Bible Commentaries

;">"First Things" In The Gospel Of John
- John Two -

The miracle of turning water to wine at the wedding at Cana is found only in the gospel of John. This miracle or sign was the first of a number of great things in this gospel. Jesus" miracle working ministry is one of the numerous proofs that He is the Son of God. This miracle was the beginning of many remarkable sign of Jesus. "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him." (John 2:11) This text provides us with a look at an interesting exchange between Jesus and His mother. Jesus realized that He could not act until the timing was right on God's calendar. So He said, "Mine hour is not yet come." (John 2:4) The primary purpose of this first "sign" was to cause people to believe in Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus visited the Temple to observe the Passover and He disturbed the people by saying, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." (John 2:19) This was a reference to His resurrection from the dead. During this visit Jesus cleansed the Temple of the money changers and those who sold sacrificial animals. People were being exploited as the animals for sacrifice were being sold within the Temple area. He told those who were selling doves, "Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise." (John 2:16)

John two gives an inspired look at three "first things": (1) Jesus" first miracle (John 2:1-12), (2) Jesus" first Passover (John 2:13-22), and (3) Jesus" first believers in Jerusalem. (John 2:23-25) The length of Jesus" ministry is dated by the Passovers He kept during His personal ministry. In John two Jesus kept the Passover for the first time during His personal ministry. He had, of course, kept other Passovers, but this was the first during His personal ministry. Let us learn from these three "first things:"

Jesus" first miracle -- John 2:1-11 : On the third day after Jesus" discussion with Nathanael Jesus performed His first miracle. The miracle was at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Mary, the mother of Jesus, requested help when the wine had been used up. (John 2:3) Jesus gave Mary a mild and loving rebuke when He said, "...woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come." (John 2:4) Mary gave those around Jesus the best advice ever given, "...Whatever He says to you, do it." (John 2:5) The result of the miracle is stated in these words, "This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him." (John 2:11) Jesus now began to manifest Himself as the Son of God. This notable miracle helped others develop faith in Jesus as God's Son and also allowed Mary an opportunity to express her faith in Jesus not only as her son, but as the Son of God. The "first miracle" of Jesus revealed His glory, glory of Him who would be King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Jesus" first Passover during His personal ministry -- John 2:12-17 : Jesus" attendance at this Jewish feast showed His faithfulness and righteousness. His presence also declared the value of worship in the lives of those who serve God. Jesus had authority over the Temple so He drove out those who were making merchandise of God's house. The Son of God had the right to cleanse His Father's house. Jesus was at the Temple to observe the Passover. The Passover was the time when the sacrificial lamb was offered. This lamb was a type of Christ. "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29) Jesus is our Passover who was sacrificed for us. (1 Corinthians 5:7) He was eaten up with zeal for God's house. "For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me." (Psalms 69:9) Today the need is great for zeal for God's house among His people.

Jesus" first Passover during His personal ministry included a sign -- John 2:18-22 : The Jews wanted a sign and were shocked at the sign that Jesus gave them. "Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?" (John 2:18) Here is the sign that Jesus gave them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." (John 2:19) When Moses came to deliver Israel, he gave signs, or miracles, that proved that he acted under a Divine commission. They felt that Jesus should offer similar proof by miracle. The people left as if driven back by God. The God who can drive back rivers and cause the earth to tremble can drive out people. "What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest? thou Jordan, that thou wast driven back? Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams; and ye little hills, like lambs? Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob." (Psalms 114:5-7) They should have seen that Jesus had Divine power, otherwise how could he have driven out so many from the Temple? The Jews desired a sign and they were given the sign of Jesus" death and resurrection. Jesus was delivered for our offenses and raised for our justification. (Romans 4:25) He was declared with power to be the Son of God by the resurrection. We read in Romans 1:4, "And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead."

Jesus" first disciples in Jerusalem -- John 2:23-25 : The miracles of Jesus Christ produced faith in His name. Later Nicodemus said, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." (John 3:2) These believers of John 2 did not fully surrender themselves to Jesus. Their faith was in the right person, but it lacked depth. Those who would truly enjoy fellowship with Jesus must have strong faith. The faith of Nicodemus stood in contrast to that of these early believers. One may deceive himself, and even others, about His faith but he cannot deceive Jesus. "But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man." (John 2:24-25) Jesus knew all men. He knows the nature of man, his disposition and his desires. He knows man better than man knows himself. Jesus could not put His confidence in these Jerusalem believers. Can He put His confidence in us?

The need is great for those who will completely surrender to Jesus because of His authority. His authority is verified by His death and resurrection. Today He calls you, not just to be a believer, but to truly be a disciple. (Matthew 11:28-30, Acts 2:36-41) "And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:17) As true disciples of Christ our attitude should be that of a humble servant who loves God and loves others. Our goal should be to live our life in the way that Christ lived His. A true disciple should try to live out Jesus" teachings in a way that blesses others and gives them an opportunity to follow Jesus also.