John Chapter 2

The Wedding at Cana:
(Read John 2:1-12)
The miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee was the first of the seven miracles that John chose to record.  Jesus did miracles to validate His deity. We learn in this miracle that Jesus has power over the material universe.  He is the source of all blessings (James 1:17).  Jesus and his disciples were invited to this wedding.  The mother of Jesus was there, and Mary was concerned that the wine had ran out during the celebration.  Wine was a normal drink at that time. It was a public humiliation in a wedding to run out of wine. Mary spoke to Jesus about this problem. She knew that Jesus could do something about it. Jesus replied, "Woman my hour has not yet come"(John 2:4).  He was not showing any disrespect to Mary by addressing her, "Woman". Mary told the servants “Do whatever He tells you to do”. Jesus did all things according to the heavenly timetable (John 17:1). Jesus asked the servants to fill the six stone jars with water. These were used for the Jewish purification. Each jar could hold about 30 gallons of water. Jesus transformed the water into wine. When the governor of the wedding tasted it, he found it very good. Thus, Jesus proved that he has power over the material universe.  Jesus is the one who could bring joy and satisfaction in the wedding.  Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ. Servants obeyed and filled the Jars. Obedience is the secret of joy.  Only God can fill our cup of salvation with overflowing blessings.  Only Jesus can bring lasting satisfaction in life. Though Jesus performed many miracles, only 36 of them are recorded in the Gospel account.  Jesus did this to manifest His glory. Many people saw the miracles but only the disciples saw His glory. Miracles were not performed to show off Christ's power. Miracle always points to something greater than itself and often followed with a message (John 5:14-24).  Miracles cannot save sinners. Satan has blinded unbelievers to see His glory (2 Corinthians 4:4).  This miracle teaches that Jesus does all things for the sake of God's glory and for our good. We cannot justify drunkenness based on this passage. Drunkenness is condemned in the Bible (Proverb 23:21). It can lead to a riotous and sinful lifestyle (Romans 13:13). Jesus is the true source of joy. He is the Lord of glory who gives hope and eternal blessings.

Jesus Clears the Temple:
(Read John 2:13-22)
John also gives the account of the cleansing of the temple in this chapter. Temple worship was very important to Jews. God chose to dwell in the midst of Israel in the tabernacle and in the temple. Every male Jew was required to attend three annual feasts in Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 16:16).  God fearing Jews come to Jerusalem to attend these feasts. The temple had many barriers. The outer court was for the Gentiles.  The next court was for women.  They came to worship God.  In the main court the Jewish men were allowed to bring their sacrifices. The priests were allowed to enter the Holy place. Only the High Priest could enter the most Holy place once a year on the day of Atonement (Leviticus 16).  Passover was one of Israel's feasts. During this feast, the temple's outer court was taken over by religious leaders for marketing and money exchange. Religious leaders considered this as a service to worshipers.  They choose godliness as a means of gain.  It is so sad that many preachers twist the truth for personal gain.  Truth must be preached so that the sinners will be saved. Jesus saw how broken and sinful the temple worship had become. Jesus cleansed the Temple because they made the Father’s house a place of merchandise. It was the fulfillment of a prophecy (Psalms 69:9). Jews asked Jesus for a sign to prove His authority for His conduct. Christ said, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up”.  This prophecy was fulfilled when the disciples saw Jesus raised from the dead on the third day.  The temple was never intended to be God's permanent dwelling. Jesus is the true and final temple.  In Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Colossians 2:9).  Temple was only a type of Christ.  Today believers gather in the name of Jesus to worship God.  The Church is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). Christ is the one through whom we have access to God the Father (Hebrews 10:19-22). Christ is our only mediator (1 Timothy 2:5).  The Law that separated us from God is now removed forever. The religious leaders were not seeking truth but seeking evidence to condemn Jesus. We should study God's Word daily to know the truth. Only in Christ we have access to God the Father through the Spirit (Ephesians 2:18).

Jesus knows His own:

(Read John 2:23-25)
When Jesus was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in His name because they saw the miracles. They were convinced that Jesus is the Messiah.  But Jesus did not trust them because they were only professing followers.  Their faith was only superficial (John 2:24-25). Jesus knows those who trust him with genuine faith.  They depart from iniquity and live a life that reflects Christ (2 Timothy 2:19). Many people seek Jesus as a miracle worker rather than their Lord and Savior. Seeing a miracle does not mean believing.  Only faith in Christ will save sinners (Romans 10:9). Many traveled with Christ, but few followed Him. Jesus knew everything and no one needed to tell him about human nature. He knew what was in man.  Are you a follower of Christ or a fellow traveler? Is Christ your Lord and Savior?  Where are you finding your hope and peace today?