Introduction
In the days of Jesus wedding celebrations could last for over a week and food, drink, and entertainment had to be provided for all the guests by the bridegroom. It would be a disgrace to the family if there was not plenty throughout the time of the celebration. That was what was happening at the celebration Jesus was attending and His mother.
Mary asked Him to do something about the wine shortage. Thus the wonderful miracle of Jesus turning water into wine occurred. Serving the best of everything at the first of the celebration was the normal thing to do but when the wine Jesus provided was served, everyone was amazed for it was far better than what was served at the first and so the comment: “…but you have kept the good wine until now…” was heard. What can we learn from this miracle today? [Taken from The Sermon Note Book]
1. Christ’s participation in the events of Life
Read John 2:1-2
A. The Circumstances
We are not told who is getting married, but it is probably some close kinsman to Jesus. It may be a brother, a sister, a cousin, etc. I say that because it seems to have been someone of close relationship because Mary is involved in the festivities, (John 2:1-5).
Lesson:
If this scene teaches us anything, it tells us that Jesus chose to participate in this common, routine, everyday event. Jesus isn’t just for Sunday! He desires, and deserves to be included in all of life! You see, He is either Lord of all, or He isn’t Lord at all in your life – Acts 10:36
B. The Call
Jesus is hereby invitation! Someone possessed the forethought and thoughtfulness to call Jesus to this event.
Lesson:
Never be guilty of attempting to exclude Jesus from any area of your life. By virtue of His sacrifice for us at Calvary, He deserves inclusion in all we are and in all we do.
Remember 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. If we are truly His, then He has access rights to everything! Some, here today, need to open an area of their life up to God. You need to stop holding back and give God access to everything!
In too many lives, Jesus is left standing outside looking in, (Revelation 3:20). There are times when Jesus stands ready with the solution to your problem, but instead of butting in, He waits patiently for your invitation. Why not make that happen today?
C. Christ’s Consideration
Notice that when He was called, Jesus came! In all the events of life, the child of God need never fear Jesus not coming to the aid! He cares and when we call, He will answer us and move in our need, (Matthew 7:7-8; Jeremiah 33:3)
Lesson:
As this old song says:
Oh what peace we often forfeit of what needless pain we bear
© Universal Music Publishing Group
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer
It may not be the Baptist way, but learn to run to Jesus before you climb on the rocking horse of worry, (Philippians 4:6-7). Jesus will take you farther, faster!
2. Christ’s power in the events of Life
Read John 2:3-9
A. He is always there
Sometimes, during these festivities, they ran out of wine, (John 2:3a). This doesn’t sound like much of a problem to us, but to the Jews, it could be ruinous! First, it was a matter of honor. The bridegroom was responsible for providing adequate supplies. If something ran out before the party was concluded, it simply meant that he hadn’t planned well and hadn’t provided for all of his guests.
Secondly, to run out of wine would cause public embarrassment for the groom and his family. Thirdly, in some instances, the offending family could even be fined. Therefore, this was a problem of considerable size to these people.
Lesson:
Life doesn’t always go as we had planned it! There are times when problems arise and troubles come our way. This is a common thing, (Job 14:1; John 16:33; Ecclesiastes 2:23) It is good to know that when our problems do come that we can take them to Jesus. Those all around us may see them as nothing, but Jesus understands our pain and feels our need, (Hebrews 4:15.)
Consider Christ and His Disciples in the storm-tossed boat, (Mark 4:36-41) and the Disciples alone in the storm-tossed ship (John 6:16-21). In both instances, they felt Jesus was out of touch with their need. Both times they were wrong! Jesus knew their troubles and felt their need. He moved in on their problem and made a difference for them. He will do the same for you!
John 2:3-5 provides the Procedure. In this time of trouble, Mary shows us just what we need to do when troubles arise in our lives. She gives us 2 steps that we should always take in the troublesome times of life.
B. Flee To Him:
When the problem arose, Mary took it to the Lord. This is exactly what we need to do, (Philippians 4:6-7).
Lesson:
Christ’s response to Mary in John 2:4 may seem somewhat cruel and cold. Yet, the term “woman” was a polite and common form of address. Jesus is simply reminding Mary that He has a greater agenda to fulfill than hers or that of the rest of the wedding party. In Luke 2:51, the Bible tells us that Jesus was “subject unto them”, referring to Mary and Joseph. Now, He is reminding His mother that it is time for Him to begin to fulfill His Father’s will.
