John 2:3-4 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus said to him, They have no wine.… I. THE SOLICITUDE SHE FELT. While it becomes the friends of Jesus to be careful for nothing (Philippians 4:6; Matthew 6:31; Luke 10:41), Mary's distress was — 1. Natural, seeing that the wine failed through the arrival of her Son and His companions. 2. Beautiful, inasmuch as it was sympathy with others. 3. Permissible, because a habit enjoined by Christ (Mark 12:31; Luke 6:31; Luke 10:36; John 15:17; Romans 12:10; Philippians 2:4). III. THE REQUEST SHE MADE. That Christ should establish His Messiahship by miracle. 1. In turning to Christ in her emergency, Mary acted with propriety, teaching us where to go with our troubles as they arise (Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 5:7). 2. In prescribing to Christ the manner of His help, her example must be eschewed; Christ then, as now, regulating all His movements by the will of the Father (Ephesians 1:11). 3. In failing to grasp the character of Christ's mission, she represents the dulness of the natural heart (1 Corinthians 2:14). III. THE REPROOF SHE RECEIVED. 1. Inconceivable that there was any contempt in it (1 John 3:5; 1 Peter 2:22). In this let Christ be our exemplar (Ephesians 6:2). 2. A respectful reminder that henceforth He had passed beyond His earthly home, and had entered upon engagements in which the will of God was supreme (John 4:34; John 6:38). (1) Whom Christ loves He reproves when they go astray (Hebrews 12:6; Revelation 3:19). (2) There are higher obligations than those due to parents (Acts 4:19). (3) In all matters connected with religion and conscience (James 4:12), IV. THE COMFORT SHE OBTAINED. Repelling the suggestion of a public demonstration, He intimated by some explained sign that His assistance would not be wanting. So it is ever His custom to mingle mercy with judgment (Psalm 101:1). V. THE TRUST SHE DISPLAYED. With quiet confidence she directed the servants to hold themselves in readiness to execute any instructions He might give, symbolizing the faith which is ready to interpret and cling to Christ's hints of favour, whether found in His Word or Providence. (T. Whitelaw, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.WEB: When the wine ran out, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no wine." |
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