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Matthew 16:18 ESV

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Sunday School Lesson

October 20

Lesson 8 (KJV)

Humble Faith

 

Devotional Reading: James 5:13–18

Background Scripture: Luke 7:1–10

 

Luke 7:1–10

1. Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.

2. And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.

3. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.

4. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:

5. For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.

6. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:

7. Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

8. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
9. When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

10. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.

Key Verse

Neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.—Luke 7:7

 

Lesson Aims

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

1. List elements of surprise in the healing of the centurion’s servant.

2. Explain how humility strengthens faith.

3. Demonstrate humble faith in a way that may surprise others.

 

HOW TO SAY IT

Capernaum	Kuh-per-nay-um.
centurion	sen-ture-ee-un.
Galilee	Gal-uh-lee.
synagogue	sin-uh-gog.

Introduction

1. A Twist Ending

Bob Newhart starred in two popular television series. In The Bob Newhart Show (1972–1978), he played a Chicago psychologist, Dr. Robert Hartley. In the later series, Newhart (1982–1990), he played Dick Loudon, a New York author who moves to the country to operate an inn.

The second series is memorable for its twist ending. In the finale, viewers are shown what looks like Dr. Hartley’s Chicago bedroom. Bob Newhart sits up in bed and says, “Honey, wake up! You won’t believe the dream I just had!” Suddenly, we learn that the entire eight-year series has been nothing more than Dr. Hartley’s dream.

Twists in television are great entertainment. Similar surprises in real life can be much less delightful. Sometimes we set ourselves up for unpleasant surprises with preconceived ideas about other people. When a stereotype gets debunked, we feel ashamed because of our newly revealed prejudice. We learn that this person is a unique and complicated human being—just like ourselves.

Stereotypes abounded in first-century Israel. Jews had their stereotypes of the Romans, and Romans had their stereotypes of the Jews. But occasionally, someone broke out of the mold. Broken stereotypes change the whole story, just like a twist in a television show.

1. Lesson Context

Matthew 8:5–13 contains another record of the healing of the centurion’s servant found in Luke. The context for the parallel accounts in Matthew and Luke is nearly identical; in Luke it comes directly after Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:17–49), and in Matthew it is shortly after the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7).

The text of the sermon in Luke is shorter than in Matthew, but the two share a great deal of material (compare Matthew 5:3–12 with Luke 6:20–23; Matthew 5:38–42 with Luke 6:29, 30; Matthew 5:43–48 with Luke 6:27, 28, 32–36; etc.). For this reason, scholars tend to treat the sermons as two accounts of the same event. The seeming contradiction between the setting for the sermon on a “mountain” (Matthew 5:1; 8:1) and a “plain” (Luke 6:17) is easily resolved: Jesus found a wide, flat place (plain) on the mountain from which to deliver His sermon.

This sermon helps us place this healing within a time line of Jesus’ ministry. Assuming that Jesus’ crucifixion occurred in AD 30, scholars work back to place the Sermon on the Plain in the fall of AD 28 during Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. Though this was early in His ministry, Jesus’ reputation was already solidifying as both a teacher and a miracle worker (Luke 4:36, 37, 42–44; 5:15).

The placement of the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law poses a momentary chronological difficulty. In Matthew, her healing comes immediately after the healing of the centurion’s servant (Matthew 8:14, 15), but Luke places her healing prior to Jesus’ sermon and, consequently, also the healing of the servant (Luke 4:38, 39). It appears that Matthew made the rhetorical decision to place the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law, as well as other miracles in Capernaum, after the centurion’s story as a topical connection with Capernaum. The event likely happened before the sermon, as in Luke.

A similar account regarding the long-distance healing of a nobleman’s son in Capernaum is unrelated to this story, though it may contribute to general knowledge about Jesus that was circulating in Capernaum prior to the centurion’s request (see John 4:46–54). Such a healing in a reputable family would not have gone unnoticed by a centurion posted in the city. Taken with other events recorded in the first three Gospels, the groundwork for faith had certainly been laid in Capernaum (Mark 1:23–34; Luke 4:33–35).

