1 00:00:00,770 --> 00:00:04,130 Speaker 1: He who sits on the throne said, Behold, I am 2 00:00:04,210 --> 00:00:13,340 Speaker 1: making all things new. Revelation 21.5 Almighty God, this promise 3 00:00:13,390 --> 00:00:17,500 Speaker 1: illuminates the dawn of a new creation, where the old 4 00:00:17,620 --> 00:00:22,740 Speaker 1: order of pain, sorrow, and brokenness fades in the glory 5 00:00:22,800 --> 00:00:26,960 Speaker 1: of your renewal. We are inspired by your divine power 6 00:00:27,020 --> 00:00:34,810 Speaker 1: to transform, rejuvenate, and restore. with every sunrise, remind us 7 00:00:34,870 --> 00:00:37,950 Speaker 1: of your continuous work in our lives and the world, 8 00:00:38,850 --> 00:00:45,710 Speaker 1: replacing despair with hope, fear with faith, and weakness with strength. 9 00:00:47,610 --> 00:00:51,170 Speaker 1: May we embrace the new life you offer, walking in 10 00:00:51,210 --> 00:00:55,710 Speaker 1: the light of your love and truth. Lord, let this 11 00:00:55,790 --> 00:00:58,940 Speaker 1: vision of a new heaven and a new earth guide 12 00:00:58,990 --> 00:01:04,620 Speaker 1: our steps, fuel our dreams, and shape our prayers. As 13 00:01:04,680 --> 00:01:10,319 Speaker 1: you make all things new, work within us, transforming our 14 00:01:10,380 --> 00:01:15,149 Speaker 1: hearts and minds, so we may reflect your glory in 15 00:01:15,230 --> 00:01:21,310 Speaker 1: all we do. In anticipation and joy, we look forward 16 00:01:21,330 --> 00:01:28,330 Speaker 1: to the fulfillment of your promise. Amen. Thank you for 17 00:01:28,370 --> 00:01:32,060 Speaker 1: praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. 18 00:01:32,740 --> 00:01:37,600 Speaker 1: Stick around for part two of Jesus' first miracle. If 19 00:01:37,620 --> 00:01:40,900 Speaker 1: this podcast has blessed you, be sure to follow along 20 00:01:41,260 --> 00:01:43,440 Speaker 1: so you never have to miss an episode. 21 00:01:45,090 --> 00:01:48,130 Speaker 2: This is my son. He's going to help with our situation. 22 00:01:48,710 --> 00:01:51,690 Speaker 1: Do whatever he tells you to do. She looked down 23 00:01:51,730 --> 00:01:55,750 Speaker 1: at Jesus in a way only a mother could. Although 24 00:01:55,810 --> 00:01:59,580 Speaker 1: he was a rabbi growing in popularity, She was still 25 00:01:59,900 --> 00:02:05,190 Speaker 1: his mother. She winked at the servants. Something shone in 26 00:02:05,230 --> 00:02:12,050 Speaker 1: her brown eyes. Something like hope. Jesus smiled and shook 27 00:02:12,090 --> 00:02:15,950 Speaker 1: his head. He stood up, kissed his mother on the head, 28 00:02:16,750 --> 00:02:20,359 Speaker 1: and gestured to the servants. Let's go. They walked around 29 00:02:20,380 --> 00:02:24,260 Speaker 1: the corner. Beside the group of men sat a line 30 00:02:24,300 --> 00:02:28,980 Speaker 1: of clay jars. Nothing fancy. Nothing. jars for a typical 31 00:02:29,040 --> 00:02:33,740 Speaker 1: cleansing ceremony. But Jesus looked from them to the servants. 32 00:02:34,940 --> 00:02:37,980 Speaker 1: He didn't sound demanding when he spoke to them. He 33 00:02:38,020 --> 00:02:42,780 Speaker 1: sounded kind. Fill those jars with water. The men glanced 34 00:02:42,820 --> 00:02:46,190 Speaker 1: sideways at each other, but did as they were told. 35 00:02:47,810 --> 00:02:50,430 Speaker 1: The servants left to the well and trudged back with 36 00:02:50,450 --> 00:02:54,209 Speaker 1: the jars filled to the brim. They sat them down 37 00:02:54,290 --> 00:02:59,030 Speaker 1: on the table