Perhaps Mary is crying out for help as well! For 30 years she has been accused of being, at best, the mother of the bastard child of a Roman soldier because of rape. At worst, she has been accused of being guilty of fornication or even adultery. It may be that Mary is asking Jesus to clear her name. To show them that He is who she has always known Him to be.
Whatever is on display here, the fact remains that when confronted with a problem, Mary ran to Jesus. What a good example for us to follow!
C. Follow His Commands
The lesson for us is clear! When problems arise, and troubles toss our lives, the best thing we can do is simply to do what Jesus says to do. Now, what does He say to do?
I. Matthew 11:28 – Come to Him.
II. 1 Peter 5:7 – Cast your cares on Him.
III. Romans 8:28 – Trust Him.
IV. Acts 16:31 – Believe Him for salvation.
D. His Performance
Read John 2:6-9
Lesson:
Jesus took the commonplace and made it extraordinary! He can change any situation if He is given the opportunity to do so.
E. It Was Unconventional
Lesson:
Jesus won’t always run on your track! He will move in your situation, but He may not do it your way. (Application: The 3 Hebrews – Why not send an angel to keep them from the fire? He could have, but He chose to deliver them another way. We must remember that God’s ways are not the same as ours – Isaiah. 55:8-9.
F. It Was Uncommon
Read John 2:10
The governor of the feast is surprised at the quality of this new wine. It was an uncommon thing. Just because God did something one way back then, that doesn’t mean that He will do it the same way in the here and now. Don’t try to squeeze God into your little box, He simply will not fit!
Lesson:
Many may question why so-called good people suffer. There is no good answer! Ex: The blind man and the clay, (John 9:6-7). That clay was painful, but it was just what the blind man needed. It’s this way for you as well!
G. It Was Unbelievable
The governor didn’t know it, but the servants did! When you have carried the water and felt its weight, and God moves in and changes it from some ordinary, common event into something that proves to be a blessing in your life, you never get over it.
Lesson:
Nobody in this world may understand what you are going through. Jesus does! And, when He moves in your time of need and turns your darkness today when He lifts your burden and shoulders your load, you know it and you will never forget it! To everyone else, it was just wine, but to those who knew the truth, it was a miracle!
3. Christ’s provision in the events of Life
Read John 2:10-11
A. He provided which pertained to the Flesh
(Example: Wine) He gave them just what they needed in their immediate circumstances. He will do the same for you, (Philippians 4:19). The keyword in that verse is “all”. A careful study of this word in Greek reveals that the word really means “all.” He will meet your need!
(Example: The old widow of Zarephath and her meal barrel, (1 Kings 17:10-16). God took care of her. Remember Elijah beside the brook, (1 Kings 17:1-6). These people never forgot what God did for them. There are millions of others who could testify as well.
B. He Provided which Pertained To The Faith
“His Disciples believed on Him.” (John 2:11) Your faith in Jesus is never misplaced! If you display, “mustard seed” faith in your hour of trial, Jesus will enter into that need and will move your mountain. He will never fail His children!
C. He Provided Which Pertained To The Future
“Manifested His glory.” (John 2:11) When you see Jesus come through in your hour of crisis, it will do something for you! It will strengthen your faith and give you hope for tomorrow.
(Example: The feeding of the 5,000 men in John 6:1-13. The Disciples are filled with doubt and do not believe that the Lord can do this thing. But, later, when Jesus fed the 5,000, Matthew 15:32-38, we do not find them doubting. Contrast how they may have acted each time. They have seen Him work and know what He can do! They know what’s coming, their faith has been increased!
Lesson:
All I am saying is this. “When you see Jesus come through for you today, you have hope for tomorrow’s trials. After all, if He can move that mountain today, then He can move that one you will come to tomorrow!”
Conclusion
What I want you to take home with you from this message is this. Jesus is tied to the events of your life. He is not just some remote supernatural being who is totally removed from our needs.
He cares about the smallest details of your life (Matthew 10:29-31) and waits for you to call Him into your times of need so that He can minister to you. What is your need today? Salvation? Are you backslidden? Some burden? A bad situation?
Some circumstances are beyond your control, but not beyond your ability to worry over? Do as Mary did, bring it to a Lord who cares. Bring it to Jesus!
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