Walking Through Ephesians
“Firsts”
Categories: A Month with JesusFirsts - John 2
Firsts. We remember firsts. The first child. The first birthday. The first steps. The first job. The first date. John 2 points us to a first. “This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee…” (2:11).
It’s an interesting thought, isn’t it? Of all the signs Jesus could have started with, His first seems kind of simple, especially compared to healing incurable diseases, or resurrecting the dead. We tend to struggle with this chapter – what was the big deal? They ran out of wine. It’s not as if someone was dying, or facing a chronic illness. Did this really demand a miracle? When we peel back the layers of John 2, we see why Jesus did what He did, and why this is a fantastic “first” sign.
The setting of this miracle is a wedding. Typical Jewish weddings could have lasted one to two weeks. It’s easy to understand how the refreshments could have run out in such a long duration. When they realize the wine is gone, Mary comes to Jesus with the problem (v. 3). Though she didn’t know everything about God’s plan for Jesus, from the start we see her great faith. She knew where to turn. When faced with a problem she knew where to go. Do we?
Notice Jesus’ statement in v. 4. It’s a key statement to understanding this text. “My hour has not yet come.” When Jesus spoke about His “hour,” He was speaking about the plan for which He came – His death, burial, and resurrection (see JN. 7:30; JN 8:20; JN 12:27). Isn’t that an amazing thought? Here, early in His ministry, Jesus is already focused on Calvary. His eyes looking to Jerusalem, His thoughts on His death.
Jesus has them fill 6 stone water pots to the brim. But don’t miss the detail! What kind of pots are they? What were they used for? In v. 6 they were used for the Jewish custom of “purification.” Think of that word: purification – cleansing – washing – forgiveness. Jesus chose the vessels used for cleansing pointing the “hour” He came for. The water turned to wine – red wine – which carries a strong resemblance to blood. Through Jesus hour He will be offering real cleansing, real forgiveness, through the shedding of His blood. And they didn’t just fill one pot – this cleansing isn’t just for one family or bloodline – they filled 6 pots containing 20 or 30 gallons each (v. 6) – an abundance of supply – Christ and His abundance of grace. And the scene ends with merriment and joy. Christ came and supplied a great need, replacing sorrow with joy. The result of Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary is great joy in the freedom found in the blood of the lamb (MAL 4:2).
Keep this phrase in your mind: “…these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” (John 20:30). The result of this miracle was exactly that – the revealing of Christ’s glory, and the development of faith in His disciples (2:11). How about us? From this first miracle, do you believe that Jesus is the answer to your life’s problems? Do you believe that Jesus can supply your every need? But let’s get to the deeper meaning – Jesus performed this miracle pointing to His hour – the hour He suffered and experienced for everyone – for me – for you. Realizing that Jesus kept His focus on Calvary, do you believe He cares for you? Do you believe He has your best interest in mind? Do you believe there’s real hope, real forgiveness, real cleansing, abundant grace found in the blood of the lamb?
“Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, I stand in all of you! I am amazed by Your love. I stand in wonder at your power. I am speechless in seeing your grace, your devotion to Your Father, to the plan that led you to Calvary. Thank You for this miracle. Thank You for showing us your devotion to the Father, and to our forgiveness. Thank You for the cleansing that comes through Your blood. Lord, I believe. I believe You love and care for me. Help me in my moments of doubt to follow Your example, and to keep my gaze on Calvary. Help me, like You, to live today focused on God’s plan, and how to live this day for His will.