in front of Jesus. Calm Cold water 38 00:02:59,130 --> 00:03:05,370 Speaker 1: rippled on the surface, reflecting Jesus' face. Kind eyes, long, 39 00:03:05,750 --> 00:03:12,590 Speaker 1: thin cheeks, surrounded by starlight and soft lamps above. Jesus' 40 00:03:12,650 --> 00:03:17,840 Speaker 1: followers noticed the commotion. They went quiet and watched as 41 00:03:17,940 --> 00:03:22,400 Speaker 1: Jesus stood over them. A hush spread down the length 42 00:03:22,440 --> 00:03:27,600 Speaker 1: of the table. Crickets chirped in the nearby brush. Above, 43 00:03:28,630 --> 00:03:34,440 Speaker 1: The stars hung low and bright. Insects snapped around their shoulders. 44 00:03:36,380 --> 00:03:40,760 Speaker 1: Mary watched at a distance, leaning back in the dark 45 00:03:40,820 --> 00:03:44,540 Speaker 1: shadow behind the bride and groom with a knowing look. 46 00:03:46,030 --> 00:03:51,250 Speaker 1: A look that said, something extraordinary is about to happen. 47 00:04:00,900 --> 00:04:03,900 Speaker 2: Let me ask you a question. What makes a miracle 48 00:04:04,200 --> 00:04:07,180 Speaker 2: a miracle? We often consider miracles to be events that 49 00:04:07,220 --> 00:04:11,500 Speaker 2: are extraordinary, improbable, or even impossible. Whether it's a Christmas 50 00:04:11,560 --> 00:04:15,070 Speaker 2: miracle in our favorite Hallmark movie, or something miraculous that 51 00:04:15,110 --> 00:04:18,650 Speaker 2: someone reports from the mission field, we see miracles as 52 00:04:18,830 --> 00:04:23,169 Speaker 2: inexplicable phenomena meant to inspire. When Jesus performs miracles, they 53 00:04:23,230 --> 00:04:26,589 Speaker 2: may be inconceivable to us, but in reality, they're the 54 00:04:26,630 --> 00:04:30,570 Speaker 2: most natural events as creation is made subject to its creator. 55 00:04:30,920 --> 00:04:32,400 Speaker 2: just the way all things were meant to be in 56 00:04:32,440 --> 00:04:34,520 Speaker 2: the Garden of Eden. But that doesn't make. 57 00:04:34,440 --> 00:04:35,680 Speaker 1: Them any less extraordinary. 58 00:04:36,060 --> 00:04:40,119 Speaker 2: Jesus' miracles were grand displays of his glory that proved 59 00:04:40,160 --> 00:04:44,710 Speaker 2: his power, sparked curiosity, and inspired faith. Though turning water 60 00:04:44,750 --> 00:04:47,890 Speaker 2: into wine was Jesus' first, it certainly wouldn't be the 61 00:04:47,970 --> 00:04:51,330 Speaker 2: last as he prepared to glorify the Father through his life. 62 00:04:52,089 --> 00:04:55,270 Speaker 2: You're listening to The Jesus Podcast, a year of stories 63 00:04:55,310 --> 00:04:57,660 Speaker 2: showcasing the depth of Christ's love and the glory of 64 00:04:57,720 --> 00:05:01,039 Speaker 2: God's truth. I'm Zach, your host from Pray.com. It's great 65 00:05:01,060 --> 00:05:03,480 Speaker 2: to be with you as we continue in the miracles 66 00:05:03,540 --> 00:05:06,080 Speaker 2: of Jesus. Don't forget to take a second to follow 67 00:05:06,100 --> 00:05:08,160 Speaker 2: the podcast and stay up to date with all these 68 00:05:08,200 --> 00:05:12,469 Speaker 2: captivating stories. This week, we're continuing our look at Jesus's 69 00:05:12,529 --> 00:05:15,370 Speaker 2: first miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding 70 00:05:15,390 --> 00:05:18,290 Speaker 2: of Cana. What could have been a disastrous day that 71 00:05:18,330 --> 00:05:20,770 Speaker 2: led to years of shame for the young couple was 72 00:05:20,810 --> 00:05:22,810 Speaker 2: prevented by a loving work of Jesus. 