JOHN 2:1-12
Lesson # 3
Going to a Wedding With Jesus
I. Introduction:
II. Dining With Jesus: John 2:1-11
Have someone read John 2:1-2
Q Who is the first person mentioned as being at the wedding in Jesus’ family?
An = It is His mother. She seems to be the main contact point.? She probably knew the family of one of those getting married quite well.? As a woman she was no doubt quite aware of all the work and hassle that goes into pulling off a huge celebration like a wedding.
Q? Have you seen how much stress there is in pulling off a wedding today?
An = Let them share.? The wedding celebrations of Jesus’ day were often over a day long and entailed full meals.? The family’s honor and reputation was felt to be at stake if the food, etc. were not up to par.?? Not much has changed from then till today as far as how people feel.
Have someone read John 2:3.
Q? What is Jesus’ mother doing with her comment?
An = She is hinting that Jesus do something about the situation.
Note:? It is Mary, more than anyone else, that knows the true nature and magnitude of her son.? She saw the gifts and heard reports of the Magi, the shepherds, and she knew of the narrow escape by aid from a dream to keep her son from being killed.? She heard the angel Gabriel say he will be “called the Son of the Most High”, she heard the prophesy of Simeon, and she had experienced the power of the Spirit herself.?? She knew more than anyone else who her son was.
Have someone read John 2:4
Q? What kind of answer is this?
An = The term woman is not a necessarily pejorative term. Jesus is not being rude, but Jesus is not calling her “woman”.? Most scholars would agree, a certain distance is being implied here that Jesus’ ministry puts between mother and child.? Jesus seems, in affect, to be saying:? ” what concern is this to me?”
Q What does Jesus mean, His hour is not yet come?
An = It seems to be connected to what Jesus has said above. Jesus seems to be saying this is not the time to do miracles.? Jesus did not come to “amaze the crowds” to “do stunts”.Jesus has no need of amazing people but to call people to the Father!
Have someone read John 2:5.
Q What is Mary implying here, now that her son has told her that this is not their concern?
An = Mary is not arguing with her Son, but saying, very boldly, to the servants, “I do not know what He will do, but do whatever he says to do”.? She has let her son know, she does not dictate the way He will solve the problem and is even aware that it is not a problem high on his priorities, but she knows He can and will act.
RQ? Is not talking to Jesus what we call “prayer”. Every time we see someone talking to Jesus in the Gospel of John we can take this as a teaching on prayer. Mary is a wise woman and a good and godly woman, she has much to teach us here….
Note:? It is how we should pray. Let the Lord know what is really of concern to you, even if it seems to be such a thing as your friends wedding running well. It may not seem to be a high priority, such as the salvation of the lost, or the sickness of a dying friend, but let the Lord know and do so with confidence and leave the details open to Him.
Note:? Many note that these are the last recorded words in the Gospels spoken by Mary.? They are fitting words indeed: “Whatever He says to you, do it.”? So often we worship a key leader or famous christian person, when what Jesus’ mom really wants of us is:? “whatever He says to us, to do it.”? We should not concentrate our efforts on venerating Mary (it would displease Mary), nor should we waste our time venerating any great person in the Christian world, (it would displease any true Christian), we would delight their souls if we “hear the Son of God and obey Him”.
Have someone read John 2:6-10.
Q? Did Jesus please His mother?
An = Yes He did. He answered her request! And He did a bang-up job.? He made what seems to be about 120 gallons of excellent wine. The water used for Jewish purification is now turned into the best of wines. Morris, notes that they were no doubt poor, and such a quantity of wine was a valuable wedding gift.
Note:? Augustine notes that we see God turn water into wine every year, and do not marvel, but counsels, “For who is there that considers the words of God, whereby this whole world is governed and regulated, who is not amazed and overwhelmed with miracles.”
Have someone read John 2:11
Q? What is the result of this miracle at the wedding at Cana of Galilee?
An = His glory was manifested and disciples believed.? Perhaps as we pray to God something greater will happen than the mere granting of our request.? Perhaps, as we pray for what concerns us in our worry of how certain events come out or certain services run, or about certain affairs in our lives, a greater purpose will be served…God’s glory will shine forth and followers of Jesus will believe.
Have someone read John 2:12.
Q Who went back to Capernaum?
An = Jesus’ family and disciples.? His mother made a earthly request, and it had a tremendously positive spiritual result.? Family can be used of God, to bless our ministry, but Jesus’ relationship with His family was not always spiritually smooth…
Q Did Jesus’ brothers always believe?
An = Turn to John 7:3-5 and have someone read it.? Seemingly they are taunting him.?
Have someone read Mark 3:21.
Q How do they seemingly regard Him here?
An = The family seems to think His intense work schedule is an indication that He is getting imbalanced.? Something some may say of you someday.? Sometimes, family is not a support, but a source of criticism.? Do not feel alone.? But things did not stay that way…
Have someone read Acts 1:14
Q? Who is praying and obediently seeking the Lord?
An = We do not know when or how the turn came, but Jesus’ brother James became a key leader in the Jerusalem church was a pillar of strength to many, including us…James wrote the “Book of James” from which we have all drawn such wonderful help.? It was not always easy for Jesus, but His life had the affect of bringing his brothers to belief.
RQ? It is great to be connected to great people, to be “family” to Jesus, but do you feel you have such connections?? Remember something Jesus Himself said about family, and therefore about prayer….
Have someone read Matthew 12:46-49.
Q? What are we potentially?
An = If we hear and obey the words of Jesus, we are “family”!? We, like His brothers, will slowly be drawn into deep belief, and eventually become of great service to the Kingdom of God, despite our present doubts.? Also we, like Mary, will be able to ask of Jesus, and because we are family we will be heard.