John 2:6-9 And there were set there six water pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews… An artist was painting a large picture of this marriage feast. A friend came to see his work and his first remark was, "What lovely water-pots!" The painter immediately blotted them out, saying, "I want you to look at Christ, not at the water-pots." What a lesson for the teacher, "I am determined to know nothing among you but Jesus Christ and Him crucified." What a lesson for the disciple, "Consider Jesus the Apostle and High Priest of our profession." What a lesson to the penitent sinner, "Looking unto Jesus": not His beautiful Church, nor His learned ministers, but Him. Fill the water-pots with water. — About the miracle generally, note — 1. The wine was harmless, or Christ would not have made it. 2. The great quantity is accounted for by the great number of guests. At Eastern weddings often an open house is kept, and they last several days. The miracle was simple and unostentatious, as near the course of nature as the supernatural can go. Learn from this to do good works quietly and naturally. I. THE PRINCIPLES INVOLVED IN OUR LORD'S MODE OF PROCEDURE. 1. As a rule, when Christ is about to bestow a blessing He gives a command. The blind man was sent to Siloam; the palsied man had to stretch forth his hand; Jairus' daughter was commanded to arise; and Lazarus to come forth. The same principle holds good in grace. The sinner must repent and believe, to be saved: Zion must awake and arise before she can be blessed and multiplied. 2. Christ's commands are not to be questioned, but to be obeyed. Had the servants been like modern captious critics they would have objected: that what was wanted was not water but wine. And sometimes Christ's command does not seem pertinent to the point in hand. The connection between faith and salvation not always apparent. Sometimes the command may seem trivial and some other duty preferred. But the connection and importance must be left with the Commander. 3. Whenever we get a command it is always wisdom to carry it out zealously "up to the brim." Do not be afraid of an overplus. 4. Our earnest obedience is not contrary but necessary to our dependence on Christ. Faith without works is dead, being alone. To leave all to Christ is not faith but laziness. 5. One action alone is not sufficient. The water was only water although the water-pots were full. Even so after sinners and saints have done all they could, nothing is done till Christ speaks the word of power. 6. Although human action in itself falls short of the desired end, yet it has its place, and God has made it necessary by His appointment. (1) It was not necessary in itself that the water-pots should be filled, but it was necessary that all should be open and above board. It was just the same with Elijah, who filled the trenches with water to show that there was no concealed fire. (2) It was instructive to the servants. The master did not know, but the servants did. So earnest believers who do the work now are those who know about it. II. THE APPLICATION OF THESE PRINCIPLES. Let us see how to carry out the command. 1. Use in the service of Christ such abilities as you have. Jesus chose what was ready to hand. The pots and the water. So Christ employs men, not angels. If those He chooses have no golden chalices let them fill their earthen vessels. The servants improved what they had: for the water-pots were empty and they filled them. Let the preacher improve his gift of learning, fill his intellect to the brim, and expect Christ to turn the water into wine. 2. Use such means of blessing as God appoints: Scripture study; attendance at the means of grace, etc. 3. Use the means heartily. What is worth doing at all is worth doing well. 4. Remember when you have done all you can there is a great deficiency left behind. After the most strenuous industry water is still water. 5. Trust in Christ to do the miracle. (C. H. Spurgeon.) Parallel Verses KJV: And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. |
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