / bottle if diluted to 1/3 strength)
· Source unknown to the master of the feast
o Master was oblivious to the miracle
o Servants aware
o Disciples aware
o Bridegroom made aware
Glorious revelation
· Best kept until the last
o Great commendation
o Even with dulled senses, the distinction could be made!
· Revelation of Jesus’ glory
o How does this cause others to believe?
§ He masters over physical nature.
§ His creative powers are used to bring joy to others.
§ He is able to transform creation to bring continued prolonged joy.
John states this was the first miracle Jesus performed. Not only was this the first of many miracles; it was also the beginning of something far greater than even John could have imagined. The work that Jesus began at that wedding continues today. He is still able to transform that which the law cannot. Are you transformed this morning?