Bible Studies

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BY COMMENTING
Leave Comment Message Writer
Hire Writer
Report Article

Track Writer

Add to Favorites

by Gary Sims
01/14/04
Not For Sale
Author requests article critique

The Gospels
John 2:1-11 – Turning Water into Believers
Key Verses: (NRSV)

1: “On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.” – Jesus had just begun His ministry, spending the previous days being baptized by John and by calling His disciples together. Here He takes time out to participate in a wedding celebration.
4: “And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’” – Jesus replies rather harshly to His mother when she brought news to Him that they had run out of wine.
5: “His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever He tells you.’” – The problem had been presented to Jesus and now it was time to listen to what He had to say and submit.
7: “Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim.” – Jesus’ instructions were clear, concise, and, yet, vague as to their intent. The servants did not question but simply followed as they were instructed.
10: “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.” – The best saved for last.
11: “Jesus did this, the first of His signs…and revealed His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.” – Revealing the nature of Christ through the miracles He performs in our lives leads others to believe in Him.

Points to Contemplate:

Does John’s story about Jesus’ first miracle leave you with more questions than answers? Is this lesson as cryptic and symbolic as some of John’s other writings or is it a simple straightforward reporting of what took place one quiet and restful day? Are we to take apart each phrase and decipher its symbolism such as: “On the third day…?” (Could this be some metaphor around the creation story?) Are we to consider Jesus’ first miracle as nothing more than a parlor trick? Should we be apologetic to our friends in AA because the obvious over-indulgences in alcoholic beverages? Should we analyze the relationship between Jesus and his mother? Will over-analysis cause us to miss the point of the story?
In what ways does this “first” miracle bring you to a better understanding of Christ? Do you recognize that all things regarding the building of His kingdom do not have to be somber and serious? Do you accept that celebration, joy, and happiness are important emotions to be included in our daily routines? That Jesus is willing to be actively involved in our daily lives, especially in times when we are celebrating life?
Do you turn to Jesus for answers to everyday problems? When you do, are you expecting Jesus to say “What concern is that to you and to me?” Or do you recognize, as His mother did, that Jesus can solve problems in our lives, no matter how mundane they may seem? When you bring your problems to Christ, do you expect results? Are you willing to “do whatever He tells you?” Can you present the problem to Him and have the faith that He will provide you with a solution?
Are you saving the best for last? Are you waiting for a miracle to break into your life before you fully commit to Christ? Does today’s story teach us to hold back, keeping our best efforts for the end of the party? Or does it suggest that everything is better once Christ is involved? That once we turn our problems and our lives over to Jesus that there is a significant change that brings out the best in everything? Are you ready to reveal the good things Christ has created in your life to the world?

Promises of the Gospel:

Today’s story illustrates that a life that includes Jesus is a life filled with abundance, extravagance, transformation, and new possibilities. When we allow for the possibility of Christ to break into our everyday lives, amazing things can happen. When we turn our daily challenges over to Him and then listen and follow His instructions, extraordinary things take place; we experience the best of the best. As we allow Him to provide answers in our lives we reveal His glory so that others will believe and choose to follow Him.

FUMC Devotionals

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE

Reader Count & Comments

Date

Read more articles by Gary Sims or search for other articles by topic below.

Search for articles on: (e.g. creation; holiness etc.)

Read more by clicking on a link:
Free Reprints
Main Site Articles
Most Read Articles
Highly Acclaimed Challenge Articles.
New Release Christian Books for Free for a Simple Review.
God is Not Against You - He Came on an All Out Rescue Mission to Save You

...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them... 2 Cor 5:19

Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38

LEARN & TRUST JESUS HERE

FaithWriters offers Christian reading material for Christian readers. We offer Christian articles, Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, Christian Bible studies, Christian poems, Christian articles for sale, free use Christian articles, Christian living articles, New Covenant Christian Bible Studies, Christian magazine articles and new Christian articles. We write for Jesus about God, the Bible, salvation, prayer and the word of God.