73 00:05:23,170 --> 00:05:29,000 Speaker 1: Let's continue now. Jesus stood in front of the six 74 00:05:29,060 --> 00:05:33,360 Speaker 1: heavy stone jars. The table had gone quiet with what 75 00:05:33,380 --> 00:05:39,029 Speaker 1: he might do. The group of men, his disciples, exchanged 76 00:05:39,130 --> 00:05:44,450 Speaker 1: cautious glances. Jesus took a moment, breathing in the crisp 77 00:05:44,589 --> 00:05:49,510 Speaker 1: night air, watching the ripples surface on the water, when 78 00:05:49,620 --> 00:05:55,900 Speaker 1: something in his expression lifted. A sweet servant girl stood 79 00:05:55,940 --> 00:06:00,520 Speaker 1: behind him, holding her breath. And Jesus turned to her, Now. 80 00:06:01,130 --> 00:06:03,720 Speaker 1: Draw some out and take it to the master of 81 00:06:03,760 --> 00:06:07,700 Speaker 1: the feast. The servant girl leaned over the jar. It 82 00:06:07,740 --> 00:06:12,560 Speaker 1: was water. She didn't quite understand what was happening, but 83 00:06:12,620 --> 00:06:16,970 Speaker 1: Mary instructed her to do as she was told. So, 84 00:06:17,230 --> 00:06:21,070 Speaker 1: with a nervous smile, she bobbed her head once and 85 00:06:21,170 --> 00:06:25,010 Speaker 1: quietly spooned a cup full of water. She poured it 86 00:06:25,070 --> 00:06:27,880 Speaker 1: into the cup and began walking to the master of 87 00:06:27,920 --> 00:06:31,719 Speaker 1: the feast. She walked the length of the long table 88 00:06:32,120 --> 00:06:35,880 Speaker 1: to the end, where the groom and his father chatted anxiously. 89 00:06:38,080 --> 00:06:40,820 Speaker 1: The servant girl delicately placed the cup in front of 90 00:06:40,839 --> 00:06:44,580 Speaker 1: the groom's father, who was distracted and worried he would 91 00:06:44,620 --> 00:06:46,400 Speaker 1: not be able to provide for his family. 92 00:06:46,990 --> 00:06:49,530 Speaker 3: I just can't believe that we'd run out. 93 00:06:49,890 --> 00:06:51,470 Speaker 1: He gripped the sides of the wood table. 94 00:06:51,930 --> 00:06:55,609 Speaker 3: I had bought plenty, more than plenty. I had spent 95 00:06:55,650 --> 00:06:59,520 Speaker 3: a I had spent a fortune on all this food, 96 00:06:59,540 --> 00:07:00,760 Speaker 3: this wine. 97 00:07:01,200 --> 00:07:05,380 Speaker 1: I'm sorry, father, Gershom said slowly, trying to calm him. 98 00:07:05,820 --> 00:07:09,240 Speaker 1: It isn't your fault. No one believes that. The girl 99 00:07:09,300 --> 00:07:11,820 Speaker 1: approached from behind and placed the cup on the table. 100 00:07:12,900 --> 00:07:16,290 Speaker 1: The groom's father brought the cup to his lips, expecting water, 101 00:07:17,250 --> 00:07:22,410 Speaker 1: and smiled instead, tasting the sweet grape tang of the freshest, 102 00:07:22,650 --> 00:07:31,220 Speaker 1: most delightful tasting wine he had ever had. He stood 103 00:07:31,400 --> 00:07:34,580 Speaker 1: boisterously and shook his finger at Mary as though they'd 104 00:07:34,700 --> 00:07:36,580 Speaker 1: played a fine joke on him. 105 00:07:37,180 --> 00:07:41,430 Speaker 3: Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have 106 00:07:41,490 --> 00:07:46,770 Speaker 3: drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept 107 00:07:46,810 --> 00:07:48,410 Speaker 3: the good wine until now. 108 00:07:50,570 --> 00:07:54,210 Speaker 1: The bride beamed at her father-in-law, and the groom raised 109 00:07:54,250 --> 00:07:57,700 Speaker 1: his glass to him. The father of the groom turned 110 00:07:57,760 --> 00:08:00,360 Speaker 1: to the length of the table, with his cup raised 111 00:08:00,420 --> 00:08:02,940 Speaker 1: in hand and projected to the party. 