1. Request

(Luke 7:1–5)

1. Jesus’ Arrival (v. 1)
2. Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.

Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain comprises the sayings that Jesus finished just before going to Capernaum (see Lesson Context). The location for the sermon was probably somewhere near the city. To say Jesus entered into Capernaum rather than “traveled to” or similar suggests He was just outside of town.

Capernaum has become Jesus’ residence and the headquarters for His ministry (Matthew 4:13; Mark 2:1). The precise location of the ancient city is unknown. From Matthew’s description, scholars conclude that it would have been situated on the northwest coast of the Sea of Galilee.

1. The Centurion’s Need (v. 2)
2. And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him was sick, and ready to die.

We are not told the centurion’s name or regiment (contrast Acts 10:1). His title reveals him to be the leader of a group of Roman soldiers. The term implies that the group numbers 100, though it may in fact be somewhat less than that.

Still, he is a person of status and rank. He has charge of both servants and soldiers to do his bidding. Other centurions mentioned in the Gospels and Acts point to the potential for righteousness and faith in Gentiles, an important theme throughout the New Testament (see Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:39; Luke 23:47; Acts 10; compare Acts 11; Romans 9:30, 31; Galatians 3:8, 14; etc.).

Romans can legally treat a servant as nothing more than a tool. Many servants suffer gravely because of this legislation. However, a servant of great merit can be treated quite well. Though the centurion might also feel some affection for the servant, the primary bond between them exists because of the servant’s good work. Given that the servant is quite dear (elsewhere translated “precious”; see 1 Peter 2:4), the servant probably has a specific set of skills that the centurion values.

Luke uses a general term for servant in this account, but Matthew uses a different word that can be translated “child” (Matthew 8:6; compare 2:16; 17:18). Children are not cherished in Jesus’ day as they are today (see Matthew 19:13–15). Though the centurion can certainly care for a young servant, more likely the value of the servant points to his being an adult.

Luke’s account mentions the severity of the illness but not a specific diagnosis. Matthew’s account notes that the servant is paralyzed in some way (Matthew 8:6). This same ailment afflicted the man who was carried by his four friends to Jesus (Matthew 9:2; see also 4:24; John 5:3; Acts 8:7). Outside of divine intervention, paralysis is untreatable and incurable in the centurion’s time.

What Do You Think? What can we do to extend godly concern and care to those in positions of power? Digging Deeper In so doing, how do we avoid the appearance of trying to curry favor?

1. Jewish Emissaries (vv. 3–5)
2. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.

When he heard of Jesus likely means when the centurion hears that Jesus has returned to Capernaum, not when he first heard of Jesus at all (see commentary on Luke 7:1). The centurion seizes the opportunity to find relief for his servant.

The elders refers to the leaders of the Jewish community in Capernaum. Israel has depended on elders for leadership since the time of Moses (Exodus 3:16; Ruth 4:1–12; 1 Samuel 30:26; 2 Kings 10:5; Ezra 10:16; etc.). In spite of the centurion’s role as a leader among the occupational force dominating Judea and given the animosity common between Jews and Gentiles in Judea, these elders are on friendly terms with the Roman centurion.

4a. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly.

Here is another surprise in the story: the elders come to Jesus and seek His help. This is the first mention of “elders” in Luke, but elders will later be listed among those who oppose Jesus, even seeking His death (see Luke 9:22; 20:1, 2; 22:52, 66–71). Jesus has already been criticized by other Jewish leaders, including scribes and Pharisees (see 5:21, 30). In contrast, these elders appear to have great respect for Jesus.

As though that were not surprising enough, the elders approach Jesus on behalf of a Gentile. The term translated instantly is elsewhere translated “diligently” (see 2 Timothy 1:17; Titus 3:13). Contrary to the duplicitous behavior of the Jewish leaders who later seek to trick or trap Jesus (Luke 10:25), these elders are sincere in their request. From beginning to end, the elders’ actions seem out of character with that of most other Jewish leaders.

What Do You Think? What are some ways our church can act as a go-between in connecting resources to those in need? Digging Deeper In so doing, what safeguards could be put in place to avoid wrong appearances and actions?

