The Word Divides

Part XIII

John 2:6-11

The miraculous sign:

"Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the choice wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” This, the first of miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory; and his disciples put their faith in him."

The purpose

John the Apostle is an eyewitness to the event in Cana. He would have tasted the “choice wine” made by the master himself. John latter writes, “Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’ Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believe in you may have life in his name.” (John 20:29-31)

What then is the purpose of the miracle in Cana? Is it a pattern of expectation we ought to have now in 2015 and beyond? Was it because of the need of the:” bridegroom” of the wedding? Was it an act of an ego maniac who wanted everyone to know what he could do?

I’ve been to many religious services and watched many on TV where the person talking struts around making pompous demands using Jesus name as some incantation commanding God to act. Mary understood when she said “Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2:5) The miracle was not to impress nor to lay out some magical incantation for whenever you want something. The miracle was “to reveal his glory.” (John 2:11) Jesus offered more than wine, he offers Eternal life. The bride, bridegroom, the disciples and others who attended this event died, but now they live on, the question is where. Those who “put their faith in him” are now present with him whose is at “his Father’s side.” (John 1:18). Those who did not put their “faith in him” are now in Hell (John 5:29; John 15:6; Revelation 21:7-8). The miracle was so that you might know who he is and “believe in his name.” (John 2:11) John latter says, “these are written that you may believe.” (John 20:29-31) The miracles recorded in the sacred bible text are sufficient to “reveal his glory” to us. However, for those who make the straw man argument, ‘what about those who have never heard’, the “heavens declare his glory’ (Psalms 19:1; Romans 1:20), “through Him all things were made.” (John 1:3)

God’s love to us is his self-revelation, making Himself know, this is done in Word and Deed. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only begotten son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but gave eternal life”. (John 3:16) God’s love is not giving you what you want but rather giving Himself to you! “In Christ” is life eternal.

Jesus miracle was revelation that what was promised was now present, “grace and truth”, “who takes away sin”, “the Christ”, “the seed of the woman”,” lamb of God”, “the Son of God”, “the One and Only”. (Genesis 3:15; John 1:14, 17, 29, 34) Today put your “faith in him” and have eternal life not just a drink of wine or a wad of money.

Can and does God (Triune) continue to do miracles? Yes, but as He chooses for “his glory”. It is difficult to fathom the jealousy God has for “his name.” (Exodus 20:4-5) All of us have plead at times for God to intervene for others, ourselves for a host of things; healing, resources, jobs, spouses, food, housing, relief from persecution and the list goes on. Could God have granted our request? Yes, so it had nothing to do with his ability or the need it was presented. Jesus had much more for the wedding crowd at Cana that a drink of wine and he does for us today as well, Eternal life. Today he has revealed himself to you through the miracle at Cana, “put your faith in him.” (John 2:11)