Jesus Parties
Jesus' miraculous transformation of water into wine is the first of his signs within John's gospel. John gives us the purpose of these signs: "This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him." (2:11) The glory of Jesus is his making the goodness and mission of God obvious. The function of a sign within the gospel of John is to show God's power in a way points past the present. The consistent pattern is that these signs fuel the faith of the disciples, even more as we approach the cross. The Cross and Resurrection of Christ is the most powerful sign of the gospel, but it is also the sign that is most liable to be misunderstood. These signs serve to express and draw out the deeper reality behind the Cross of Christ.
So, what does the transformation of water into wine have to do with understanding the Cross? The details given can help illuminate our answer. After the wine has run out, Jesus instructs the servants to specifically refill "six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons." (2:6) These would have been the elements used by the Jewish invitees to ritually clean themselves and possibly the cups, bowls, and utensils for the party. It was there way of signifying that great purity and sacredness of this event before the God of the universe, who had ordained them to follow such purity laws. Now, the great point and reality of this ritual comes to life. Jesus fulfills it! And the context and miracle illuminate the reality of what he has come to accomplish. The Lord is bringing purity that far exceeds the system of ritual purity under the Old Covenant. This is in the same way wine far exceeds water as a desireable and satisfying drink for a party. The context tells us where this purifying wine - causing the person rereading John to associate it with Jesus' blood - will take us. It takes us to a wedding party. This wedding is a great illustration of what the Cross of Christ will bring for those who place faith in Jesus...purity where there was uncleanness and unity where there was division.
Resource:
Want to know what The Hunger Games is all about? Why is it resonating with young people? How can we use the story to engage those around us with the truth of gospel, specifically as it relates to one's identity?
I encourage you to read this short article by Winston Smith. He brings a helpful, biblical, and approachable posture to interacting with young people fascinated with The Hunger Games.
http://www.ccef.org/blog/hunger-games-appetite-and-identity
Please contact me if you have any comments or questions.
Blessings,
Dagan Mayfield
806.224.3148
dmayfield@cornerstonepca.org
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