Digging Deeper into the Gospel of John (John 2)

From a mysteriously profound introduction to a surprising first “sign” with water being turned into wine, the start of Jesus’ ministry is anything but normal. But why? What was the need for “signs” and “wonders” at all? And what can we learn from how it all got underway? Or, on a practical related point, what can we learn about alcohol and its use both from this passage, and from the Bible as a whole? All these things (and more) popped up in this week’s message from Pastor Mike Halstead.

However we approach this passage, though, what we do know is that Jesus is up to something, and we all have a front row seat as to what it is. We also get some unique insight into just how important this first miracle of water being turned into wine is to everyone involved.

This, the first of His signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested His glory. And His disciples believed in Him (Jn. 2:11, ESV).

Not only does Jesus’ ministry get underway in style, but it does so with a very specific and powerful purpose.

Here are some of my takeaways from this week’s message and study in John 2:

Jesus made himself known through His “signs” and “wonders”
Outside of what the prophecies said, Jesus did miracles and healings because, practically speaking, many people needed it.
Mary was a very normal, good, and strong Jewish mother.
Jesus’s anger was never out-of-control. He took time to braid cords into a whip so He could drive out the people taking advantage of the worshippers in the Temple. It was not raw and unrestrained emotion.
Jesus’ statement that He will “Destroy this temple, and in three days … raise it up ( 2:19, ESV),” was used against Him often—all the way through His crucifixion.
When religious leaders and other prominent doubters, asked Jesus to do miracles, He would not typically do them.
Even before Jesus died on the cross for our sins, He repeatedly proved He was God.
What can we do to show we are not only forgiven by Jesus for our sins, but that we now live differently for Him as a result?
We need to read what Scriptures say first before making decisions about important Christian doctrines. Where Scriptures are silent about certain things, our judgment calls can become grayer, and where they are black and white, we should not.

Now it is your turn. What are some of your biggest takeaways from John 2?

“It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. (Heb. 2:3-4, ESV)”