112 00:08:03,640 --> 00:08:05,770 Speaker 3: My dear family and friends! 113 00:08:06,330 --> 00:08:09,050 Speaker 1: The table hushed and went silent. I have a. 114 00:08:09,070 --> 00:08:12,550 Speaker 3: Blessing for my son and his beloved bride. 115 00:08:12,970 --> 00:08:15,270 Speaker 1: He smiled down at them through his beard. 116 00:08:15,710 --> 00:08:20,280 Speaker 3: May your cup overflow and never run out! May your 117 00:08:20,340 --> 00:08:24,810 Speaker 3: life together be long and filled with years, and may 118 00:08:24,830 --> 00:08:29,790 Speaker 3: you experience the abundance of God's love for you, tonight 119 00:08:30,590 --> 00:08:31,750 Speaker 3: and every night. 120 00:08:32,410 --> 00:08:36,180 Speaker 1: Cheering spread down the table, and the servant girl returned 121 00:08:36,200 --> 00:08:39,780 Speaker 1: to the jar again, smiling at the floor, knowing full 122 00:08:39,860 --> 00:08:42,819 Speaker 1: well who had done it, even though the master of 123 00:08:42,860 --> 00:08:47,620 Speaker 1: the feast did not. The bride's friends, a group of 124 00:08:47,660 --> 00:08:50,959 Speaker 1: girls she'd grown up with, stopped the servant girl halfway 125 00:08:51,000 --> 00:08:53,860 Speaker 1: down the table and pulled her in as though she 126 00:08:53,900 --> 00:08:54,980 Speaker 1: were their little sister. 127 00:08:55,440 --> 00:08:57,400 Speaker 2: Hey, where did you find the extra wine? 128 00:08:58,020 --> 00:09:01,820 Speaker 1: They pressed, whispering. Come on, you can tell us. The 129 00:09:01,860 --> 00:09:04,830 Speaker 1: servant girl shook her head. I didn't find it. 130 00:09:05,610 --> 00:09:07,660 Speaker 3: It was him, the rabbi Jesus. 131 00:09:08,210 --> 00:09:10,530 Speaker 1: The girl released the grip on the servant girl and 132 00:09:10,590 --> 00:09:16,970 Speaker 1: raised an eyebrow, disbelieving. But they all started laughing. Well, 133 00:09:16,990 --> 00:09:20,840 Speaker 1: give us some too then. They chattered excitedly, leaning over 134 00:09:20,880 --> 00:09:25,710 Speaker 1: their delicate red dresses toward the servant girl. The girl 135 00:09:25,770 --> 00:09:29,830 Speaker 1: nodded quickly and rushed off for them. She filled cup 136 00:09:30,070 --> 00:09:34,750 Speaker 1: after cup full of water from the jars. And by 137 00:09:34,790 --> 00:09:37,809 Speaker 1: the time it was served, like some trick of light, 138 00:09:38,650 --> 00:09:44,320 Speaker 1: it had become the most delicious wine. Each time, a miracle. 139 00:09:46,360 --> 00:09:49,540 Speaker 1: She poured a cup for the bride, And to the groom, 140 00:09:49,640 --> 00:09:52,540 Speaker 1: who said, It's as though one cup were filling enough, 141 00:09:53,380 --> 00:09:56,329 Speaker 1: like for eating a whole meal. Then she poured a 142 00:09:56,350 --> 00:10:00,370 Speaker 1: cup for Mary. The woman looked down at the crimson. liquid. 143 00:10:01,330 --> 00:10:05,720 Speaker 1: Reflected in it was her somber face, reflecting on what 144 00:10:05,750 --> 00:10:10,380 Speaker 1: would become of her son. She sipped it and nodded. 