The four gospel accounts give us a good understanding of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ while on this earth. In each of them Jesus is presented to us from the human author's particular perspective. This morning I want us to consider a brief picture of Christ that we find in the second chapter of John. Here we find Jesus in attendance at a wedding. Weddings are very special times for all involved. There is such a feeling of excitement as two people pledge their love to each other. Weddings take place every day of the year. It doesn't matter if they are large catered affairs, or if they are small intimate gatherings of just a few friends. They are unique and special by their very nature. In our text this morning we find Jesus and His disciples in attendance at a wedding. We do not know the identities of the bride or the groom, because that is not what is important. What God inspired John to record for us is the fact that Jesus is concerned with, and gets involved in, the problems and situations of ordinary, everyday life. Aren't you glad that He does?
Read: John 2:1-11
I. Christ's Participation In The Events Of Life.
A. The Circumstances. v1-2
1. A wedding in biblical days was a huge social event.
2. The celebration could last as long as a week.
3. Again, we are not told who is getting married, but it is probably someone who is related to Jesus.
4. I say that because Mary, the mother of Jesus, is involved in overseeing the festivities.
5. If this teaches us anything, it tells us that Jesus chose to participate in this common, routine, everyday event.
6. You see, Jesus isn't just for Sunday!
7. He desires, and deserves to be included in all of our life!
8. As a matter of fact, He is either Lord of all, or He isn't Lord at all!
B. The Call
1. Jesus is here by invitation!
2. Someone possessed the forethought and thoughtfulness to call Jesus to this event.
3. We should never be guilty of attempting to exclude Jesus from any areas of our life.
4. By virtue of His sacrifice for us at Calvary, He deserves inclusion in all we are and in all we do.
(1 Cor 6:19-20) What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? {20} For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
5. If we are truly His, then He has access rights to everything!
a. Some, here today, need to open the areas of our life up to God.
b. Stop holding back and give God access to everything!
c. In too many lives, Jesus is left standing outside looking in.
(Rev 3:20) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
6. There are times when Jesus stands ready with the solution to our problems, but He waits patiently for our invitation!
7. Why not makes that happen today?)
C. Christ's Consideration
1. Notice that when He was called, Jesus came!
2. We never to wonder if Jesus will come to our aid!
3. He cares and when we call, He will answer.
(Mat 7:7-8) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: {8} For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
II. Christ's Power In The Events Of Life v3-9
A. A Problem v3
1. Sometime, during these festivities, they ran out of wine.
2. This doesn't sound like much of a problem to us, but to the Jews, it could be ruinous!
3. First, it was a matter of honor. The bridegroom was responsible for providing adequate supplies.
4. Secondly, to run out of wine would cause public embarrassment for the groom and his family.
5. Therefore, this was a problem of considerable size to these people.
6. Life doesn't always go as we had planned it!
7. There are times when problems arise and troubles come our way.
B. A Procedure
1. Mary shows us just what we need to do when troubles arise in our lives.
2. She gives us 2 steps that we should always take in the troublesome times of life.
a. Take your problem to Jesus
1) When the problem arose, Mary took it to the Lord.
2) This is exactly what we need to do!
(Phil 4:6-7) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. {7} And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
b. Follow His Commands
1) This is the only command ever issued by Mary in all of the Bible.
2) For those who feel that Mary is to be reverenced, adored, worshiped and obeyed, this is excellent advice!
3) Just do as Jesus says!
3. The lesson for us is clear!
a. When problems arise, and troubles toss our lives, the best thing we can do is simply to do what Jesus says to do.
b. Now, what does He say to do?
1) Matt. 11:28 - Come to Him.
2) 1 Pet. 5:7 - Cast you cares on Him.
3) Rom. 8:28 - Trust Him.
4) Acts 16:31 - Believe on Him for salvation.
C. His Performance v6-9
1. Jesus took the commonplace and made it extraordinary!
2. He can change any situation if He is given the opportunity to do so.
3. It Was Unconventional - (Water into wine!)
4. Jesus won't do things the way we think they should be done.
5. We must remember that God's ways are not the same as ours!
(Isa 55:8-9) For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. {9} For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
6. Note v9… those who drank the wind didn't know it was a miracle, but the servants did!
7. Most people are unaware of the miracles of God…but that doesn't mean they don't exist!
III. Christ's Provisions In The Events Of Life
A. He provided that which pertained to their physical needs.
1. They had an immediate need that only Jesus could meet.
2. He met that need and He will do the same for us!
3. Note: Philippians 4:19
(Phil 4:19) But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
B. He provided that which pertained to their faith.
1. Notice v. 11 - "His Disciples believed on Him."
2. This was the first of many miracles that Jesus would do.
3. It was the beginning of His public ministry.
4. It provided faith for those who would follow Him.
5. Our faith in Jesus is never misplaced!
6. When the Lord does something amazing in our lives, it strengthens our faith in Him!
Let me close this morning with some questions for you. First, do you personally know Jesus Christ as your Savior? If not, the invitation is for you to come and receive Him today. Second, do you understand that Jesus desires to be a part of the events of your life? He cares about the smallest details of our life!
He is waiting for us to call upon Him and invite Him into our times of need so that He can minister to us.
(Mat 10:29-31) Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. {30} But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. {31} Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
What is our need today? Do as Mary did, bring it to a Lord who cares. Bring it to Jesus.