Expository Thoughts On John - JOHN 2:1-11
J.C. Ryle expounds on Jesus' first miracle at Cana, illustrating how Christ's divine power reveals His glory and invites believers to faith.
In this expository sermon, J.C. Ryle carefully examines Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana, highlighting its significance as a revelation of Christ's divine glory and power. Ryle emphasizes the importance of faith, obedience, and recognizing Jesus as the source of true transformation. Through detailed analysis, he invites believers to deepen their trust in Christ's timing and miraculous work.
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Turning Water into Wine
Now on the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and both Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, "They have no wine left." Jesus replied, "Woman, why are you saying this to me? My time has not yet come." His mother told the servants, "Whatever he tells you, do it."
Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washing, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, "Fill the water jars with water." So they filled them up to the very top. Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the head steward," and they did. When the head steward tasted the water that had been turned to wine, not knowing where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), he called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the cheaper wine when the guests are drunk. You have kept the good wine until now!" Jesus did this as the first of his miraculous signs, in Cana of Galilee. In this way he revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
These verses describe a miracle which should always possess a special interest in the eyes of a true Christian. It is the first, in order of time, of the many mighty works which Jesus did, when He was upon earth. We are distinctly told, "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee." Like every other miracle which John was inspired to record, it is related with great minuteness and particularity. And, like every other miracle in John\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Setting of the Miracle
- A wedding in Cana of Galilee
- Jesus, His mother, and disciples present
- The problem of running out of wine
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II. Jesus' Response and Instructions
- Jesus' initial reluctance and timing
- Mary's faith and instruction to servants
- Filling the water jars as commanded
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III. The Miracle and Its Significance
- Water turned into superior wine
- The steward's amazement and testimony
- The revelation of Jesus' glory and disciples' belief
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IV. Lessons from the First Miracle
- The importance of obedience to Christ
- Faith in Jesus' timing and power
- The miracle as a sign pointing to Christ's divine nature
Key Quotes
“This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee.” — J.C. Ryle
“Whatever he tells you, do it.” — J.C. Ryle
“Jesus did this as the first of his miraculous signs, in Cana of Galilee, revealing his glory.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Trust in Jesus' timing even when answers seem delayed.
- Obey Christ's instructions wholeheartedly as an expression of faith.
- Recognize and celebrate the transformative power of Jesus in everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the miracle at Cana significant?
It is Jesus' first recorded miracle, revealing His divine power and glory, and leading His disciples to believe in Him.
What does the water turning into wine symbolize?
It symbolizes transformation and the abundance of grace that Jesus brings, surpassing human expectations.
Why did Jesus say 'My time has not yet come'?
Jesus was indicating that His public ministry and ultimate purpose were on God's perfect timing.
What role did Mary play in this miracle?
Mary showed faith and instructed the servants to obey Jesus, demonstrating trust in His power.
What can believers learn from this miracle?
Believers learn to trust Jesus' timing, obey His commands, and recognize His power to transform lives.