Scripture
By Sister Pam Jones
In our main lesson text found in John 2:1-11, we find Mary and Jesus at a wedding, which had run out of wine. This was a considered a serious issue during those times. However, Mary discussed the problem with Jesus and was sure that he would provide a remedy. She was so confident that Jesus would come through for her, and the wedding party, that she told the servants “whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.” Jesus did in fact provide more wine, which was the first of many miracles to come.
Our first related scripture text, John 12:37-41, shows us that after Jesus had performed many miracles, the people were not believing in Him yet. In fact the prophet Esaias prophesied this many years before. Verse 38 reads “that the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?” This scripture had been foretold, and has now come to pass with the unbelief of the people.
Our second related scripture, found in Matthew 12:38-42, discusses those who, like the Pharisees, seek after a sign to prove that Jesus is the Messiah. But, Jesus refuses to give them one. Jesus goes on and compares the people, in part, to those in the days of Jonas. In verses 39-40 Jesus states, “…An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: for as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Jesus was, and is, the sign, but the people did not believe, nor repent.
Synopsis
By Brother Marsal Arnwine
John 2:1-11 scriptures provide the reader the opportunity to get to know Jesus better by showing us how He began His public ministry on earth. The following principles are present in the narrative of the wedding at Cana to assist every believer: First, Jesus’ manner was to reach people through relationships. Second, Jesus’ goal was to stay on His mission. Third, Jesus’ method was to glorify the Father and in so doing allow the Father to glorify Him.
Jesus, His disciples, and His mother were invited to a wedding that was taking place in Cana of Galilee. The wedding event was an opportunity for Jesus to show that He is a master of relationships and can use relationships as an ministry avenue to win souls. Jesus’ manner is not to win people by preaching or teaching alone.
While at the wedding, Jesus’s mother informed Him that there was not any more wine. Jesus in modern language essentially asked His mother, “What does that have to do with me?” Jesus’ response may appear disrespectful on its face, but in its proper context Jesus’ response was a highly respectful and affectionate mode of address. Jesus had to inform His mother that He had to stay on His mission because it was not His time yet. When it was Jesus’ time, he performed the beginning of his miracles by turning water into wine, which manifested His glory and made His disciples believe in Him.
Practical Application
Sister Raufu Spagnoletta
Our lesson in John 2:1-11, is a course in Discipleship Training, taught by Jesus, the Master Teacher. In the words of the author, “As we turn to the account of Jesus turning water into wine at Cana, we will find three clear principles that will guide us in getting to know Jesus better. Jesus’ manner was to reach people through relationship (vss. 1-3). Jesus’ goal was to stay on mission (vss. 4-5). Jesus’ method was to glorify the Father and in so doing allow the Father to glorify Him (vss. 6-11).”
This beginning of miracles is as such; Jesus, Mary, and the disciples are at a wedding in Cana of Galilee (vs. 1-2). Mary tells Jesus “They have no wine” and Jesus responds, “Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.” Mary tells the servants, “Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it” (vs.3-4). Jesus gives the servants instructions, and they do it (vs. 6-8). We then see the tasting testimony of water that was made into wine and Jesus manifested forth His glory.
Today, in Discipleship Training, we learned Jesus will come where He is invited. When we take everything to God in prayer, God often uses our own obedience in answering our requests. God will meet a genuine human need with His power and His love. We are to be kingdom-minded and remember Jesus is the expression of God’s glory. We are to grow in faith and live out our relationship with God and
