SF636 - SOMEONE CARES FOR YOU... WHEN YOU ARE EMBARRASSED (John 2 1-11)
SF636
SOMEONE CARES FOR YOU... WHEN YOU ARE EMBARRASSED
John 2:1-11
INTRODUCTION
Have you Ever been Embarrassed?
What was your most Embarrassing Moment?
Background of Jewish Wedding Feast
Involved the entire village
Would have lasted a week or more
The groom’s family was responsible for the refreshments
To run out was a great embarrassment - could result in a fine
1A. LIFE RARELY GOES AS PLANNED
1B. No One Plans to Fail
They did not plan to run out of refreshments...
Job understood what is was like to have life blow up in your face...
(Job 17:11) "My days have passed, my plans are shattered, and so are the desires of my heart."
2B. The Answer is Faith not Presumption.
(James 4:14‑15) "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. {15} Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.""
(Proverbs 16:3) "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."
2A. HUMAN HAPPINESS IS NEVER PERMANENT
Wine symbolizes Joy...
(Psalms 104:15) "wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart."
“...They have no more wine.” (3)
1B. Because our Resources are Limited
(Job 14:1) ""Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble."
2B. Because even our Best isn’t Enough
(Ecclesiastes 2:11) "Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun."
3A. JESUS IS CONCERNED ABOUT OUR PROBLEMS
1B. Notice His Manner (4)
Jesus would not be rushed - never any panic in heaven
Jesus responded at the right time - when man’s resources were exhausted
2B. Notice His Method (5-8)
Utilized common things and people
Emphasized faith and obedience
3B. Notice His Motive
Relieve their embarrassment
Restore their joy
Reveal his glory
Result in their faith
4A. ONLY JESUS HAS THE SOLUTION TO OUR PROBLEM
Notice the symbolism in the story...
1B. The Clay Jars Picture Everyone of Us
Six is the Biblical number for man
Like clay pots we are dry, empty and brittle
2B. The Water Pictures Religion
The pots were used for ceremonial washing
It was religion at it’s best/worst
Picture’s our attempt to solve our problem
3B. The Wine Pictures the New Birth
The meaning of it -Transformation
The miracle of it - Only Jesus can change us
The measure of it - 120 gallons, more than enough!
(John 10:10) "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
APPLICATION
Nature forms us - Sin deforms us
Education informs us - The Penitentiary reforms us
The world conforms us
ONLY JESUS CAN TRANSFORM US!
Stop enduring religion...
Start enjoying a relationship!