Today's inspiration comes from: John Bible Study by Kevin G. Harney, Gary M. Burge |
John 2:1–12, 13–25; 3:1–21 Pastors get to experience the great joy of having a front-row seat to some of the most wonderful moments in people's lives. They don't just witness a baptism — they actually get to say the words, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit!" Many teach the Word of God on Sundays (and other times during the week) and get to see people find faith in Jesus as their Savior. Pastors often have the unique opportunity of spending time with families who are delighting in the birth of a first child. Sometimes they are among the first people to hold this tiny gift given to nervous and excited parents! Pastors also get to stand a few feet away from a couple on their wedding day as they speak their vows and declare, "I will love and cherish you as long as we both shall live!" There is something wonderful about a new couple starting out their lives together. So it is interesting that one of the first stories we read about Jesus in John's Gospel is His attendance at a wedding held in Cana. While we do not know Jesus' connection to the couple, the fact His mother was concerned about running out of wine — not only an embarrassing but also a dishonoring crisis for the host — implies there was some form of close family connection. Jesus did not intend to do anything other than attend the festivities. He certainly did not plan on doing any "signs" or miracles at this point. But His mother had an urgent request and — surprise! — Jesus met the need. As we move through John's Gospel, we will find that Jesus often surprised people like this time and again. Sometimes their expectations were surpassed. Other times they were not met at all. For some, their preconceived notions of the Messiah were shattered, while for others, those notions were exceeded. Jesus was a surprising Savior when He walked this earth. He continues to surprise people today. A Surprising Provision of Wine [John 2:1–12] 1 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, 2 and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to Him, "They have no more wine." 4 "Woman, why do you involve Me?" Jesus replied. "My hour has not yet come." 5 His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever He tells you." 6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim. 8 Then He told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet." They did so, 9 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 10 and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now." 11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. 12 After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples. There they stayed for a few days. |
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Jesus continues to surprise people today. |
Jesus continues to surprise people today. |
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Original Meaning John reports that Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine at a wedding held in Cana. Weddings in first-century Palestine lasted several days, and running out of wine was not only a social embarrassment but also a failure on the part of the host to honor the guests and couple. Mary, understanding how this lack would bring the family shame, takes the matter to Jesus. His response, "My hour has not yet come" (verse 4), might seem abrupt. However, it reflects His divine timeline, which centers on the ultimate "hour" of His sacrifice on the cross (see 12:23). Nevertheless, Jesus acts, directing the servants to fill six stone jars (traditionally used for Jewish purification rituals) with water. The resulting wine is of extraordinary quality. The transformation of the water into wine not only meets the immediate need but also serves as a symbolic act that points to the new covenant. The use of the stone jars meant for purification is significant, as it indicates a transition is taking place from the old Jewish religious practices to the new order established through Christ. The miracle also offers imagery of the messianic banquet — a theme rooted in Jewish eschatology where God's Kingdom is often envisioned as a joyous feast (see Isaiah 25:6; Revelation 19:9). Furthermore, the mention of "the third day" (verse 1) might hint at Jesus' resurrection, while the wine being of "the best" quality (verse 10) indicates that God's gifts, through Christ, exceed all expectations. John emphasizes that Jesus' miracles are not merely displays of divine power but "signs" (verse 11) revealing His identity and mission. The signs that Jesus performs are revelatory in nature — they unveil that God is at work in Jesus and present in Him. This first sign, in particular, underscores Jesus' role as the mediator of God's grace and the fulfillment of messianic hope. John's remark that what Jesus did in Cana "was the first of the signs through which He revealed His glory; and His disciples believed in Him" (verse 11) highlights the dual purpose of the miracle: to demonstrate God's presence through Christ and to inspire faith. Jesus told Mary, "My hour has not yet