1-18-98 ...................Water or Wine?..................... John 2

by Ronald E. George Jr.

Scripture Text:

John 2:1 (KJS) And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: 2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. 3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. 4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, 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 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;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, 10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: [but] thou hast kept the good wine until now. 11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

The miracle of the master's touch. The first miracle of our Lord.

What were the events of the miracle. The Request, The commands, The miracle, The Results.

Are we fulfilling of God's purpose for our lives?

Does God have a plan for your life?

Will we fulfill His Purpose for our lives?

I. The Request:

Mary's Request for wine. What do you want from the Lord? Do you want anything? Ask and you shall receive. Mary believed that Jesus would do something and that Jesus could do something that would make the difference.

Mary's command to the servants:

II. The Commands:

Mary's command:

Whatsoever He saith unto you do it. Jesus' Commands:

1. Fill them Up!

Are we filled with water or wine? This is our part. Joining in with the Lord in the work that He wants to do in our lives in fellowhip with us. The water represents our own efforts. wine represents the presence of the living God in our lives.

Ephe 5:16 (KJS) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord [is]. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

2. Draw them out!

Clay pots of service: Cracked pots in the hand of the master potter.

2Cor 4:6 (KJS) For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

3. Bear unto the governor of the feast.

Living inside out. Spilling out our insides for others to be filled and satisfied.

III. The Miracle:

The Testimony of the Governor:

1. What's inside makes the difference. In computers, Jars, and people the insides makes the difference in what the result is of the sampling of our peers.

2. You don't have to save the best for last, unless that is when you have it. You can give of your best to the master now. Give of the strength of your youth.

IV. The Results:

God's Glory is revealed in Fulfilling His purpose for your life.

Being obedient to the Lord, saying yes to Jesus, and allowing Him to fill our lives with the Holy Spirit.

This is the fulfillment of God's Purpose for the Clay Pots.