How did Christ’s First Miracle Portray Grace to the World?
Christ had gathered his apostles and a group of disciples were beginning to follow as well by the time that He performed His first miracle at the wedding feast. This was the beginning of many miracles to come. He had already shown with his conversation with Nathanael His omniscience to know a man’s heart and to be acutely aware of every circumstance in the life of each person. I see that as pretty miraculous in itself; yet, John reports that as part of the glorious nature of who Jesus is in all His Glory. Then John goes on to report the first miracle of Jesus. Here Jesus is about to perform His first miracle by changing water into wine. How does that display His Glory? John’s epistle is the only gospel that even records it. Yet, John says, “This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him” (John 2: 11).
How did changing water into wine, display Christ’s glory and caused the disciples to believe in Him? John’s gospel as I pointed out in the previous blogs, presents Christ as God in all His Glory. Christ, though the only begotten son of God, came to earth to pour out grace upon grace to mankind. Grace that rebellious, self-exalting hearts such as ours could never deserve. Caught within our web of self-deceit, we could never even desire God if He did not reveal Himself to us. Christ would gather the crowds, display His Glory through miracles, speak the truth and still would be rejected by the masses.
For all who would believe He would be their Savior and bear their sin. [bctt tweet=”Jesus would become the purifying bath that would wash away their sin”] Having washed them in His blood, Christ would clothe all who come to Him in robes of righteousness. He would take upon Himself the sins of the world and wash them white as snow for any who would come to Him for saving grace. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18).
OBEDIENT SON
We looked Monday at Christ’s Deity being presented by the obedient son who would be obedient to His Father, even unto death. “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:7-9). He had to remind His own mother that He had come for this purpose and that her eternity would depend on His dying for her sins as well. There could be no other way to redeem a sinner’s heart.
GRACE UPON GRACE REVEALED
My entire life I have heard the story of Christ changing the water into wine. I have heard the arguments from many pulpits about whether it was really wine or grape juice. While spending so much time arguing, both sides missed the most important truth found in this scripture!! While studying this detailed account as presented by John, suddenly I saw something so powerful and so amazing!! There it was–the truth of this miracle. It had been there all along; yet, only now had my eyes seen it and I drank it in with such joy.
“6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) (John 2).
CHRIST THE PURIFYING WATER POURED OUT FOR US
Did you see it? The water “pitchers” were not water pitchers. They were large stone water vessels that held between 20 and 30 gallons of water each. These held water used by Jewish ceremony for purifying baths. These were not drinking vessels. These were not pitchers. Christ was presenting the portrait that HE IS THE PURIFYING WATER in which we can be bathed. No longer would there need to be rituals for salvation. He was the lamb who would wash away our sins. The blood and water poured forth from His side. “When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.[a] 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life” (Titus 3:4-7 TLT)
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
Grace upon Grace poured out upon me. The wine was symbolic of His blood that was shed for me as Christ would again present at the last supper. The vessels He used symbolized the end of rituals because of grace. The only one who can wash away our sin is God Incarnate—Jesus Christ. [bctt tweet=”Not by works of these guilty hands can I be saved. It is Grace upon Grace revealed.”] Jesus doesn’t just pour a little cleansing water over me–He baths me in His righteousness; washing away all my sins!!! How amazing is that!!
Do you want to share a story about Grace? I would love to hear from you. If you don’t know Christ as Your Savior I bid you-ask Him into your heart. He is the joy and love you have been longing for. Click here and share your story or comment.
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The Song I chose for you today is Not What My Hands by Aaron Keys
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New Living Translation (NLT)Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
©2015 Effie Darlene Barba
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