4b. Saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this.

The elders’ earnest plea shows their high regard for the centurion. In their opinion, the centurion’s acts make him worthy not only to ask Jesus for healing but also to receive it (see Luke 7:5, next).

5a. For he loveth our nation.

The centurion is not merely a successful diplomat who maintains a good relationship with the leaders of the subjugated nation. In yet another surprise, he genuinely loves the nation. Luke gives no insight into why the centurion loves Israel. His affection suggests that he is a devout Gentile. Such a person comes from a pagan background but believes in the one true God. Often such individuals are attracted to the high moral code evident in Jewish law. However, they live outside of Judaism because they do not choose to go through all the rituals that are necessary to be fully incorporated into the nation (contrast “devout Greeks/persons” in Acts 17:4, 17 with “proselyte[s]” in Acts 6:5; 13:43).

5b. And he hath built us a synagogue.

As a tangible expression of his love for the nation of Israel, this centurion has built … a synagogue, presumably in Capernaum. This does not mean he personally erected the structure. Instead, he financed the project, paying for the construction out of his own resources.

1. Protest

(Luke 7:6–8)

1. On Worthiness (vv. 6, 7)

6a. Then Jesus went with them.

Apparently, Jesus gives some kind of affirmative answer to the elders and begins walking toward the centurion’s home.

6b. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him.

The second delegation is called friends, and no mention is made of their nationality or ethnicity. One might suppose these friends are also Jewish. If so, the fact that they are with the centurion at home emphasizes the very special and unusual bond he has with the Jewish community (contrast Acts 10).

6c. Saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof.

The friends deliver the centurion’s message faithfully. The centurion refutes the elders’ witness about him, saying that he himself is not worthy to have Jesus visit him. The centurion may be sensitive to the Jewish law cited by Peter: that it is unlawful for Jews to enter Gentiles’ homes (Acts 10:28). If the centurion is sensitive to Jesus’ becoming unclean by entering his home, then he may be unaware of Jesus’ earlier actions of touching the unclean to effect healing (Luke 4:40; 5:12, 13).

What Do You Think? How do we help a person who hesitates to turn to God because of self-acknowledged personal sinfulness and/or unworthiness? Digging Deeper How do passages such as Luke 5:8 and 1 Corinthians 15:8–11 help frame your answer?

Man of the Century

Was Sir Winston Churchill the greatest man of the twentieth century? Charles Krauthammer, a political commentator, argues that “without Churchill the world today would be unrecognizable‌—‌dark, impoverished, tortured.” Churchill recognized early on that totalitarianism could destroy the world. A gifted wordsmith, his speeches gave the British people the backbone to resist Nazism at a time when no other nation could or would.

However, Churchill was not a humble man, and his rhetoric could also skewer his opposition. On one occasion, he was criticizing Clement Attlee, a political enemy. A friend interjected, “You must admit that Mr. Attlee is a humble man.” Churchill responded, “He’s a humble man, but then he has much to be humble about!”

The centurion had accomplished much for which he could be proud as witnessed by the fact that he commanded a cadre of Roman soldiers. Yet, unlike Churchill, he was a humble man. He recognized he wasn’t worthy to host Jesus. May we demonstrate the same humble attitude!

—C. R. B.

7a. Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee.

The centurion’s surprisingly humble message continues. Not only is he unworthy for Jesus to come to him, but he is not worthy to come to Jesus. This statement suggests that the centurion was not primarily worried about imparting uncleanness to Jesus if He visits the centurion’s home. Instead, the centurion recognizes Jesus’ greatness and power and concludes that his own accolades are paltry by comparison. In his own opinion, he does not deserve an audience with Jesus.

This verse emphasizes different details between Matthew and Luke in retelling this story. In Matthew’s account, there is no delegation of elders or friends; the centurion himself presents the request to Jesus (Matthew 8:5). When Jesus consents to come, the centurion expresses in person his faith that Jesus need not be physically present to heal the servant (8:7–9). The easiest and best reconciliation of this seeming contradiction is that Matthew simply condenses the account. Having the centurion act and speak for himself cuts out the middlemen and takes the story from beginning to end quickly.

