FEASTING WITH JESUS CHRIST PART ONE

 

Feasting with Jesus Christ Part One

 

 

We have now arrived at one of the most interesting passages in the book of John. Let me quote the verses I will be going over so you can get a feel for this subject.

 

(1) "AND the third day there was a marriage in Ca'na of Gal'i - lee; and the mother of Je'sus was there: (2) And both Je'sus was called, and His disciples, to the marriage. (3) And when they wanted wine, the mother of Je'sus saith unto Him, They have no wine. (4) Je'sus saith unto her, Women, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come. (5) His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it. (6) And there were set there six water - pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. John 2: 1 - 6.

 

The Bible teaches that this was a true story of Christ's miraculous conversation of water into wine at a marriage in Cana of Galilee. 

 

In the Old Testament Jesus Christ did miracles of necessity in the wilderness because they needed food.

 

This particular miracle that Jesus Christ did was on the third day after He came into Galilee. There is an order of occurrences for this miracle. Once the Son of God started His ministry He was extremely busy and never complained regarding His work. Cana of Galilee was a very obscure place in the world. When Jesus did or said something in Jerusalem He tended to get much resistance. In Cana of Galilee theses people tended to be more simple and were very receptive to who Jesus was and what He did for them. The irony is the Son of God had a special love for Jerusalem. Did you ever notice that the simple common person is more open to know about Jesus Christ? 

 

What was the occasion? This was a marriage. The earthly mother of Jesus attended this event. There is a special honor to this unity between this man and lady because the Son of God was present at this marriage. So we see the presence of God and the very first miracle of Jesus Christ.

 

In that day marriages were usually celebrated with festivals. The two main guests in this celebration were the Son of God and His earthy mother. Jesus was called, came and feasted with them. By the way that is what our Lord and Savior desires to do in our life as His children.

 

A marriage should be blessed by Jesus Christ Himself. How is a marriage going to last if this is not present? This takes prayer and if sincere I am sure Jesus Christ will come to the event. One of the truths I have found in a relationship is all we have is our honesty with each other so in like manner earnest intercession to God for the sanctifying of the earthly fellowship is not only essential but comforting. This is not a one time prayer but in my opinion should be done everyday. I have seen the all time greatest marriages fail and end up in divorce.

 

The disciples of Jesus were also invited to this wedding because at this point in time they had entrusted themselves upon His care. This is exactly where Jesus Christ desires our walk to be in Him. It is interesting to me that His followers knew the Son of God had no money. This is a far cry from today's servants who always want to get something out of their service to God, especially the leaders.

 

They had pure motives and desired to engage in objective good for the kingdom of God. In light of this event they were feasting with Jesus Christ at a festival. Notice how simple this was because wherever Jesus went they followed Him. This is the key --- a simple fellowship with our Father in heaven as we "Follow" Him.

 

If we feast with our Savior and Master this is the polar opposite of sinning in our flesh. It is either one or the other. There is no in between. One leads to spiritual life and one leads to spiritual death. (6) "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (7) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. (8) So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8: 6 - 8.

 

What was needed at this event? Wine. Usually much was provided but at this point there was a depletion. The mother of Jesus solicited Him to assist her friends because this is what it says in verses 3 - 5. First she explains the difficulty they were in and in like manner we are to go to our Lord and acquaint our Father with our abstract circumstances. She simply said they have no wine. There are various answers ministers will give regarding if this was alcohol or some other non alcohol type of wine. Since the Old Testament says that God does not put His approval on alcohol I would probably say this was non alcohol. Keep in mind Mary never saw Jesus even do a miracle at this point. She just knew I must ask the Son of God for help. Mary could verbally go to Jesus but we must go to Him through prayer. We can never prescribe to Him how to handle the situation but in a humble way present our case to Him. This is up to Jesus Christ Himself.

 

Jesus answered with a rebuke --- women what have I to do with thee. Did you ever notice that if we are a true child before God the Triune Godhead (God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit) are very interested in rebuking and chastening their children? This is one way we know we are a true child of God.

 

Notice He calls her women not mother. In essence Jesus was saying in this particular context you are my child. Mary was looking to the Son of God as her Father. We can be frail, foolish and corrupt. Mary could not handle the situation so she went for divine help. We may be very distinguished in life but we can not forget ourselves and our place before God. Helpless in our own strength. We can not work a miracle in our flesh. 

 

This is the end of Part One so until next time have a good day or night wherever you are in this world.   Bob D.