Sermon for July 31, 2011 - The Sermon for This Week is

Matthew 6:9-13 - After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

The Sermon for This Week is: John 2:1-25

Part 1 - The Water Turned To Wine - John 2:1-12 - And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.

INTRODUCTION

1. John’s purpose in his gospel was to produce faith - John 20:30-31 - And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

a. Which he sought to accomplish by recording the “signs” done by Jesus

b. Not all of them, but enough to produce faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God

2. The “signs” Jesus performed were miracles...

a. Expressions of supernatural, divine power

b. Designed to attest His unique relationship with God - cf. Acts 2:22 - Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

[The first sign recorded by John took place shortly after Jesus had acquired His first disciples...]

I. THE SETTING

A. IN CANA OF GALILEE...

1. On the third day - John 2:1 - And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

a. The third day after Jesus made two more disciples (Hendriksen)

b. Taking two days to reach Galilee from Judea (JFB)

2. In the city of Cana - John 2:1 - And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

a. Cana was about 4 miles NE of Nazareth, and SW of the Sea of Galilee

b. Jesus had wanted to go to Galilee - cf. John 1:43 - The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.

c. Nathanael was from the city of Cana - cf. John 21:2 - There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.

B. AT A WEDDING FEAST...

1. The mother of Jesus was there - John 2:1 - And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

2. Likewise Jesus and His disciples, who had been invited - John 2:2 - And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.

a. Jesus and His disciples were not ascetics - cf. Matthew 9:14 - Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?

b. He came eating and drinking - cf. Matthew 11:19 - The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

C. WHERE THE WINE HAD RUN OUT...

1. As noted by the mother of Jesus - John 2:3 - And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.

a. She appears to have some role of responsibility and authority - cf. John 2:5 - His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

b. The invitation to Jesus and His disciples may have been a last minute thing

c. Running out of wine would have been an embarrassment to Mary, if she were in charge

d. She tells Jesus; perhaps hinting a request? (RWP)

2. Jesus responds to His mother - John 2:4 - Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

a. “Woman”

1) Not a term of disrespect in those days - cf. John 19:26 - When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! - John 20:15 - Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

2) Though a subtle hint may be implied by its use instead of “Mother” that their relationship of mother and son was changing

b. “What does your concern have to do with Me?”

1) Perhaps a mild rebuke for her anxiety

2) Perhaps too much like Martha? - cf. Luke 10:41 - And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

c. “My hour has not yet come.”

1) This suggests that Mary’s request was more than just a desire for a gift of wine

2) Perhaps she wanted a supreme manifestation of Him as the Messiah

3) That event would come later, with His death and resurrection - cf. John 2:18-19 - Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. - John 12:23 - And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. - John 12:27 - Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. - John 17:1 - These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:

4) His mother sought for a supreme sign, but at that time only a secondary sign could be fittingly given

5) I.e., the triumph at Pentecost was not to be achieved at Cana (McGarvey)

[Despite the subtle rebuke, Mary evidently sense a willingness on Jesus’ part to do something. So she instructed the servants to do whatever He says (cf. John 2:5 - His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.). This leads us to...]

II. THE MIRACLE

A. THE WATER TURNED TO WINE...

1. Beginning with six empty water pots - John 2:6 - And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.

a. Normally used for the Jewish rituals of purification - cf. Mark 7:3-4 - For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.

b. Capable of holding twenty or thirty gallons (two or three firkins, KJV) each

2. Filled with water - John 2:7 - Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.

a. As instructed by Jesus

b. Filled to the brim

3. A sample drawn and taken to the master of the feast - John 2:8 - And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.

a. As instructed by Jesus

b. Carried out by the servants

c. Apparently what was drawn was still water; it became wine before reaching the guests - cf. John 2:9 - When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,

B. THE IMPACT ON THOSE PRESENT...

1. Upon the master of the feast - John 2:9-10 - When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.

a. He tasted the water that was made wine

b. Not knowing where it came from, he called the bridegroom

c. Telling him that he kept the good wine for last, contrary to normal custom

2. Upon the disciples of Jesus - John 2:11 - This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

a. It was the beginning of signs Jesus did in Galilee - cf. John 4:54 - This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.

