## Believe in Miracles: Water into Wine

## John 2:1-11

(John 20:30-31) And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

I believe that this is a very important clarification of the importance and the purpose of the miracles of Jesus Christ. John says, '…many other signs…' and the word he uses here under the inspiration of the Spirit is a word that means 'a miracle with a message'. Not just a miraculous event, but one with a meaning attached to it. In the next verse he tells of that message or purpose. 'that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ'.

Today we will consider the first of seven miracles that we find in the Gospel of John. It seems at first glance to be somewhat trivial, but remember John's explanation, "…These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ."

I. Wedding Day Miracle

A. The Guests at the Wedding (v. 1-2)

1. Jesus and His disciples were invited

2. Some things we don't know about the wedding.

a. Don't know who was getting married.

b. Don't know any details about them.

3. Speculation concerning the marriage.

a. Probably some relative of Mary or Joseph.

b. Mary's prominence indicates a family wedding.

4. It is interesting to see how closely Jesus is associated with His disciples.

a. An invitation to Jesus included His disciples.

b. Others should know that Jesus goes where we go.

B. Problem and Solution (v3-5)

1. A problem arises: they are out of wine.

2. Weddings are great places for problems.

3. The Jewish wedding celebration.

a. The Jewish wedding was a bit different than what we understand today.

b. There were three basic parts of the ceremony.

c. First there was the feast and actual ceremony.

d. Then came the procession (more like a parade) through the streets to their home. (this was to let everyone in the community know of the wedding)

e. Then there would be an open house which consisted of a week-long celebration (our particular account began on the third day of this celebration)

4. On the third day of these festivities, they ran out of wine.

a. This doesn't sound like much of a problem to us, but to the Jews, it could be ruinous!

b. First, it was a matter of honor. The bridegroom was responsible for providing adequate supplies.

c. Secondly, to run out of wine would cause public embarrassment for the groom and his family.

d. Therefore, this was a problem of considerable size to these people.

5. Observations:

a. Life doesn't always go as we had planned it!

b. There are times when problems arise and troubles come our way.

6. Mary handles the problem. (Note: Mary's significance here and the invitation to Jesus and His disciples lead us to believe that this wedding was likely one of a family member.)

a. She takes the problem to Jesus

1) Notice there is no mention of Joseph.

2) Many believe that he has passed away by this time.

3) So Mary comes to her eldest son, Jesus and presents the problem to Him.

b. This is a good example for us when problems come; we need to take them to the Lord.

c. Mary's good advice: "Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it"

d. We should always be ready to do what Jesus wants us to do.

7. What Jesus tells people to do:

a. It will always be in accordance with His Word (v. 4)

1) 'Mine hour is not yet come'

2) Jesus cannot be forced into doing anything.

3) Let's not forget that He was Jesus…

4) He knew the need before it came up.

b. Will involve beginning were we are.(v.6)

c. Will involve using something at hand.

d. Will involve labor (v. 7)

e. Will involve faith (v. 7)

f. Will demonstrate faith to others (v. 8)

C. Lessons to be Learned

1. The Thirsty Crowd:

a. This is a picture of those who are without Christ in their lives.

b. They are looking for satisfaction in this world, but only Jesus can satisfy our souls!

c. The Word of God invites thirsty sinners to come to Christ.

d. "...If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink." (John 7:37)

2. The Empty Water pots.

a. This is a picture of the human heart.

b. It is hard and empty; things may appear to look good on the outside, but inside there is only emptiness.

c. The Bible tells us that man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks upon the heart.

d. Water was important to the Jewish people.

e. Not only was it necessary for sustaining life, but it was also used in ceremonial cleansing.

(Ephesians 5:26) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

3. Filled with water.

a. Water is often a picture of the Word of God.

b. The job of the servants was to fill the pots with water, not to try to change the water into wine!

c. If we will do our part, sharing the Word of God with those who are thirsting, those who are need of cleansing…

d. The Lord will do the miracle!

4. The Miracle: Water into wine!

a. When a sinner's heart has been filled with the Word of God, then Christ performs a great miracle.

b. The miracle of salvation takes a lost sinner, and fills him with joy as he becomes a part of the family of God.

c. The wine is a picture of that joy and gladness!

d. Ex. Phillip and the Ethiopian

1) Phillip gave him the Word.

2) God performed the miracle of salvation.

3) The eunuch went on his way rejoicing!

Next time: Healing the Nobleman's Son John 4:43-54