John 2:11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. I. OF CHRIST'S MISSION. It was none the less significant because wrought for a temporary purpose. Man's need of Christ appears in trifling as well as conspicuous ways. Food is common. place, but it is an universal need. 1. The act was significant of the joyous and abundant feast He was about to spread for all people. 2. The moment in which it was wrought, when the wine had failed, is a sign of the fact that Christ waits till man's own powers are exhausted before giving His grace. Hence He delayed His advent till the world was exhausted with its efforts to find peace and holiness. The pagan religions were exhausted. Philosophy had failed to solve the problems of life. So we do not receive the fuiness of Christ till convinced of our helplessness and ready to depend on Divine grace. 3. The nature of the miracle, the creation of the wine out of water, not out of nothing, is a sign that — (1) He had come not to create a new world, but to transform the old; (2) Not to establish a new religion, but to transform Judaism; (3) Not to produce new characters, but to regenerate stoners. He has poor material to work upon. Human nature is as weak and cold as water. But as He made good and warming wine, so He will strengthen our humanity and fill it with the love of God. II. OF THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST. 1. Of His grace and glory (John 1:14, 17). 2. Of His naturalness. He was thoroughly at home, and revealed the natural union of a pure humanity with a Divine life; sympathizing with human joys, as at Bethany with human griefs. Religion does not break the sweet ties which God has formed between man and man. 3. Of His mindfulness of His great object. We see this in His conversation with His mother, which shows us to remember in society that the chief end of man is to glorify God, and that no earthly joy or work must be allowed to unfit us for that. (G. T. Purves.) Parallel Verses KJV: This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. |
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