Focal Passage: John 2:1-11
Today marks the beginning of a series of lessons called All Signs Point to Jesus, from the Gospel of JOHN. Unlike Matthew, Mark and Luke, John tells the story of Jesus by highlighting seven of His many miracles, each being a sign of who Jesus was, each pointing to a different aspect of His divine character.
A frequently asked question is Why are there FOUR Gospels? J. Vernon McGee had an amusing answer: “Because THREE would be too few, and FIVE would be too many.” Yet Dr McGee himself would agree that it’s much more than that; God gave us pictures of the foursquare tower of truth found in the life and work of Jesus, four ‘sides,’ four ‘views’ of the greatest story ever told. We’ll be blessed to study one of them — John’s inspired ‘view’ — over these next weeks.
Jesus’ beloved disciple John begins his story of signs where so many stories begin — at a WEDDING! “Sign No. 1” is generally called ‘Turning Water into Wine.’ There are three aspects of this miracle story.
1. The CRISIS of the Moment (2:1-4)
Mike Dawson
A major faux pas was occurring: everyone was gathered for a wedding celebration, and somehow they ran out of refreshments! Mary told Jesus about this embarrassing situation. Jesus’ response to her might seem disrespectful, but it was not. He was simply telling his mother that His ultimate moment had not yet come. Point: Jesus knows, cares, and will DO something about embarrassing crises in our lives!
2. The CRUX of the Matter (2:5)
I preached a Mother’s Day sermon once entitled The Best Advice A Mother Ever Gave, based on Mary’s words: “Whatever He says to you, do it” (NKJV). I reminded the congregation that Mary’s words of advice transformed that wedding; heeding such wise advice will transform our situation, too. Mary, you DID know! And her seven words to the servants that day apply to God’s servants in any day. Whatever He says to you: no ifs, ands, or buts about it, JDI — Just Do It!
3. Above all, The CHRIST of the Miracle (2:6-11)
It would be easy to get off subject, but this story is not really about weddings, or wine-drinking; this event is about the wonder-working power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus clearly displayed His glory here! But how did the miracle happen? I like one explanation: The water looked into the face of its Creator — and blushed!
Some scholars feel that John’s language implies that the water turned into wine as the servants dipped it out of the water-pots; each pitcher was transformed into rare, sparkling wine as it was taken out of the large containers to the host, the wedding party and the guests. But however it happened, the truth is, JESUS made it happen!
An old story describes a group of people who were arguing that they just couldn’t believe Jesus performed this miracle. One man there had been converted from a life of drunken wastefulness. “I don’t know about Jesus turning water into wine,” he said,”but all I know is, at our house He turned beer into furniture.”
That is the point of this story: JESUS CHANGES EVERYTHING. And (verse 11) His disciples got it! May we get it too. B&R — Dawson is pastor emeritus at First Baptist Church, Columbia, and has served as transitional interim pastor at numerous churches since his retirement from full-time ministry.
