Overflowing Joy 1

The aim of this devotional study is to grow in understanding and desire to experience Godly joy.

Scripture

John 2:1-11

1  On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.  2  Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples.

3  When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4  And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” 5  His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

6  Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7  Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim.  8  And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it.

9  When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom  10  and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.”

11  This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

Observation

Note: the 6 stone jars filled with water would translate to about 750 bottles (565 liters) of wine today!

1. John states that this is the “first of signs” Jesus performed. It is the first public sign he did after his ministry began.  Is it also strange to you that the first sign Jesus did was a healing or deliverance etc?  Why did Jesus do this miracle?
2. What would have happened if the wine ran out?
3. What is the nature of the miracle?
4. How was each of these people benefitted from the miracle?

• His mother
• The bridegroom and his family [hosts of this feast]
• The disciples
• The guests

5. What do we know the quality and quantity of the wine made?

Reflection

1. Why do you think Jesus bothered to make wine at a wedding? What does that say about his character and his relationship with his family?
2. Everything in John’s gospel is deliberately written to also add symbolic message; what is the symbolism and message of this miracle? (hint: what is usually associated with celebration and wine? And think of the quality and quantity of wine made…)
3. Everything in John’s gospel is written “so that you may believe” (John 20:31). With that in mind, what then the motive of inserting this account?

• relating to his disciples?
• relating to you the reader?

4. Jesus demonstrated at the wedding that he came to give joy in greater quality and greater measure than we can expect or duplicate.

• Have you experienced this joy Jesus promised before? Where and when?
• Would those around you call you a joyful person?
• Do you experience this joy Jesus promised daily? Why / why not?

Prayer

In prayer today, take time to unburden yourself before the Lord as Peter wrote “cast all your cares on Him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) and then pray with David “Restore to me the joy of your salvation…” (Psalm 51:12)