The different emphases of these accounts may also help explain the difference between them. The theme of whether or not the centurion is worthy to host Jesus or even meet Him is not entirely absent from the shorter account (Matthew 8:8). Matthew emphasizes instead the centurion’s status as an outsider of great faith (8:10–12). Luke highlights the humility of the centurion’s faith by revealing that the centurion’s friends and the elders speak on his behalf.

7b. But say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

Even more surprising than the centurion’s humility is the faith that is coupled with it. He believes in Jesus’ power to heal by a word. Perhaps he has heard of the nobleman’s son (John 4:46–54; see Lesson Context). If so, he does not mention it. But just as he knows he needs only to speak a command for his soldiers or servants to obey, so the centurion has confidence that Jesus needs only to speak for His will to be accomplished.

1. On Authority (v. 8)
2. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

The centurion knows about authority from personal experience. He accomplishes his will not by personally attending to every detail but by giving orders. Rather, he commands soldiers and servants alike, and they do his bidding. He does not question his own authority over the soldiers; in the same way, he assumes Jesus’ authority over the servant’s sickness.

What Do You Think? What distinctive of your occupation can you use in your witness of faith? Digging Deeper How do we guard against “too much of a stretch” in doing so?

Most of Jesus’ healings take place with the sick or possessed person before Him (just one chapter in Mark contains many examples; see Mark 1:25, 26, 30–34, 40–42). The centurion remains confident that Jesus can give the word to effect his servant’s healing. The centurion has grasped something that many in Israel never will: Jesus has the authority and the power to heal whomever He chooses as He ushers in God’s kingdom on earth (see Luke 4:18–21).

III. Impressed

(Luke 7:9, 10)

1. Great Faith (v. 9)
2. When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

Strictly speaking, to marvel at someone or something does not require expressing surprise but only recognizing that person or thing as being worthy of admiration: “marvelous.” We too may marvel at the centurion’s great faith. It is a thing of wonder, even though it does not surprise us after many readings.

Jesus frequently draws a crowd wherever He goes. Now He simply turns to the elders and the people who are following Him. Jesus points out the irony of the Gentile’s faith in the face of Jewish unbelief (compare Acts 13:46, 47). This dovetails with rejection Jesus has already faced (Luke 5:21, 30; 6:7, 11) and is yet to face in the months ahead (7:30; 9:22; 11:53, 54; 15:2; 16:14; 22:52).

These elders, for their part, act unlike most other elders in response to Jesus’ ministry. So Jesus may commend the elders for their faith as well. Approaching Jesus shows that they too believe that He can heal the servant. This serves to highlight as well the centurion’s faith that Jesus need not even be present in order to heal the servant.

What Do You Think? What steps can we take to increase our faith in God before we see Him act? Digging Deeper How do cautionary admonishments, such as that of Luke 12:22–34, help you form your answer?

Marvelous Models

My wife, Pat, suffered for decades from debilitating back pain. One day, she surprised me by showing me her “suicide diary.” It was a series of notations in Joyce Landorf Heatherley’s Silent September, which tells of the author’s suicidal thoughts as she struggled with relentless pain. Pat was a model of Christian perseverance, dying of cancer a quarter-century after I became aware of her “diary.”

A year after Pat’s death, I preached at our church on suicide. Three years later, I marveled once more at the influence of Pat’s model of faith. A woman told me one Sunday, “I struggle with a painful chronic disease. I recently stood with opioids in my hand and thought, ‘I don’t have to live with this anymore.’ Then I thought of your sermon, and I felt God reassuring me that He would help me.”

Jesus marveled at the centurion’s faith. The centurion’s example created a perfect opportunity for Jesus to work a miracle. Does your model of faith cause others to marvel?

—C. R. B.

1. Good Health (v. 10)
2. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.

No mention is made in Luke’s Gospel of Jesus’ dismissing the group or of assuring them that their mission has been successful. In Matthew’s account there is such a word: “Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee” (Matthew 8:13). Jesus accomplishes precisely what the centurion anticipates: He makes the servant whole. Does Jesus even have to speak in order to heal the servant? The centurion would not be surprised to hear that Jesus never spoke a word after commending his faith.

