John 2 What does John communicate about Jesus?John’s chief concern here is communicating the resurrection. According to John here, it appears Jesus has his resurrection in full view, even at the earliest point of his ministry. Concerning the miracle at the wedding in Cana, Jesus converts water to wine. I’ve long wondered what all the implications are of this miracle. On surface level, we see the beginning of Jesus miracles. Because of this miracle, we see the disciples put their faith in Christ: “What Jess did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples put their faith in him.” We see a similar response to a miracle from the Israelites following their miraculous crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:31) Also, concerning the miracle at Cana, it is possible also to see this conversion as a parallel of our own conversion from water to wine, from sinner to saint. Our conversion is incomprehensible, but it happens, much like water to wine. They didn’t know how it happened, that water turned into wine, it was simply the miraculous work of Christ, much like the miraculous work of the cross. We also have Jesus clearing out the temple that Herod built. Jesus witnesses the corruption of the temple and starts cleaning house. Onlookers want to know what authority Jesus has to do and say what he does. Jesus’ response is peculiar “Destroy this temple and I will raise it again in three days” (2:19). They didn’t know it at the time, but Jesus was talking of his death and resurrection. We see the importance of the resurrection as a validation of Christ’s authority in this world. What do I learn about Godliness? Godliness appears here in the faith of the disciples. We see contrasted two views, one from the disciples who witnessed the miracle in Cana and “put their faith” in Jesus. While those who turned the temple into a market wanted a sign for authority. Truly the Godly were those who put their faith in Christ while the others proved ungodly by demanding a sign and then not having the faith to believe that the temple could be raised again in three days. We see Godliness, the God-honoring manner of life, is very much responding to the miracles of Christ in faith and believing in his authority. How does it apply to our world? When someone is sick and is healed, who often gets the credit? Is it God, the provider of wisdom, grace and healing, or is it the doctor, his scalpel or other technology, or other medicine? When we see sin overcome, when we see people healed, and people changed, who ought receive the credit and praise? Our response to such things reflects our faith in God. For the Israelites, they feared God and put their faith in Moses, the servant of God. When we are forgiven and changed from sinners to Saints, who gets the credit then? If a God-honoring life is putting our faith in God, it means in every way, in every aspect. How does it apply to my life? How many more signs and blessings must I receive before I give Christ my complete and total trust? I think it’s easier to demand more signs of God’s power than it is to believe in just one. We always want reminders and displays of power. The application is simply recognizing my hearts desire for more. What more proof, what more signs do I need than Christ conquering death? Prayer from the chapter: Heavenly Father, the work of Christ directs me to your mercy and grace. As Jesus has converted water into wine, He has also converted me from a sinner to a saint. All authority in heaven and earth has been given to Christ, it is validated in His resurrection. May my heart find strength and hope in this truth. May I follow Christ wholly, with all my heart. I ask all of this in the name of Jesus, Amen.
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AuthorJordan Ickes, Minister of Etna Green Church of Christ. Archives
December 2022
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