come" (verse 4), yet He still performed the miracle. What do you think motivated Jesus to make this decision? Past to Present Consider what this passage meant to the original readers and how it applies to us today. Acts of Grace Jesus demonstrated grace to the family hosting the wedding party when He provided extra wine after all they had purchased had run out. He demonstrated grace to the guests at the banquet when He made wine that was of better quality than what they had already enjoyed. He demonstrated grace to all people when He offered a new covenant better than the old one! Jesus offered God's grace — and so can we. We might not turn water to wine, but we can extend lavish goodness in the name of Jesus in a world where it seems to be running out. When a teacher stays after class to mentor a struggling student... grace is revealed. When a high schooler stands up for a classmate who is being teased... grace is present. When a couple notices a mom putting groceries back on the shelf and quietly pays her bill... grace breaks into a dark world. When a person is feeling anxious and someone offers to pray over him or her in that moment... grace is extended. Jesus saw a need and, out of grace, determined to do something to meet that need. His followers today are called to do the same. |
Excerpted with permission from John Bible Study by Kevin G. Harney, copyright Gary M. Burge and Kevin Harney. * |
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When has God lavished His grace on you in a surprising way? How did the experience build your faith and trust in God? Who in your life seems to just naturally extend grace to others? What have you learned from that person about what it means to serve others in God's Kingdom? ~ Devotionals Daily |
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Knowing What Is True in an Untrue World |
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In many ways, John's Gospel functions as both a Gospel and a letter. As a Gospel, it tells the story of Jesus and his role as revealer of God the Father and provider of redemption to all humanity. As a letter, it encouraged first-century Christians in the life they had chosen, revealed how life in Christ was different from Judaism, and corrected false teachings (like those of the Gnostics). But fundamentally, John's Gospel narrates the life of Jesus and reveals that he was truly the Son of God. Jesus had lived in the flesh among the people. John, being one of Jesus' closest disciples, had witnessed Jesus teaching those who followed him, seen the miracles that he had performed, and was there when he was crucified and then raised from the dead. Yet in spite of all the miraculous signs, pointed teachings, and resurrection, there were still questions about Jesus' divinity. So John sought, through his own personal testimony, to reveal why Jesus was fully divine while also being fully human. John made it clear that Jesus would be filled with power from the Holy Spirit and that when Christ left the earth, he made that same power available to all his followers—both in the first century and for followers today. |
Kevin G. Harney, Gary M. Burge |
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More about the Bible Study |
Each study in the NIV Application Bible Study series employs a three-step process to help you understand both the historical meaning of a biblical text and its relevance in modern times. The original meaning section reveals the questions and concerns the author was addressing. The past to present section then explains what significance the original audience would have found in the passage and what significance you can find in it today. Finally, the questions that accompany each section will help you specifically apply the author's words and teachings and find meaning in them for what you are facing in your life. Lessons: The Word Becomes Flesh (John 1:1–18) A Rabbi Meets the Teacher (John 3:1–21) A Thirsty Woman Finds Water (John 4:1–42) The Hungry Struggle with the Bread of Life (John 6:1–71) The Crowd Debates the Source of Living Water (John 7:1–52) The Blind Confront the Light of the World (John 8:12–9:41) A Family Experiences Resurrection (John 11:1–57) The Master Serves (John 13:1–38) The Son Promises the Spirit (John 14:1–31) The Vine Prepares the Branches for Fruitfulness (John 15:1–16:4) The Light Plunges into Darkness (John 18:1–19:42) The Lord of Life Returns (John 20:1–29) |
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The GREAT Morning Revolution Online Bible Study |
The GREAT Morning Revolution Online Bible Study |
Change your entire day by how you start your morning. In The Great Morning Revolution with Tara Beth Leach, you'll go from scattered to spiritually centered—before the day begins. Using the GREAT framework—Gratitude, Reflect, Exalt, Ask, Trust—you'll build a gentle, flexible morning practice to deepen your relationship with God Join The Great Morning Revolution Online Bible Study and get access to six teaching videos and other helpful tools—all FREE when you sign up! |
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