Water Turned to Wine

March 18, 2012


Background Scripture: John 2:1 – 12
Lesson Passage: John 2:1 – 12

Of all of the signs and wonders that Jesus did during his three and a half year ministry, it seems odd to me that the very first would be turning water into wine. I say it seems odd because the incident that led to this miracle was not a matter of life and death nor is there any record that people glorified God because of it. Rather, it seemed to only be for the benefit of a group celebrating a wedding between two people who to this day remain anonymous. I struggle with coming to grip with the nature of this first miracle. It does not appear to have been done to further elevate marriage as a God-given institution to man. It was done in response to the request of Jesus’ mother. As a matter of record, John records that Jesus’ initial response to his mother was that it was not yet his time. In fact, it appears that most of the wedding guests remained unaware that a miracle had taken place. However, for those who were aware of what had happened (his disciples according to John), this miracle made a bold statement as to who was this Jesus of Nazareth. Of course, his mother Mary knew before he was conceived in her womb who he was, where he had come from, and what he was destined to do. All of this was revealed to her by the angel Gabriel. For others, however, his identity would have to be manifest in their midst through his teaching, through signs, and through wonders. This first miracle got the attention of his disciples.

I believe that everything Jesus did was somehow for the purpose of teaching. What is it we are to learn from this miracle in Cana? Perhaps the first lesson is that Jesus has complete control over the physical world. The process of making wine requires the juice of a fruit such as grapes. The wine could be fermented or unfermented. If fermented, that process takes time for a leavening agent to break down the sugars in the fruit juice. What Jesus did involved 120 to 180 gallons and it was done quickly. A second lesson can be gleaned from the actions of the servants. Although Jesus was not the governor (person in charge) of the feast, they readily obeyed his instructions to fill the pots with water and to take a sample to the governor. A third lesson can be learned from the actions of Mary, Jesus’ mother. Although Jesus said that his time had not come, Mary still made her request known to him and gave instructions to the servants indicating that she expected to have her request honored. Note that her request was on behalf of others and not for herself: “They have no wine.”

This miracle was the first of approximately thirty five that are recorded in the four accounts of the gospel. John informs us in his account that what is recorded is a small number compared to what Jesus actually did during his ministry. Only John’s account records this particular miracle. John is explicit in stating why he chose to write what he did. His record is aimed at convincing his readers that Jesus is indeed the anointed Son of God and through believing this and confessing him as their Savior, they would receive eternal life through his name.

Robert C. Hudson
March 7, 2012

The Word Became Flesh

March 11, 2012


Background Scripture: John 1:1 – 18
Lesson Passage: John 1:1 – 14

I believe that the Gospel according to John contains some of the most profound statements in the bible. Much of the text in our lesson is very poetic in its construct. I say those things to say that it can seem a daunting task to get beyond the poetry and the awe-inspiring use of the language to glean the message contained in the script. Our lesson title suggests the main focus of the lesson passage. That which was pure spirit took on flesh and provided mankind with a glimpse at the personality of God. Flesh, even in its sinless state, cannot fully express the essence of spirit which is eternal. However, when flesh is put under subjection of the Spirit, then the actions of the flesh will exhibit characteristics of the Spirit. We are able to deduce the nature of the Spirit by observing flesh that is completely surrendered to it. How can God who is Spirit manifest Himself to mankind who is mostly preoccupied with things of the flesh? We have a fairly reasonable understanding of the nature of the flesh. We recognize actions that are driven primarily by the desires of the flesh. In fact, before we have been regenerated, all of our actions and indeed what we come to know as growing up are dictated by the desires of the flesh. After we have been regenerated, we discover even more about ourselves as it relates to our carnal (flesh) person. God’s Spirit in us wars against our flesh because the flesh is an enemy of God. This inner war helps us to comprehend the deep division that once separated us from God. Our consciences were once so seared that we were unaware of our rebellion against God’s holiness. We knew little about ourselves and nothing about God. This all changed because of the incarnation of God’s Spirit. When the Spirit of God took on flesh, we could begin to see characteristics of God that we were not previously aware of. Jesus plainly demonstrated to the world what could not be fully grasped before. Jesus was God’s nature on display. Much of the Old Testament scriptures were made clear to us through and by Jesus. Through his examples we were allowed to see that which had been hidden in God from eternity past. By his teaching we could receive a measure of faith so that we would know to call on the Lord for forgiveness and salvation. What was once only vaguely comprehended by mankind was made clear through Jesus. Everything to be known about God is embodied in His word. Jesus said it best when he said, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” The word of God mysteriously drew us to Christ. However, our understanding of spiritual matters was still extremely limited. We more readily receive physical information learned by observation and examples. God would not allow us to remain handicapped in our ability to receive faith so that the gap between Him and us could be closed. If mankind needed flesh to be the example of God’s likeness and to suffer a sinful death to rescue man’s soul, then so be it. God provided us everything we needed. The Word became flesh.

Robert C. Hudson
March 5, 2012