Conclusion

1. Simply Marvelous

Faith can be found in surprising places. When my oldest son was critically injured in an automobile accident, he was flown by helicopter to a university hospital. I had taken classes at that university several years before and had my faith questioned. I chalked it up to the way things are in secular universities. With my son in the hospital associated with that university, I assumed his caregivers would be secular in their approach. But I marveled at the doctor when I overheard him say something to the effect of, “I simply could not do this job without faith.”

As a leader of the occupational force in Judea, the centurion faced hatred and resentment from the Jewish people who didn’t know him. The easy and typical response would be to return the sentiment. But this centurion loved the Jewish nation. He trusted Jesus before and better than many in Israel ever would. His life experiences made him humble in the face of the true authority he recognized in Jesus. For this reason, his faith was simply marvelous.

 

1. Prayer

O God, make us humble in our faith. Help us to expect You to work in our world even when we cannot see You. Give us confidence that You make all things whole. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

1. Thought to Remember

Humility sets the stage for great faith.

KID’S

How To Obey Jesus’ Words

Sunday, October 20, 2019

John 2:1-12

John 2:1-12

(John 2:1) On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there;

On the first day, Jesus called Andrew, Simon Peter, and John (the writer of the Gospel of John) to be His disciples. On the second day, Jesus called Philip and Nathanael to be His disciples. Nathanael was from Cana (John 21:2). John the Baptist introduced Jesus as “the Lamb of God.” In addition, the five disciples called Jesus, “Rabbi” (or Teacher), “Messiah” (or Christ), “Son of God,” and “King of Israel” (John 1:35-52). On the third day, Jesus went to a wedding with His five new disciples. Mary, His mother, was also there. Mary must have known the groom and bride more closely than others because when she learned that they had run out of wine at the wedding feast she showed concern and went to Jesus for help.

(John 2:2) and both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.

Jesus, too, must have known the couple by previous experiences because they invited Him and His disciples to the wedding. Jesus had worked as a carpenter in Nazareth until He was thirty years old and had probably also worked in nearby Cana where He could have met and become friends with many people. By attending this wedding, Jesus showed His disciples how important marriage and the family is, even though Jesus never married. Jesus wants His followers to participate in activities pleasing to God, including marriage if that is God’s will for them personally. Marriage is a God-ordained and good institution that Jesus upheld so some later would not despise marriage or think or teach that it is improper for followers of Jesus to marry.

In the Bible, the relationship between Jesus and the Church is sometimes described as or compared to a marriage relationship. John the Apostle described his vision in heaven: “Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: ‘Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.’ (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.) Then the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ And he added, ‘These are the true words of God’” (Revelation 19:6-9). (See also: John 3:29, Revelation 18:23; 21:2; 21:9; 22:17).

(John 2:3) When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus *said to Him, “They have no wine.”

By His presence at the wedding, just as His important ministry and the calling of His disciples had begun, Jesus affirmed the importance and value of marriage and attending celebrations. Jesus’ mother came to Jesus and stated a fact that revealed a need. She knew that He was concerned for the needs of others, even as she was. The availability of wine at a wedding feast was considered a social necessity, and to run out of wine would have been a huge social embarrassment, if not worse. Just as wine at this wedding was a necessity, so Jesus’ teaching is a spiritual necessity for everyone.

(John 2:4) And Jesus *said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come.”

Calling His mother “Woman” was not unkind or unloving no matter how it might sound to our sensitive ears. Written words do not always convey the love or the tone of the person speaking. By addressing His mother as “Woman,” Jesus showed that He was not going to meet the need at the wedding party simply because His “mother” asked Him to do so. Later, some would teach the false doctrine that Mary is “the Queen of Heaven,” and teach their followers to pray to her to intercede with Jesus for them, thinking Jesus would never refuse His mother’s request. Perhaps to show that this future false teaching is untrue, Jesus called His mother “Woman.” Jesus’ use of “Woman” when addressing His mother should have prevented the worship of Mary in later centuries. Furthermore, Jesus said His true mother and brothers (the true members of God’s family) were those who did the will of God: “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:50). His mother, Mary, would demonstrate her true faith in Jesus at this wedding feast. Though Jesus’ hour had not yet come to manifest or reveal himself to the world, Jesus would do His first sign quietly and unnoticed except by a few disciples and servants which would keep the attention where it belonged at that time — on the bridegroom and the bride at their wedding.

