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Previous Lesson -- Next Lesson JOHN - The Light Shines in the Darkness
A Bible Study Course on the Gospel of Christ according to John
PART 1 - The Shining of the Divine Light (John 1:1 - 4:54)
B - Christ Leads his Disciples from the Sphere of Repentance to the joy of the Wedding (John 1:19 - 2:12)
4. Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1–12)JOHN 2:1-10 Jesus led his disciples from the vale of repentance round the Baptist in the Jordan gorge, to the hills of Galilee to take part in the joys of a wedding. This journey of 100 kilometers shows us the radical change between the two Testaments. No longer would believers dwell in the shadow of Law, but in the joy of righteousness with Jesus the rising Sun and giver of Peace. Jesus was not an ascetic as the Baptist was and for that reason the departure of Christ with his disciples to the happiness of a common celebration was a miracle in itself. He did not ban wine, since he taught that it was not what entered a man that defiled, but filthy thoughts that came out from the heart of man was what defiled him. Jesus did not reject asceticism or austerity, but taught that these lifestyles were of little use. Our corrupt hearts need a new nature and a new birth. What the Bible forbids is drunkenness and alcoholism. The disciples accompanied Jesus to the feast, while Nathanael was himself from Cana (21:2). It seems the mother of Jesus was acquainted with the bridegroom’s family. The assumption is that Joseph had already died. Mary had become a widow, and Jesus played the part of the firstborn responsible for the family. So his mother turned to him for help in meeting the need of their relatives. Since his return from the Jordan, no longer an ordinary man, but transformed by the Holy Spirit moving from worldly responsibilities to serve God, a role in which his disciples would follow. Mary relied on her Son, for she knew his care and love. Her love led to the first miracle at Jesus’ hands. Faith in Christ’s love moves God’s arm. The mother bade the servants to do whatever Jesus said. She was sure he would help in one way or other. Her words to the servants, serve as a motto to all Churches, "Whatever He tells you, do it!" In effect submit to Christ alone; obedience to Jesus’ word brings about many miracles. Purification jars, empty and spacious, with a capacity of 600 liters were filled. This shows that the guests had made use of large quantities of water for cleansing. A different purifying is needed when Jesus is present. No man can participate in the wedding of the Lamb until he has been thoroughly cleansed. However, purification was not Christ’s immediate concern. The celebration of the wedding must go on. Jesus calmly changed the water of purification into fine sweet wine. How this was performed we do not know. But we know from this event that his shed blood is sufficient for all partakers in the Lamb’s wedding. This has no bearing on drunkenness. The Holy Spirit does not permit any drunken conduct. But the plentiful supply of sweet wine symbolizes the infinite measure of Christ’s forgiveness of the sins of mankind. May all partake of heaven’s joys. All receive with thanksgiving the bread and wine in the Lord’s Supper, a symbol of Christ’s presence – bestowing pardon as we rest in his joy. JOHN 2:11-12 The disciples were amazed at Christ’s creative ability, and they felt his authority over natural phenomena. They saw his glory and believed that God had sent him. This led to trust in him. Faith needs time to grow, and obedience for understanding. If you study the works of Jesus, and delve deeply into his sayings, you will realize the greatness of his person. Jesus broke away from his family and was free from mundane duties to serve God. But his link with his mother and brothers continued. For a while they journeyed along with his disciples. His brothers went with him to Capernaum, the main town by the Lake Tiberias. The disciples however personally trusted him, not simply because of the sign at Cana. They clung to him for good. PRAYER: Lord Jesus, we thank you, for you have called us to a wedding, to abide in the joy of your fellowship. Forgive us our sins, fill us with your Holy Spirit. We shall follow you, and abide in righteousness and purity, just as you did and gave yourself for many. QUESTION:
QUIZ - 1Dear reader,
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