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The Gospel of JOHN

“The Gospel of Boldness”

Chapter Two:

“A Bold Action”

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The First Miracle: Changing Water to Wine

The Setting: In Cana of Galilee...On the third day o Probably the third day after Peter was brought to Jesuso Nathanael was from the city of Cana (21:2)

Jesus and his five disciples were invited (2:2) Mary, the mother of Jesus, was there and seems to

have had some special connection with this wedding feast

And, the wine had run out…

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The First Miracle: Changing Water to Wine

Jesus’ mother seems to have had some special connection with this wedding

She said to Jesus, “They have no wine” We cannot know what she might have expected Him

to do Jesus responded to her, “Woman, what does

your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” The fact that He did respond to Mary’s concern

removes any possibility that He did not care about her distress

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The First Miracle: Changing Water to Wine

Mary told the servants, “Whatever he says to you, do it” (v.5) “Whatever” He says -- whether we understand or

agree with it or not; “He” says -- no other voice or authority in religious

matters should be heard; “Says” -- only what is actually said counts-- silence is

not consent to act; “Unto you” -- Old Testament commands don’t

apply-- we have a New Covenant; “Do it” -- faith without works is dead (Jas.2:24)--

action is essential!

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The First Miracle: Changing Water to Wine

The miracle followed: Beginning with six empty water pots normally used for

the Jewish rituals of purification Capable of holding 120-180 gallons Filled to the brim with water as instructed by Jesus

A sample drawn and taken to the master of the feast as instructed by Jesus The master of the feast tasted the water that was

made wine Not knowing where it came from, he called the

bridegroom telling him that he kept the good wine for last, contrary to normal custom

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The First Miracle: Changing Water to Wine

The first miracle [a BOLD action]: “This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of

Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.” (v.11)

The miracle manifested His glory He revealed that He was truly God manifested in the

flesh His disciples’ faith was even more strengthened

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Sojourn In Capernaum

Previously, Jesus’ family had moved from Nazareth to Capernaum That city became the hometown to and from which

Jesus was to travel for much of His remaining time on earth

“They” [Jesus and His disciples] did not remain there very long

The first Passover Feast of His public ministry was approaching It was His intention to become part of the activities in

Jerusalem

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First Cleansing of the Temple

Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem

Israel observed three major feasts: Passover, Tabernacles, and Pentecost Large numbers of Jews attended this Passover

celebration The temple was the central focus of the Passover

observance What Jesus found was an intolerable situation

And it should have been to any devout Jew

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First Cleansing of the Temple

What He found in the temple -- Those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and The money changers doing business Temple thieves (Matt. 21:13)

We often think of Jesus as a gentle, peace-loving man People felt comfortable in bringing their children to

Him Yet on occasion Jesus displayed a strong

righteous indignation [anger]...

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First Cleansing of the Temple

The Law required that the annual Passover sacrifices of animals [sheep and oxen] be made The temple tax also had to be paid

They charged worshipers exorbitant prices for their services and goods under the guise of religion From hapless pilgrims and from abusive practices

Jesus said, "Take these things away! Do not make My Father's house a house of merchandise!" (v.16)

Jesus had taken a BOLD ACTION

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John 2:15-16

First Cleansing of the Temple

His disciples remembered that it was written, "ZEAL FOR YOUR HOUSE HAS EATEN ME UP." (Psalm 69:9)

Jesus had a zeal [fervor] for His Father’s house He had a zeal for the intended purpose of the temple

– worship and prayer His great zeal moved Him to action

Is there a lesson for us in the use of our house of worship built with the Lord’s money?

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First Cleansing of the Temple

The Jews said to Him, "What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?" (v.18)

Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." (v.19)

The Jews did not understand this statement and thought He was talking about the temple building itself

Jesus was talking about the temple of His body [His own physical body]

The disciples remembered this when Jesus was raised from the dead

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First Cleansing of the Temple

This claim was used as evidence against Him At His trial (Matt.26:61), and As He hung on the cross (Mark 14:29,30)

Some confusion among scholars exists about the two records of temple cleansing in the Gospels John cites this cleansing early in Jesus’ work. The Synoptic Gospels reveal a cleansing that took

place at the beginning of His last week on earth [See Matt. 21; Mark 11; Luke 19.]

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Believers in the Christ

While no details are offered, we learn that He did “signs” which caused many to believe in “His name”

John makes note of His unwillingness to commit Himself to others at this time He had no need to because he knew all men He had no need to because he knew what was in

man

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