(John 2:5) His mother *said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

Jesus’ mother totally trusted in her Son. He had never failed to honor His father and His mother on earth. All His life, she had found Him dependable, concerned about others, and willing to meet their real needs. She knew He would do the right thing, and she trusted in His wisdom whatever the situation, because she knew Him. Therefore, she told the servers at the wedding feast: “Do whatever He tells you.” At that moment, they did not know that in obeying Jesus they would be doing the will of God. Mary’s command to the servants also expressed a way of life for all who claim to be students and followers of Jesus—we should do whatever He tells us as His Spirit leads us according to the Bible.

(John 2:6) Now there were six stone waterpots set there for the Jewish custom of purification, containing twenty or thirty gallons each.

The six stone water jars were for ritual washings. Though they might externally clean a person’s feet before entering a house and clean hands before eating, the focus of attention was on ceremonial laws to be kept and not on personal hygiene. The six stone jars represent a ceremonial law of God. Jesus came to fulfill the law of God as completely as He changed water into wine at the wedding feast. John began to prepare his readers for Jesus’ fulfillment of the law in John 1:17, “The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” By grace, by His unmerited favor, Jesus used His divine power to change water into wine.
During His ministry, some criticized Jesus for His teachings on the traditions of the Jews: “The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles. So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, ‘Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?’” (Mark 7:3-5). Jesus came teaching; and just as new wine will burst old wineskins, Jesus’ teaching, sacrificial death, and sending of the Holy Spirit to fill believers will cleanse morally and spiritually those who believe in and follow Him. In Matthew 9:17, Jesus taught, “Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; otherwise, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.” Jesus made ceremonial washing obsolete, but not washing for physical cleanliness and good health.

(John 2:7) Jesus *said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim.

The servants went to Jesus immediately at the instruction of Mary. Jesus simply said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” As far as we know, the servants did not ask, “Why?” As far as we know, He did not give them an explanation for what He was going to do through them. These servants simply obeyed Jesus completely and waited for further instructions. When Jesus said, “Fill,” they obeyed completely by filling these jars “to the brim.” Perhaps the symbolism here includes the truth that there is no longer any room in the teaching of Jesus for obeying the ceremonial laws of Moses as a means to having your sins forgiven and inheriting eternal life. Furthermore, after Jesus’ death and resurrection, He cleansed His followers from all sin and began filling His followers to the brim with the Holy Spirit, which Jesus still does today. Then, the Holy Spirit empowers and guides Jesus’ followers to fulfill the moral law of God, the law of love for God and others.

(John 2:8) And He *said to them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it to him.

Again, the servants obeyed Jesus explicitly. We do not know the exact time the water changed to wine. If it did not change until the moment it touched the lips of the master of the banquet, then no telling what the servants might have been thinking as they took water (soon to become wine) to the master. If the water turned into wine the moment they drew some out, they could give it to the master with true joy in their hearts and on their faces. They certainly found true joy after they obeyed Jesus and saw the results.

(John 2:9) When the headwaiter tasted the water which had become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter *called the bridegroom,

No doubt God and Jesus perform countless miracles. Our moment-by-moment existence and the life of each person in the world are divine miracles-after-miracles. The master of the banquet did not know that a miracle had changed the water into wine. Most of the miracles God and Jesus do are never seen or recognized by us and others. The servants who obeyed and trusted in Jesus when they did what Jesus told them knew that a miracle had been performed by Jesus through them. The obedient servants of Jesus Christ give thanks and see far more miracles than unbelievers. Jesus honored the bridegroom (just as Jesus will be honored at the marriage supper of the Lamb) rather than draw attention to himself as the One who saved the bridegroom and bride from disgrace at their wedding. Just as Jesus transformed the water into wine without our understanding “how” He did so, He completely transforms all who receive Him and believe in His Name though we do not know “how” He does so. In John 1:12, we read, “But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God.”