b. In which Jesus manifested His glory - cf. John 1:14 - And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

c. Their faith in Jesus was even more strengthened

C. THE IMPACT ON US TODAY...

1. It should not be to justify the custom of social drinking

a. The word “oinos” can refer to fermented wine, but not necessarily

b. Alcoholic drinks today are much stronger than those in Bible times

c. The Bible is filled with the dangers of drinking - cf. Proverbs 20:1 - Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. - Proverbs 23:29-35 - Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

d. We do well to consider the influence of our example - cf. Romans 14:21 - it is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. - 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 - Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

2. This miracle of turning water to wine reveals Jesus as:

a. One who honors the bond of marriage by His presence at the wedding

b. One who bestows His gifts lavishly; if in the physical realm, how much more in the spiritual?

c. One whose infinite love is made effective by His equally infinite power

d. One who, accordingly, is the Son of God, full of grace and glory

-- William Hendricksen, New Testament Commentary

CONCLUSION

1. After this miracle in Cana, Jesus went down to Capernaum - John 2:12 - Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

a. Capernaum, a city on the northwestern shore of Galilee, visited frequently by Jesus

b. Together with His mother, His brothers (cf. Matthew 13:55 - Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?), and His disciples

c. Though they did not stay many days - cf. John 2:13 - And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,

2. The disciples of Jesus must have been excited...

a. They had heard the testimony of John the Baptist concerning Jesus

b. They had borne their own initial testimony as to Jesus

c. Now they had seen this “sign” that Jesus was truly what they believed Him to be!

More signs to come would increase their faith in Jesus. They can have a similar affect in us as we continue to read and study the gospel according to John...

Part 2 - The Cleansing Of The Temple - John 2:13-25 - And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

INTRODUCTION

1. It is common to think of Jesus as a gentle, peace-loving man...

a. He certainly presented Himself as such on most occasions - e.g., Matthew 11:28-30 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

b. People felt comfortable in bringing their children to Him - e.g., Matthew 19:13-14 - Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

2. Yet on occasion Jesus displayed strong righteous indignation...

a. Such as when He visited Jerusalem during the Passover at the beginning of His ministry

b. As He drove the moneychangers and merchandisers out of the temple - John 2:13-15 - And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;

[What prompted this outburst of anger? What gave Jesus the authority to do this? What lessons might we glean from this event? As we seek to find the answers let’s first note...]

I. THE REBUKE OF THE LORD

A. MERCHANDISING HIS FATHER’S HOUSE...

1. The Lord’s rebuke reveals the reason for His outburst - cf. John 2:16 - And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.

2. The sellers of oxen and sheep, along with the moneychangers, had turned the temple into a house of merchandise

3. It was to be a house of prayer, they had turned it into a den of thieves - cf. Matthew 21:13 - And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

-- The Lord was angered by the manner in which some used religion to make money

B. MIGHT WE BE GUILTY OF A SIMILAR OFFENSE...?

1. What if we attend church simply as a form of “networking”, to make business contacts?

2. What if we take advantage of our relationship as brethren to further a multilevel marketing business, a home-based business, or any other financial enterprise?

-- 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 - Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

[The Lord has ordained that those who preach the gospel be supported (1 Corinthians 9:14 - Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.). But He is angered by those who view the Lord’s temple (people) as a way to get rich. Next, we note that His anger was prompted by...]

II. THE ZEAL OF THE LORD

A. ZEAL FOR HIS FATHER’S HOUSE...

1. The disciples were reminded of an Old Testament prophecy - John 2:17 - And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. - Psalms 69:9 - For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.

2. Jesus had zeal (fervor) for God’s house, for it’s intended purpose (a house of prayer)

-- His great zeal for His Father’s house moved Him to action

B. HOW IS OUR ZEAL FOR THE LORD’S HOUSE...?

1. Remember, today the Father’s house is the church - cf. 1 Timothy 3:15 - But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

2. Do we have great zeal for the church?

a. That it fulfill it’s intended purpose (to make known God’s will)? - cf. Ephesians 3:10-11 - To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

b. That we are troubled when we see people try to turn it into something else, such as social club, or a purveyor of entertainment?

