Day 2
John 2:11
11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
According to the book of John, Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine. Why was the first sign of Jesus' glory (v.11) a seemingly non-essential miracle with alcohol of all things? First, it's important to note that during Jesus' time, weddings were week-long festivals of large banquets with many guests. Have you ever wondered why they needed six 30-gallon jugs of extra wine?? It was a time of celebration for the whole town, so running out of wine would have been devastating. Jesus was responding to a felt need, but more than that, he used this sign to indicate that the arrival of a new Kingdom should be a cause for rejoicing. We observe that the jars, which were filled up with water and turned into wine, were traditionally used for ceremonial washing.
Jesus' arrival indicated a new way of being purified. Rather than purification by water, Jesus came to purify the world through his blood, often represented by wine. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus refers to himself as the bridegroom, and we see imagery of the Kingdom of God as a wedding feast with an open invitation (Mark 2:18- 19, Matt 22:1- 11). Intimacy with God is not just about him coming into the parts of your life that you consider particularly spiritual. It's about letting God's miraculous power into every area of your life. This good news is something to celebrate. As you grow in intimacy, you find that Jesus fulfills every need and replaces old ways of trying to be pure on your own terms. There is a feast of peace, joy, and abundance in his presence. However, like the servants at the wedding, you must be willing to "do whatever he tells you." As you surrender to his leading and witness his signs, your belief grows along with your intimacy.
Next Steps
Watch The Bible Project Overview of John for helpful context if you haven’t already.
Read John chapter 2 and take notes, making observations and asking questions as you read.
Mediate on 1 or 2 verses that stood out to you. Focus on what they reveal about God and how the Spirit is inviting you to respond. Find a helpful guide to biblical meditation here.
Write down whatever the Holy Spirit puts on your heart.
Reflection Questions
What are some things that I have believed about God that I have yet to actually see for myself?
Have I actually seen the miracles, signs, and wonders of God. Have I seen him make a way out of no way, Have I seen him do exceedingly abundantly above what I can imagine this. If I haven’t seen these things or haven’t see them lately, might that be?
Do I have enough faith to look for what I desire to see? Is my life so comfortable and predictable that there’s no opportunity for me to step out on faith and see how God shows up?
What are the daily signs of the goodness of God all around me that I have been blind to?
Prayer Points
Lord, open my eyes to the signs of your glory in my everyday life. I pray for undeniable personal encounters on this journey of intimacy (John 2:11)
Lord, search my heart and have mercy on my for every way that I’ve claimed you with my mouth but refused to truly believe you in my heart (John 2:23-25)
Lord, let the zeal. passion for your house consume me so that I boldly express my faith and speak the truth even when it hurts (John 2:17)