(John 2:10) and *said to him, “Every man serves the good wine first, and when the people have drunk freely, then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now.”

Spiritually, the “inferior wine” was the ceremonial law of Moses so the Israelites could be a distinctive and separate people, a kingdom of priests for God to all the nations. When Jesus came as the promised Messiah, the Person that the Law of God and the prophets pointed to, God saved the “good wine” or the “best wine,” which was Jesus, for the last. The effect of Jesus’ coming was for the benefit of all who would follow Him throughout subsequent human history. Transformed into children of God, into a new creation filled with the Holy Spirit, the followers of Jesus are filled with “the best,” with Jesus, who gives them true and lasting joy, peace, guidance and power for serving God and others. When believers see Jesus face-to-face someday at the marriage supper of the Lamb, they will enjoy the best of God and all God gives for eternity.

(John 2:11) This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.

In Jesus’ first sign, Jesus revealed His glory to His mother, who trusted in Him when she brought a real need to Jesus. In Jesus’ first sign, Jesus revealed His glory to the servants who obeyed Him completely and trusted He knew what He was doing when they obeyed Him. In Jesus’ first sign, He revealed His glory to His disciples as they observed the entire event and believed in Him. Jesus confirmed in His first sign what they had said about Him after they first met Him. And they would see many more signs, because Jesus said to these disciples: “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man’” (John 1:51).

(John 2:12) After this He went down to Capernaum, He and His mother and His brothers and His disciples; and they stayed there a few days.

Perhaps to give His family and disciples time to rest after the wedding or to explain more about the meaning of His first sign to His followers, as well as give himself more time to spend in prayer to His Heavenly Father as was His custom, they all went to Capernaum where Jesus made His home. Later, in John 7:5, we learn that Jesus’ brothers did not believe Jesus was the Messiah. However, we learn in Galatians 1:19, that James, at least, became an apostle. After a few days, Jesus went to Jerusalem with His disciples to celebrate the Passover, where He cleansed the temple and began to manifest His glory by working many signs publicly.

 

How To Obey Jesus’ Words

Sunday, October 20, 2019

John 2:1-12

 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. (John 2:5—KJV)

His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” (John 2:5—NASB)

His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2:5—NRSV)

During a wedding feast in Cana, when the wine ran out the steward needed more, and when Mary learned about the problem, she asked her son for help. After speaking to Jesus, she commanded the servants, “Do whatever Jesus tells you.” Jesus quietly worked through the servants at the wedding feast to perform the first of His signs. Exactly as Mary had commanded them, they obeyed Jesus explicitly. When Jesus told them to use the six stone water jars that the Jews set apart for the Jewish rites of purification, they did not object and used all of them. When Jesus commanded, “Fill the jars with water,” they “filled them to the brim;” not halfway or partway full. They obeyed Jesus completely. When Jesus told them to draw some out of the jars and take it to the steward, they obeyed immediately. After the steward tasted the water changed to wine, he honored the bridegroom before his guests by saying, “You have kept the good wine until now.” The bridegroom received the honor when the steward commended him for serving the best wine at the last and the festivities continued uninterrupted. Jesus’ miracle met everyone’s needs, and Jesus “revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.” Jesus performed His miracle by speaking the word, just as He was the Word with God when God created the world through Him. Jesus worked His miracle through the servants who obeyed His words. Just as Jesus transformed the water into wine, Jesus seeks to transform people into servants who will explicitly and completely obey God. All those who bec0me Jesus’ true disciples eventually learn to do immediately whatever Jesus tells them.

Thinking Further

How To Obey Jesus’ Words

Sunday, October 20, 2019

John 2:1-12

1. Why do you think Jesus performed His first miracle or “sign” at a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee?

