|
|
|
- Preaching the Living WORD through
the Written WORD - 2 Tim 4;:2 - |
|
|
GOSPEL OF JOHN Grace Bible Church,
Gillette, Wyoming Pastor Daryl Hilbert 3. First
Sign: Water into Wine (2:1–12) [04 – (Jn 2:1-25) 12/2/2009] a) Jesus
Changes Water into Wine (2:1-10) (1) Because
Jesus’ mother (note: Mary’s true significance is dependent on her son)
and Jesus were invited, it is possible that it was a
relative’s wedding. His disciples were also invited which could be a
reference to John’s family relationship. (2) Mary, perhaps helping at the wedding,
informed Jesus that they had run out of wine. This would have been an
embarrassment to any family and possibly incurred legal action (MSB). (3) Did Mary come to Jesus because of His faithful
and responsible character or was she expecting a miracle? If the latter, she
may have been waiting to get out from under the shadow of doubt surrounding
Jesus’ virgin birth. (4) Jesus’ response could hardly have been rude
or disrespectful for Jesus’ sinlessness would have
been tainted. Instead, “woman” (Mt 15:28, Lk 13:12;
Jn 4:21; 8:10; 19:26; 20:15) was a polite and customary expression
similar to our contemporary “Madam” or “Ma’am.” Jesus may have called His
mother by this term to emphasize to her His public ministry as Messiah. This
could explain the following phrases, “what does that have to do with us (lit.
“What to me and to you)? My hour (lit. the hour of mine) has not
yet come.” The reference to His hour is no doubt a
reference to the hour Christ would die on the cross and thus be raised and
glorified with the Father (Jn 7:30; 8:20; 12:23; 13:1; 16:32; 17:1). Mary was
not offended and Jesus performed a miracle. (5) The servants were told to fill six waterpots with water containing between 20-30 gallons
each. They were told to take some over to the “headwaiter” (architriklinos – archō – head or
rule, and tríklinos – dining room with seats). The headwaiter recognized the quality
of the wine and praised the bridegroom for his great protocol. b) Jesus
Demonstrated His Glory and His Disciples Believed (2:11) (1) This was
the beginning (archế) of Jesus’
ministry and the beginning of the seven signs that John would record to show
that Jesus was God. This also rules out any fanciful stories of Jesus
performing miracles during His boyhood. (2) This sign (semeíon
– a signifying mark or confirmation) manifested (phaneróō
– reveal or make known) Jesus’ glory. Jesus’ “glory (dóxa
– splendor, power, and heavenly presence) described the glory of the
Unique Son of God who was equal to the Father (Jn 1:14 cp. 8:54; 12:41; 17:5,
22, 24). (3) This first sign revealed Jesus as Creator
(cp. Jn 1:1-3). As in the creation of the world, He created ex nihilo
(out of nothing). Here Jesus created all the elements of wine using only
water. God has always created wine out of fermented grapes over time. Here He
created wine instantaneously and without the grapes. (4) In another interesting contrast with Moses’
ministry (cp. Jn 1:17), Moses turned water into blood, a symbol of judgment
(Ex 7:14-24). However, Jesus turned water into wine, a symbol of joy through
grace (cp. Jn 3:17). 4. Cleansing
of The Temple (2:12–25) a) Jesus
Displayed His Zeal for His Father’s House (12-17) (1) Jesus was
still involved in His family circle evidenced by the invitation to the
wedding at Cana as well as staying together with them in Capernaum (12). (2) As every faithful Jew would do, Jesus went
up to Jerusalem for the Passover. When Jesus went into the Temple courts
(“Court of the Gentiles”), He found moneychangers and sellers of sacrifices
(oxen, sheep, doves). Jesus proceeded to make a whip and drove out (ekbállō – lit. throw out) the
merchants with their goods, having dumped out their money and overturned
their tables. Jesus told them to take these things away and stop the practice
of making His Father house an emporium (empórion
– trading place or marketplace). Not only did they make the Temple a flea
market, but they had the Jewish worshippers over a barrel because they gouged
their money exchanges into Tyrian coinage.
Furthermore, in was doubtful that the Jewish worshippers from foreign lands
would be able to bring their sacrifices with them and were force to pay
exorbitant process. It is unsure whether the merchants were all Gentiles, but
no doubt, the priests were in on the profits. (3) This is actually the first of two Temple
cleansings. The second being record in the Synoptics
(Mt 21:12–17; Mk 11:15–18; Lk 19:45, 46). (4) The disciples remembered later that Jesus
had fulfilled the Messianic prophecy of Ps 69:9 (cp. Mal 3:1). b) Jesus
Defended His Authority with the Resurrection (2:18-22) (1) The
cleansing of the Temple is the first recorded discord between Jesus and the
Jewish religious leaders. Not only did this incident incite an unquenchable
hatred from the religious leaders, but it would become the very judicial
basis for His crucifixion (Mt 26:60-61 cp. Mt 27:40; Mk 14:58 cp. Mk 15:29). (2) The Jews challenged Jesus’ authority for
cleansing the Temple. In fact, they asked Him for a sign to show that He had
any Messianic authority. Jesus replied that the sign He would give them would
be to destroy “this” temple and He would raise it in three days. The proof
Jesus was speaking about was the temple of His body. Jesus’ death and
resurrection was the ultimate proof that He was the Christ, the Son of God.
Unfortunately, even His disciples did not understand and believe this
statement until after His resurrection. c) Jesus
Discerned All Men’s Hearts (2:23-25) (1) Even
though believing is a part of the theme of the Gospel of John, John does
distinguish between saving faith and superficial faith. In vs. 23, John
states that many believed in His name. However, they believed in His name,
“while observing” His signs. Their belief was based on the miracles and not
the person of Christ. These signs are to lead our faith to the Savior and His
work on the cross (Jn 4:48; 6:26). (2) Because of such superficial faith, Jesus
did not “entrust Himself” to them. “Entrust” is the Greek word pistueō and may be a play on words.
They did not truly believe in Jesus, therefore, He did not believe in them. (3) Again John sets forth Jesus’ omniscience
(cp. Jn 1:48) proving His deity. Jesus did not need anyone to reveal to Him
the hearts and thoughts of men for He knew all men, and what was in man.
Another example of this truth will occur in Jn 3:1, “there was a man.” Jesus
will reveal that He knew the intents of Nicodemus’ thoughts and questions (Jn
3:2-3). Applications: 1) New wine in new wineskins, 2) Save
the best for last, 3) Enthusiasm for spectacular |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
