Monthly Archives: November 2015

Miracle at Cana

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Mary said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you” (Eyewitness John 2:5).

Eyewitness: pp. 38
In Your Bible: John 2:1-11

Jesus attended a wedding feast in Galilee with his mother Mary and some of his disciples. This event is where Jesus’ first miracle took place.

A Crisis for the Host

During the feast, Mary noticed the wine, for the guests, was nearly gone. She said to Jesus, “They have no more wine.” “Mother,” Jesus said, “you must not tell me what to do. My time has not yet come” (John 2:3,4 Eyewitness).

This reply seems very abrupt, but Bible scholars say the tone Jesus used was actually gentle. The term he used in reference to his mother, is better translated as Lady, which gives it respect and gentleness.**

Mary directed the servants to do whatever Jesus tells them. Jesus said fill six large jars completely full with water. Then take a sample to the host for his approval and then serve it to the guests. The host approved this new wine he sampled, and made glowing comments on how much better it was! No trick here, Jesus met a need for the host.

Jesus Begins His Ministry

This miracle was the first sign of Jesus’ majesty and his disciples believed in him. Their faith would grow throughout their time with him. The disciples saw Jesus do many other miracles that have not been recorded, but these are written so you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. By believing, you will have life through his name (John 21:25 Eyewitness). Believe it.

Prayer: Father, I believe you can help me as much as you helped these we read about in Scripture. Thank you. Selah

Questions: Why do you think Jesus was reluctant to act even before the host knew he had a problem What do you think the servants thought as they heard this water became wine?

* Wm Barclay, The Daily Bible Study, The Gospel of John, Volume 1 The Westminster Press, Philadelphia, 1953,1956, pp.80-90.

The Disciples Find Jesus

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Eyewitness: pp. 36, 37
In Your Bible: Matthew 4:18-21; Mark 1:16-20: Luke 5:8-11 and John 1:35-51

The Gospel of John shows how six men (John, Andrew, James, Simon/Peter, Philip, and Nathanael) met Jesus and would become his disciples.

Disciples Meet Jesus

John and Andrew, followers of John the Baptist, found Jesus and walked with him one day. They met Andrew’s brother Simon/Peter the next day. The following day, Jesus left for Galilee and he met Philip, who was from Bethsaida as were Andrew and Peter. “Follow me,” Jesus said (Eyewitness John 1:43). That’s the phrase all of us remember. The emphasis seems to be time with Jesus!

Nathanael Meets Jesus

Later, Philip ran ahead and found Nathanael sitting under a fig tree, meditating. Philip interrupted his thoughts. “We’ve found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, the one described by the prophet’s—Jesus, the son of Joseph, from Nazareth (John 1:45d). “Teacher!” Nathanael exclaimed. “You really are the Son of God, the King of Israel” (John 1:47).

It is interesting to see the various ways the first disciples were called by Jesus. They would follow him, learn from him, and see the power of God working through him. The entire list of the 12 disciples is in Luke 6:13-16.

Prayer: Father, thank you for stepping toward me before I even knew you. You are patient and full of compassion for me.

Questions: What does it mean to be a disciple? A disciple of Christ?

* Matthew Henry’s Commentary in One Volume, Matthew Henry, Regency Reference Library, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1960, p.1513.

John Validates Jesus

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Eyewitness: p. 36
In your Bible: Deut 18:15; Isa 40:3-5; John 1:19-34

Jesus said, “We must do all the God requires” (Matthew 3:15 Eyewitness) when John told him he needed to be baptized instead. Although he might not have understood, John did what Jesus said. At Jesus’ baptism, two things revealed that Jesus was the Son of God: (1) the Holy Spirit as a dove landed on Jesus, and (2) God’s voice, said Jesus was his Son and that he was well pleased with him.

Jesus is the One

John the Baptist made it clear his role was to point men to Christ. John gave this proof, “I would not have known him, but the one who sent me to baptize said, “The man on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. ‘With my own eyes, I saw it and can testify without reservation. He is the Son of God” (Eyewitness John 1:33,34).

John’s Testimony

Earlier a group of priests and Temple officials from Jerusalem had come to Bethany, to question John about who he was and why he was baptizing. They found out he was not who they thought he might be (The Messiah, Elijah, or the Prophet foretold by Moses). Now, they were confused.

Then he explained his role by quoting from Isaiah. John said, “I am the one who is shouting, ‘Clear a path in the wilderness, because the Lord our God is coming'” (John 1:23 Eyewitness).

Therefore when John saw Jesus at the Jordan River, he shouted, “Look! The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming who is much greater than I am’ because he existed long before me. I did not know who he was. I only knew that I must baptize people so he might be revealed to Israel” (John 1:29-31 Eyewitness).

This answer should have quelled the officials’ confusion, however, they still did not comprehend what God the Father was doing.

Prayer: Father, thank you that John obeyed Jesus, even when he thought it should be different. Help me to always obey you, even when I don’t understand.

Question: Why do you think God wanted to have John baptize Jesus? What does baptism mean in your life with God?

What Words Do You Live By?

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Full of the Holy Spirit, Jesus left the Jordan River. The Spirit led him into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. For forty days, Jesus was among the wild animals and fasted, eating nothing at all. Afterward, it was time to eat (Eyewitness Mark 4:1,2).

Eyewitness: p.34.
In Your Bible: Exodus 15:23-27; 16:3-32; Deuteronomy 6:16; 8:3; 11:13; Psalm 91:11-12; Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12,13; Luke 4:1-13; Philippians 4:19.

What are our basic daily needs? We’d usually come up food, air, water, and probably money. However, a closer view leads us to realize we need – God!

Basic Needs Provided

When the millions of children of Israel traveled in the desert complaining they had no food, God provided manna, quail, and sweet water. More importantly, He was with them and led them by a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day. He gave sustenance and guidance to his people in need.

Yes, today we need food, air, and water. But do we consider the unmentioned key basic need – God? God’s Word (and His words) provide help in time of need, comfort in time of loss, and sustenance for the body when nothing else will help.

Jesus’ Encounter with Satan

Immediately after Jesus’ baptism, the Spirit led him into the desert to be alone and fast. Little is written about his aloneness with his heavenly Father. But Satan’s four challenges at the conclusion of his fast were dramatic and well documented.

In the desert Jesus was tired and hungry. Satan challenged Jesus to meet his need for food, commanding Jesus to turn stones into bread. No way was that doing to happen. Jesus quickly replied, “People do not live by bread only, but by everything God says” (Deuteronomy 8:3 Eyewitness).

Even at Jesus’ weakest physical state he didn’t waver, he rebuked Satan. We as believers must know what God says and use those words – Scripture conquers evil.

God’s Word will sustain us today. Believe. The Apostle Paul reminds us – ”And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).

Prayer: Father, help me keep my eyes and ears on You, Your Word, and what You want me to do.

Questions:Because your relationship with God is a basic need, how do you sustain it?