-- If we have zeal for the Lord’s house, we will not rest silent when others pervert its purpose

[Of course, the action we take may not be the same as what Jesus did. Indeed, He took up “a whip of cords.” What right did He have to use such a display of force? That’s what the Jews wanted to know...]

III. THE AUTHORITY OF THE LORD

A. THE SIGN THAT PROVES HIS AUTHORITY...

1. They wanted to know what sign (miracle) He could offer to prove His right to cleanse the temple - John 2:18 - Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

2. Jesus offered His ability to rise from the dead as the ultimate proof - John 2:19-22 - Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

a. Later, He would restate His claim to have this ability - John 10:17-18 - Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

b. His resurrection proved that He was the Son of God - cf. Romans 1:4 - And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

-- He has been given the authority to exercise such judgment as cleansing the temple - cf. John 5:22 - For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: - John 5:26-27 - For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

B. WE DO NOT HAVE THE SAME AUTHORITY...

1. We are to judge with righteous judgment - John 7:24 - Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

a. At times we must distinguish between “hogs” and “dogs” - Matthew 7:6 - Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

b. We can distinguish between good and bad fruit - Matthew 7:15-20 - Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

2. But our authority to judge is limited - Matthew 7:1-5 - Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

a. There are things we cannot judge in this life - 1 Corinthians 4:3-5 - But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

b. There are people we are not to judge - 1 Corinthians 5:11-13 - But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

c. Vengeance in particular belongs to the Lord - cf. Romans 12:17-19 - Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

-- While Jesus is our example (cf. 1 Peter 2:21 - For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:), there are some “steps” that He took that we cannot take

[The reason we cannot emulate the Lord in every case becomes evident as we consider...]

IV. THE POWER OF THE LORD

A. THE POWER THAT JUSTIFIES HIS ACTION...

1. John mentions how many came to believe in Him because of His signs - John 2:23 - Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.

2. John also makes note of His unwillingness to commit Himself to others at this time

a. He had no need to, because he knew all - John 2:24 - But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,

b. He had no need to, because he knew what was in man - John 2:25 - And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

-- Jesus is revealed as one who can discern the hearts of men - cf. Matthew 9:4 - And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? - Revelation 2:23 - And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

B. WE DO NOT HAVE THE SAME POWER...

1. We cannot discern the hearts of men like the Lord can; note these comments:

a. “Our Lord knew all men, their nature, dispositions, affections, designs, so as we do not

know any man, not even ourselves.”

b. “He knows his crafty enemies, and all their secret projects; his false friends, and their

true characters.”

c. “He knows who are truly his, knows their uprightness, and knows their weaknesses.”

d. “We know what is done by men; Christ knows what is in them, he tries the heart.”

-- Matthew Henry Commentary

2. Since we cannot read the hearts of men, we must be careful

a. We are unable to always know the motives of others

b. We must approach those in opposition with humility - cf. 2 Timothy 2:24-26 - And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

c. We must approach brethren overtaken in a fault with gentleness - cf. Galatians 6:1 - Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

CONCLUSION

1. In contending for the faith (which is a solemn duty, Jude 1:3 - Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.)...

a. Some often use the example of Jesus cleansing the temple to justify their behavior

b. As they lash out in anger (righteous indignation?) towards those teaching error

2. Is it right to appeal to Jesus’ example in this case...?

a. Can we appeal to every example of Jesus?

b. If so, are we justified to use a whip of cords as well?

3. The immediate context offers reasons to answer carefully...

a. Jesus possessed unlimited authority to judge man, proven by His resurrection from the dead

b. Jesus possessed divine power to read the hearts of men, we sometimes cannot even discern our own hearts

4. There are times for righteous indignation...

a. But some things must be left to the Lord, the righteous Judge

b. We must avoid what might actually be “self-righteous” indignation!

While we may not always be able to emulate the Lord’s prerogative to judge, we should certainly strive to copy His zeal for His Father’s house. Is our zeal for His church what it ought to be...?