2. Why do you think Jesus used the purification jars to change water to wine?

3. In what ways did Jesus avoid showing favoritism when He worked His miracle?

4. What lessons can we learn from the servants who put water in the jars?

5. Why do you think John emphasized that the disciples believed in Him after He performed the sign?

Discussion and Thinking Further

1. Why do you think Jesus performed His first miracle or “sign” at a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee? His mother asked Him to help a groom and bride who would soon be disgraced if they ran out of wine. Rather than simply fill the old and empty wine skins with new wine, Jesus performed a miracle or sign that would demonstrate something of what He intended to do with those who believed in Him—transform them into children of God and fill them with His Spirit.
2. Why do you think Jesus used the purification jars to change water to wine? The purification jars represented the ceremonial laws of Moses. Jesus came to fulfill the law of Moses. The water, the ceremonial laws, would cleanse the outside of a person, but Jesus would cleanse the inside of a person and make them better able and prepared to love and serve God and others— even as the wine served the groom, bride, and their wedding guests.
3. In what ways did Jesus avoid showing favoritism when He worked His miracle? Jesus did not work His miracle because His mother asked for a miracle. Jesus always performed His miracles based on need and not on a person’s race or religion.
4. What lessons can we learn from the servants who put water in the jars? We need to obey Jesus immediately whether we understand all His reasons or not. In the Bible, Jesus tells us many things to do and we may not learn why until we have done them. The servants learned why Jesus asked them to fill the jars with water after He turned the water into wine, but they did not learn how He worked His miracle.
5. Why do you think John emphasized that the disciples believed in Him after He performed the sign? Jesus worked many miracles in the presence of His disciples during His three years of ministry. Each miracle strengthened their faith in Jesus. Later, when Jesus began to speak of His coming death and afterwards, all His signs would help them get through the days of darkness until He rose from the dead. They did not understand or believe in the possibility of Jesus’ resurrection until He rose from the dead (another miracle) and prove personally to them that He had risen.

Word Search

How To Obey Jesus’ Words

Sunday, October 20, 2019

John 2:1-12

 

L P R U O H X Z O H I P B M Y

G Q I S U S E J G L B R C F B

F H R J M W I N E K G Z L K R

N K O U O W Q W B J B H C Z I

O E D S T M E L O V E O E S D

I K W E H O Z D X M H S T Y E

T G O R E J N B D P A E U S G

A J T V R V C G H I W N E S R

C S U A C A N A I A N L K G O

I T D N U W S P R S P G N A O

F G X T M E Y D E I A B O L M

I D L S U C L O C T X E K I E

R Y U G O X E S Y R O L G L W

U H E J L Z I B O B F A C E P

P I U N A D U Y N W H X Z E W

 

Wedding

Cana

Galilee

Jesus

Mother

Disciples

Wine

Woman

Hour

Servants

Purification

Steward

Bridegroom

Sign

Glory

True and False Test

How To Obey Jesus’ Words

Sunday, October 20, 2019

John 2:1-12

 

Circle the True or False answers. Correct the False statements by restating them.

 

1. Mary and Joseph went to the wedding of their Nazarene friend in the land of Cana. True or False

2. Jesus and His twelve disciples went to the wedding in Cana. True or False

3. When the wine ran out at the wedding feast it became a big problem that Mary tried to solve by talking to Jesus. True or False

4. When Mary talked to her son about the lack of wine, He told her that His hour had not yet come. True or False

5. With confidence in Jesus, Mary told the servants to do whatever He told them. True or False

6. As followers of Jesus, we should do what the servants did and obey fully all of Jesus’ commands. True or False

7. Just as Jesus transformed water into wine, He can transform all who believe in Him into children of God. True or False

8. The wedding guests drank the wine Jesus made from water for their purification. True or False

9. When the steward at the wedding tasted the wine, he told Jesus that He had made the best wine ever! True or False

10. After Jesus performed this miracle, His mother and brothers believed in Him and took a large jar of wine back to Nazareth with them. True or False

True and False Test Answers

 

1. False
2. False
3. True
4. True
5. True
6. True
7. True
8. False
9. False
10. False

 

Prayer

O God, make us humble in our faith. Help us to expect You to work in our world even when we cannot see You. Give us confidence that You make all things whole. In Jesus’ name. Amen.