READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l There are 7 signs of Jesus recorded in the Gospel of John.
- Turning Water into Wine (2:1-11)
- Healing the Official’s Son (4:46-54)
- Healing the Man at the Pool (5:2-9)
- Feeding the 5000 (6:1-15)
- Healing the Blind Man on the Sabbath (9:1-41)
- Raising of Lazarus (11:1-45)
- Death & Resurrection of Jesus (20:1-31)
John documents that Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples which are not recorded in this book. These seven were written so that people may believe that Jesus is the Messiah and have life in His name (John 20:30-31).
Today’s sermon focuses on the first miracle of Jesus – turning water into wine.
The Request by Mary to Jesus (v 3-5)
Jesus and His mother were both at a wedding, likely of a close relative or friend. When the wine runs out, she instinctively turns to Jesus. It is interesting that she is not named in the book of John (we know her name is Mary), and is addressed only based on her relationship with Him.
Jesus responds formally (not disrespectfully), addressing her as ‘Woman’, perhaps indicating that He did not act under her authority. Instead, He follows the timing and course determined for Him by God – ‘My hour has not yet come’ (v4). The importance of God’s ordained timing is echoed in John 7:30, 12:27, 13:1, 17:1, relating to Jesus’ capture and crucifixion.
Mary confidently tells the servants to do whatever Jesus tells them, leading to Jesus’ first miracle – the turning of water into wine.
Discipleship Lesson #1
Bring your needs to Jesus and trust Him even when His timing and methods differ from our expectations.
The Revelation of Jesus’ Miraculous Work (v 6-9)
The first miracle of Jesus was a low-key event, known only to Jesus, His mother and the servants. The servants had simply obeyed Jesus like His mother had requested. Their obedience preceded the transformation of the water into wine.
Discipleship Lesson #2
Obedience to Christ even without full understanding is the foundation for witnessing God’s transformative work.
Jesus’ miracles often involved the cooperation and obedience of people. In the feeding of the 5000, the disciples distributed the loaves and fishes. In the healing of the blind man, he had to wash off the mud from his eyes. God wants us to be His co-partners in His miraculous work.
Symbolism of the Stone Jars and Wine
The stone jars used for Jewish religious washing, were filled to the brim and transformed by Jesus into superior wine. In the Old Testament, wine symbolises joy, celebration and abundance, often representing the messianic kingdom.
• Genesis 49:11 “He will tether his donkey to a vine, his colt to the choicest branch; he will wash his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes”.
• Isaiah 25:6 “On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine – the best of meats and the finest of wines.”
• Joel 3:18 “In that day the mountains will drip new wine, and the hills will flow with milk; all the ravines of Judah will run with water. A fountain will flow out of the Lord’s house and will water the valley of acacias.”
The water in the stone jars both satisfying their thirst and purifying, symbolizes Jesus as the Living Water that satisfies and cleanses us. When he transformed the water into wine, it paralleled Jesus purifying and cleansing us with His blood (Revelation 1:5 NKJV).
This imagery is echoed in John 19:34 when Jesus was pierced in his side as he hung on the cross, “bringing a sudden flow of blood and water”. We are reminded of the Last Supper where the wine represents Jesus’ blood and the bread, his body, which is also the temple of God (John 2:21).
The Recognition of Jesus’ Glory (v 9-11)
Signs reveal something from God that was previously hidden. In the miracles recorded by John, they unveil that God is at work in Jesus and is present in Him. These signs reveal Jesus’ glory and affirm that Jesus is the Son of God (John 20:30-31). His first miracle laid a foundation for the disciples’ faith. Through the subsequent and many signs of Jesus in the presence of His disciples, we see the fulfilment of John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth”.
The master of the banquet commented “…you have saved the best (wine) till now” (John 2:10). Indeed, Jesus is the most precious wine. Through His sacrifice on the cross, our sins are washed clean and our lives redeemed. He replaces our brokenness with His joy and purpose.
Throughout the Bible, we see transformed lives: Sarah and Abraham becoming parents in old age, Joseph rising from prisoner to Prime Minister of Egypt, David from a lowly shepherd boy to King of Israel, and uneducated fishermen becoming Fishers of Men.
What will you allow God to do in and through your life?
Discipleship Lesson #3
Look to the Cross of Christ and Surrender our lives to Jesus who brings Spiritual Transformation.
(Sermon notes by Stella Chiam)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Study Scripture
i. Read John 2:1-11 together. What stands out to you about this passage?
ii. What details do you notice about Mary’s request, Jesus’ response, and the miracle itself? - Recall Sermon
i. What was the significance of Jesus response “My hour has not yet come.” (v.4)
ii. How did the miracle reveal Jesus’ glory (v. 9-11)? Why was this an important moment in His ministry?
iii. What key discipleship lessons were highlighted, and which one resonated most with you? - Relate Personally
i. Have you ever experienced a time when God’s timing or methods were different from your expectations? How did you respond?
ii. When have you had to obey Christ even when you didn’t fully understand? What was your experience?
iii. In what ways do you see Jesus bringing transformation in your life, like how He turned water into wine? - Commit to Action
i. What is one area of your life where you need to trust Jesus more, even if His response is unexpected?
ii. How will you fix your eyes on Jesus and surrender more fully to His transforming work in your life?
