Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction

I’ve had the privilege over the years of officiating many weddings.

Some large gathers, some quaint intimate family gatherings (my favorite), and many somewhere in between.

On one occasion, at an outdoor wedding, the skies opened with a sudden thunderstorm as the ceremony was about to start.

The bride, the groom, the guests, (and me) were completely soaked!

Wedding ceremonies it seems, are accidents waiting to happen.

Something unexpected typically occurs during the ceremonies.

And frankly, that’s what makes each one so memorable!

It’s those little things, those small details which we all remember.

It’s the ordinary things like a rainstorm, which make events and memories extraordinary.

And if we are patient, well those wonderful experiences will happen for us…the best things are saved for the last.

Today, let’s look closer at a wedding ceremony in Galilee.

I invite you to join me in reading John 2:1-11.

READING

The Little things in life

It’s the little things that make our everyday lives fulfilling isn’t it?

The new buds on the trees in the springtime.

The familiar “hello” from a friend.

The embrace of a spouse at the end of a long day.

Those little things really allow us to experience life so much more fully.

Jesus is concerned about the little things of life.

How easy it would have been for Him to ignore the dilemma faced by the wedding party.

And yet, realizing that this was a celebration, He miraculously turned water into wine allowing the celebration to continue.

The miracle at Cana was Jesus first sign, or symbolic act.

Numerous miracles occurred during His earthly ministry, and this “little thing” was offered up to the wedding guests.

An event they will never forget

Something Ordinary made wonderful

How often do we turn our backs on the simple requests from those around us? Selfishly, we put our own needs and desires ahead of those who reach out to us.

How much easier would it be to put our own material needs aside, and reach out…offer a hug, hold open a door, say hello to a lonely neighbor.

Let’s show kindness to a world longing for miracles.

"I prefer you to make mistakes in kindness than work miracles in unkindness."

Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Let’s do the things God intended us to do.

The ordinary everyday things we can do for each other will make wonderful, lifetime memories for all.

All it takes is a conscious effort to make a difference, and before long those little things will become second nature, become a habit.

And suddenly, you’ll see that those around you will do the same.

And suddenly, the world won’t seem so dreary, so distraught, so worried about every issue.

Suddenly, all the ordinary events, encounters, experiences will be made wonderful.

Don’t be silent, don’t remain quiet, but get our their and do the simple ordinary things God intended us to do.

The best comes last

Conclusion

“The miracle of turning water to wine reveals Jesus as: One who honors the bond of marriage; One who bestows His gifts lavishly; one whose infinite love is made effective by His equally infinite power; one who, accordingly, is the Son of God, full of grace and glory.”

William Hendericksen, New Testament Commentary

Let’s share the little things of life together.

Let’s remember the ordinary things in life because they are quite extraordinary.

Let’s live out the plan God has made for our lives, knowing that the best is yet to come.

Prayer