In this lesson, we will explore the first recorded miracle associated with the actual ministry of Jesus Christ as documented in the New Testament Gospels- Turning Water into Wine!
I have spent a day or two behind a stove and many more days at tables of some of the South's best cooks. I guess you can say, I have an affinity for fine food- especially great home cooked meals.. I enjoy the taste, the touch, the sight, the feel, the back story and surely the wonderful cooked creations of food. A few Friday's ago, I went to a fish fry hosted by one of my members in Houston Texas. This weekly tradition had all the expected features- fried okra, French fries, coleslaw, hushpuppies, fried tilapia, fried catfish and a host of beverages. It was a night to remember. As my family and sat at the table of grandma Booker sharing, she offered me something unexpected- Shrimp Creole. I was first shocked for I only expected fried fish and secondly for this was the absolute best Shrimp Creole I have had in my entire life- and mind you this is coming from a preacher with a history of owning and operating restaurants in the famed French quarter of New Orleans.
In my mind, I marvel at the greatness on display in the life of others. Many play basketball but Lebron James plays at a different level. Many brothers across the America are playing footballl, yet the Peyton brothers achieve on a higher level. No, I can not compare these or Grandma's Shrimp Creole to Jesus, but we must say Jesus and His Church are different from all the others.. Then my mind traveled to ask 'why was Jesus able to turn water into wine in such a short time and without the aid of grapes'. In this lesson we ponder those questions about the miracle enologist from Galilee on a wonderful day back in the village of Cana.
How many miracles did Jesus perform? I often teach 35 while others teach slightly less or slightly more. In this study we explore 40 miracles lessons featuring Jesus. When we add the virgin birth, the miracles of a "group" nature such as verses that say many people were healed in conjunction with the miracles after the Resurrection to include the ascension this number increases. There are many miracles of Jesus recorded in the NT. In this believing in miracles series, I will teach life application significance related to 40 specific miracles in the bible related to Jesus Christ. Remember, prayer and studying the bible are tools of communication and connection to God. each miracle speaks truth in our lives..
In this article, we study the miracle of turning water into wine. The modernistic connection to this miracle is in learning how to seize opportunity and recognize destiny moments in life. No one does it like Jesus. Making wine without grapes. Wow!.What a taste! What is impossible with man is possible with God. When there is no way, Jesus is the way. When all potential solutions fail, Jesus has a new plan of success. When you look and see hopelessness, through the eyes of Jesus there is always opportunity.
The Water Into Wine Miracle is recorded in John 2:1-11. We will study the back story, the life significance and then be guided in the art of prayer.
First, The Back Story-
Before Jesus life changing circuit of public ministry, he performed a miracle of changing water into wine at a family wedding banquet in the village of Cana, in Galilee, which is a region in the land of Israel. Jesus, his mother, Mary, and his disciples were guests at the wedding. It is believed that the Father Joseph deceased at the time of this event. It is wise to further conclude this was a family wedding based on Mary's reaction to the problem. At some point in the festivities, the wine was totally consumed. Mary then brings the problem to Jesus. Jesus hesitates so it appears and then as they say the rest is history. Mary orders the helpers to do whatever Jesus request and miraculously the water turns into wine. Jesus ordered six water pots filled to with water. The master of the banquet called the bridegroom over "and said, 'Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till
now' " In the next verse, John the Apostle wrote: "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". The bible is the best commentary for itself. The closing verse reveals this was Jesus first miracle performed.. So what? I know the bible seems like rules to a trivia game church people play?
Second, The Life Application:
Too many times we miss opportunities to be a witness to others. God has tasked each and every member of the body of Christ to be "fishers of men" meaning we each have a duty to spread the Word of God to everyone we meet. The pessimistic sees the glass half full while the optimist sees the glass with potential to overflow. What do you see?. Whether that is a kind word to someone standing next to you in line, a hug of encouragement to someone in need, or offering prayer to someone in crisis, look for the opportunity to be a example of Christ.
Third, The Miracle Mind of Prayer:
Heavenly Father, open my eyes so that I may see and my ears so that I may hear and never miss the opportunity to bring your kingdom glory. Let everything that I say and do be pleasing to you, Lord. Thank you that I am sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit acting as a vessel for your love to pour through me.
Here are some great verses for additional study and reference on applying the miracle lesson of Jesus' Virgin Birth into your life-
Miracle Cross Reference
Genesis 22:13
Jeremiah 29:11
John 4:10
Acts 3: 2 & 3
Rev 3:20
To Your Success!
----------------------------------------------------
What does wine and the bible have in common? Is drinking wine wrong Pastor Sabra discusses these and many other modern subjects, go to http://pastorsabrajohnson.com/pastor-sabra-study-guides.html
No comments:
Post a Comment