John - Week 4

Water into Wine 

READ 

John 2:5-9 

5 But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 6 Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. 7 Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, 8 he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions. 9 When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. 

After Jesus said His time was not yet come, His mother told the servants to do whatever He told them. It must have been a large wedding to need so much wine. It must be remembered that in Bible times wine was simply fermented grape juice. This would not have had the alcoholic content of many drinks today. Plus, in those days they diluted the fermented grape juice with at least three parts water to one part fermented grape juice. There is no record that Jesus touched anything; just His presence was enough to cause the miracle to occur. He is the creator of the universe and this was nothing by comparison. One of the purposes of such a demonstration of the power of Jesus was intended to raise questions, and the master of ceremonies wanted to know more. 

REFLECT 

Just as the servants were to do anything Jesus asked, are you willing to do that also? He gave His all for you when He died on the cross to pay for your sins. You and all humanity are indebted to Him forever. 

RESPOND 

Just as the miracle of Jesus caused the master of ceremonies to want to know more, is your life lived in such a way others will want to know more about your Jesus? Pray that others will be drawn to God by them seeing Jesus in your life. 

 The Disciples Believed 

READ 

John 2:10-11 

10 “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” 11 This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him. 

Notice the reaction of the master of ceremonies to the water turned to wine, and what the apostle John added. There is no indication that Jesus responded to the praise He received. The writer John—an eyewitness of the life of Jesus—reveals this was the “first time Jesus revealed his glory.” This indicates any claims that He performed miracles previously, such as in His childhood, are false. The purpose of the miracle was a sign of His supernatural power. His disciples believed that He truly was the Messiah but they had much to learn yet about His future death and resurrection.  

REFLECT 

Jesus turned the water to wine, but He also has the ability to change lives. Write a note about the changes He has brought about in your life. No one can argue with the testimony of a changed life. 

RESPOND 

This miracle grew the faith of the disciples. Talk with another believer about what God has used to increase your faith.

Trip to Capernaum 

READ 

John 2:12-13 

12 After the wedding he went to Capernaum for a few days with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples. 13 It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. 

In His earthly life, Jesus was a part of a family as shown by the reference in verse 12 to his mother and brothers. Mary is to be honored as she was the one who gave a virgin birth to the Lord Jesus, but she also needed a Savior. This is seen from her statement in Luke 1:47 when she said in regard to being the Mother of Jesus, “How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!” Jesus is God, but the Bible never refers to Mary as the “Mother of God.” The brothers mentioned in John 2:12 would have been those born to Mary and Joseph after the virgin birth of Jesus. 

REFLECT 

Just as Jesus was part of an earthly family so are you. Regardless of problems that can arise, do you realize that God has placed you in your family? What do you think His purpose might be? 

RESPOND 

Are you able to be honoring and grateful to Mary for bearing Jesus into this world without placing her on the level of Jesus Himself? She called Him her Savior as every believer should consider Him. 

Cleansing the Temple 

READ 

John 2:14-16 

14 In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; he also saw dealers at tables exchanging foreign money. 15 Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers’ coins over the floor, and turned over their tables. 16 Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” 

When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem for the annual feast, He did something many think the “gentle Jesus” would never do. The dealers at tables were there to exchange the money of those coming to make sacrifices in Jerusalem and buying local animals to do so. Apparently the dealers were taking advantage of the visitors and gouging them for profits. Jesus was greatly upset with those mistreating others and doing it in the temple, a spiritual setting. 

REFLECT 

Today, the body of the Christ-follower is the temple of the Holy Spirit, as recorded in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. How does this relate to the way you are treating your body? 

RESPOND 

How will you use John 2:14-16 as an example not to take advantage of others? Let others know that Jesus never approves of taking advantage of others. 

Show Us a Sign 

READ 

John 2:17-19 

17 Then his disciples remembered this prophecy from the Scriptures: “Passion for God’s house will consume me.” 18 But the Jewish leaders demanded, “What are you doing? If God gave you authority to do this, show us a miraculous sign to prove it.” 19 “All right,” Jesus replied. “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 

The zeal that Jesus had for God’s house would eventually lead to His trial and death. The religious leaders questioned the authority of Jesus to do what He did in the temple that day. Nothing has changed. Many of those today who deny the virgin birth and miracles of Jesus also stand behind pulpits or are in organizational church leadership. Jesus promised to show the unbelieving religious leaders a miracle they completely misunderstood. The “temple” He referred to was not the temple of that day; the temple He promised to raise up was His own body after three days in the grave. 

REFLECT 

To learn more about what the Bible says both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament, you need a plan for Bible reading. What plan of reading do you have? 

RESPOND 

With a friend, read Psalm 22 and list the verses that seem to have been fulfilled at the crucifixion of Jesus.