_The third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee._ THE MIRACLE AT CANA I. THE OCCASION ON WHICH THE MIRACLE WAS WROUGHT. 1. The time. The third day after the interview with Nathanael. 2. The place. Cana, about nine miles from Nazareth. Called Cans of Galilee to distinguish it from another... [ Continue Reading ]
_When they wanted wine_ _ I._ The wine supplied was m ACCORDANCE WITH THE CUSTOM OF THE COUNTRY. The produce probably of their own industry in the vineyards around. Wine in Bible lands was not an occasional luxury as with us, but a part of the daily food of the people. A simple, natural beverage,... [ Continue Reading ]
_The mother of Jesus saith unto Him they have no wine_ I. THE MIRACLE WAS WROUGHT AT THE SUGGESTION OF A MOTHER, and was the result of the promptings of human affection. The first influence that reaches the senses of a child is from the mother; and whatever miracles of blessing have been done in t... [ Continue Reading ]
_Whatsoever Be saith unto you, do it_ IMPLICIT OBEDIENCE TO CHRIST That is a remarkable claim. It is almost startling to be told that, without leaving room for our own opinion, whatever a certain voice says to us we are to do. That claim can be made for no created intelligence. But it can be made... [ Continue Reading ]
_Six water-pots of stone._ THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WATER-POTS I. THE USE OF OLD MATERIAL FOR NEW PURPOSE. In the natural word vegetable life grows out of the mould of vegetable decay. The tabernacle was constructed of Egyptian materials and many of the laws and customs had an Egyptian form. Prophe... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou hast kept the good wine until now._ We learn I. THAT CHRIST HAS SYMPATHY WITH HOUSEKEEPERS. The wine gave out and Jesus came to the rescue. Don’t fret when there is a scant supply in your household, but trust in God and do the best you can and He will help you. Christ is the best adviser and... [ Continue Reading ]
_This beginning of miracles_ THE MIRACLES OF CHRIST Miracles are not only a proof but a part of revelation, and carry their own weight of truth quite independent of their testimony to the authority of the whole. Christ’s miracles I. IDENTIFY THE GOD OF NATURE WITH THE CHRIST OF THE GOSPEL, and s... [ Continue Reading ]
_After this, He went down into Capernaum_ CHRIST AT CAPERNAUM It is not needful to inquire what His errand was there, and upon what occasion His mother and brethren went with Him; whether because Joseph was new dead, and so He took care of His mother, or because they would convey Him on His way, o... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem._ CHRIST’S FIRST PASSOVER I. HIS ATTENDANCE AT THE PASSOVER, One of the three great annual festivals which all males were required to attend. None excused but the sick and the disabled. God made the ordinance peremptory, to teach (1)... [ Continue Reading ]
_The zeal of Thine house hath eaten Me up_ _ I._ ZEAL FOR THE STRUCTURE OF THE HOUSE. 1. It is the duty of the Church to provide convenient places for the public worship of God. Over-building is a lamentable waste of strength; but under-building is a sin. The Church who neglects to provide proper... [ Continue Reading ]
_What sign showest Thou?_ CHRIST AND THE RULERS I. THE DISPUTE WHICH FOLLOWED HIS PROCEEDING IN THE TEMPLE. 1. The remonstrance addressed to Him by the Jews. The parties were the authorities of the Temple who, by their question, espoused the cause of the traffickers. “The Jews require a sign,” an... [ Continue Reading ]
_When He was in Jerusalem at the Passover_ THE FIRST JERUSALEM BELIEVERS I. THE OBJECT OF THEIR FAITH: the name of Christ. The name of anything is that by which it is known; so the name of Christ is that revelation of the Saviour proposed for faith’s acceptance. So faith may vary in different ages,... [ Continue Reading ]
_Jesus did not commit Himself unto them, because He knew all men._ SUPERFICIAL FAITH I. THE DANGER OF A SUPERFICIAL FAITH. It was only such a faith that these people had who believed in Christ on the ground of His miracles. It did not satisfy Christ. It had no deep root and had not led to loyal ac... [ Continue Reading ]