145 00:10:10,860 --> 00:10:16,020 Speaker 1: It's sweet for now, but bittersweet. The girl was a 146 00:10:16,040 --> 00:10:20,970 Speaker 1: little confused by that. The only one who never asked 147 00:10:21,010 --> 00:10:24,530 Speaker 1: for anything for himself was the one they called Jesus, 148 00:10:25,510 --> 00:10:30,240 Speaker 1: the miracle worker. The longer the party went, the more 149 00:10:30,360 --> 00:10:34,859 Speaker 1: cheerful and loud the celebrations became. But he did not. 150 00:10:35,900 --> 00:10:40,579 Speaker 1: He remained the same, sipping his cup. There was a 151 00:10:40,640 --> 00:10:45,560 Speaker 1: kind of warmth about him. But he never lost control 152 00:10:45,600 --> 00:10:49,449 Speaker 1: of his laughter. never slammed the table with his fists 153 00:10:49,550 --> 00:10:54,280 Speaker 1: like the others, never broke bread carelessly, never shouted orders 154 00:10:54,360 --> 00:10:58,140 Speaker 1: at the servants as the rest of them had. Then 155 00:10:58,260 --> 00:11:00,740 Speaker 1: she caught herself staring at the back of his head, 156 00:11:01,360 --> 00:11:05,550 Speaker 1: wondering about him, when he slowly turned around to meet 157 00:11:05,590 --> 00:11:11,150 Speaker 1: her gaze with a soft look. The still, motionless presence 158 00:11:12,190 --> 00:11:16,010 Speaker 1: in the chaos of the Celebrations It's strange to think 159 00:11:16,050 --> 00:11:19,730 Speaker 1: how one person can feel they know another person simply 160 00:11:19,790 --> 00:11:24,120 Speaker 1: by a look. But the servant girl felt she knew him. 161 00:11:25,660 --> 00:11:29,960 Speaker 1: This man was much more than a simple man. But 162 00:11:30,000 --> 00:11:33,760 Speaker 1: the moment passed and he turned away, and the celebrations 163 00:11:33,830 --> 00:11:37,229 Speaker 1: continued all night and into the early hours of the morning, 164 00:11:38,070 --> 00:11:44,650 Speaker 1: with water turned into wine again and again. The disciples 165 00:11:44,710 --> 00:11:50,310 Speaker 1: were amazed at him in sheer disbelief. But the servant 166 00:11:50,350 --> 00:11:54,290 Speaker 1: girl was not. She knew the power that had changed 167 00:11:54,370 --> 00:12:01,390 Speaker 1: water into wine was the very heart of God. Covering, caring, 168 00:12:02,450 --> 00:12:07,790 Speaker 1: protecting the family and everyone here. And if this wine 169 00:12:07,929 --> 00:12:12,520 Speaker 1: was possible, what other wonders could be at work too? 170 00:12:15,240 --> 00:12:18,059 Speaker 2: When we read the Bible, we might find ourselves categorizing 171 00:12:18,179 --> 00:12:21,040 Speaker 2: all of the stories into one time period distinct from ours. 172 00:12:21,590 --> 00:12:24,170 Speaker 2: When we read through the magnificent moments like God speaking 173 00:12:24,190 --> 00:12:26,930 Speaker 2: to Moses through a bush set ablaze that didn't burn, 174 00:12:27,309 --> 00:12:30,010 Speaker 2: or a talking donkey used to stop a wicked prophet 175 00:12:30,050 --> 00:12:33,130 Speaker 2: from cursing God's people, or the apostles in the early 176 00:12:33,170 --> 00:12:36,170 Speaker 2: church performing the same types of healings as Jesus, we 177 00:12:36,210 --> 00:12:38,570 Speaker 2: may be left wondering why those same events aren't as 178 00:12:38,630 --> 00:12:41,610 Speaker 2: prevalent today. But we have to remember that the Bible 179 00:12:41,809 --> 00:12:44,780 Speaker 2: often captures these moments for the very reason that they 180 00:12:44,820 --> 00:12:47,110 Speaker 2: were distinct from the day-to-day lives of people lived at 181 00:12:47,140 --> 00:12:50,949 Speaker 2: the time. When Jesus began performing miracles, it was just 182 00:12:51,010 --> 00:12:53,630 Speaker 2: as surprising to the people then as it would be 183 00:12:53,670 --> 00:12:56,329 Speaker 2: for us if we saw that happening now. And if 184 00:12:56,370 --> 00:12:58,870 Speaker 2: you were to condense all of those events in just 185 00:12:58,910 --> 00:13:01,430 Speaker 2: a small book, it would seem like it would happen 186 00:13:01,450 --> 00:13:04,090 Speaker 2: every single day. You see, the mission of Jesus during 187 00:13:04,130 --> 00:13:07,750 Speaker 2: his earthly ministry was revolutionary. He was turning Jewish tradition 188 00:13:07,910 --> 00:13:10,600 Speaker 2: on its head, instituting the kingdom of God and preparing 189 00:13:10,640 --> 00:13:13,220 Speaker 2: its citizens. and he was fulfilling his role as the 190 00:13:13,240 --> 00:13:17,319 Speaker 2: promised Messiah from Genesis 3. This task required a turning 191 00:13:17,340 --> 00:13:20,640 Speaker 2: of the tides that seemed impossible. So, it only makes 192 00:13:20,730 --> 00:13:23,540 Speaker 2: sense that to prove his claims, he would have to 193 00:13:23,620 --> 00:13:26,010 Speaker 2: do the impossible. He would have to prove that the 194 00:13:26,050 --> 00:13:29,750 Speaker 2: authority he carried came from God in heaven. In accomplishing 195 00:13:29,790 --> 00:13:32,390 Speaker 2: this work, we may not see many of the same 196 00:13:32,429 --> 00:13:35,350 Speaker 2: sort of miracles today, but that doesn't mean that the 197 00:13:35,429 --> 00:13:39,290 Speaker 2: Spirit is any less work. The miracles we see today 198 00:13:39,400 --> 00:13:42,640 Speaker 2: are just as extraordinary, with God empowering minds to translate 199 00:13:42,660 --> 00:13:45,620 Speaker 2: the Bible into every language, stories of families who have 200 00:13:45,720 --> 00:13:48,920 Speaker 2: nothing being supported by loving communities of faith, and even 201 00:13:48,980 --> 00:13:52,140 Speaker 2: times when we do see miraculous healings that could only 202 00:13:52,179 --> 00:13:55,680 Speaker 2: be explained by God's abiding love in our lives. But 203 00:13:55,700 --> 00:13:58,100 Speaker 2: whatever miracles we see in our lives, we should remember 204 00:13:58,120 --> 00:14:02,280 Speaker 2: that miracles aren't the only defining attribute of God. We 205 00:14:02,320 --> 00:14:05,350 Speaker 2: can't distill our idea of God's power down to these moments. 206 00:14:05,990 --> 00:14:10,220 Speaker 2: Miracles are just catalysts used to deepen faith. But through that, 207 00:14:10,260 --> 00:14:12,960 Speaker 2: there's a miracle behind the miracle, where we get to 208 00:14:13,059 --> 00:14:16,520 Speaker 2: see that growing faith put into action as disciples press 209 00:14:16,679 --> 00:14:19,700 Speaker 2: on to make more disciples. The idea that the modern 210 00:14:19,740 --> 00:14:24,860 Speaker 2: church of over 2.38 billion believers started with 12 everyday 211 00:14:24,920 --> 00:14:28,130 Speaker 2: people is a miracle in and of itself. As Jesus 212 00:14:28,170 --> 00:14:30,930 Speaker 2: performed the miracle of turning water into wine, he was 213 00:14:30,990 --> 00:14:33,610 Speaker 2: planting a seed in their hearts, a seed that. 214 00:14:33,530 --> 00:14:34,410 Speaker 3: Would grow their belief. 215 00:14:35,080 --> 00:14:37,120 Speaker 2: To trust that every word he spoke to them was 216 00:14:37,220 --> 00:14:39,740 Speaker 2: true and that they would be the ones who shared 217 00:14:39,800 --> 00:14:42,420 Speaker 2: his message with the world. So what do we learn 218 00:14:42,460 --> 00:14:45,520 Speaker 2: about faith through the first miracle? First, we're taught to 219 00:14:45,640 --> 00:14:49,140 Speaker 2: trust in Jesus' timing. After the stone jars have been filled, 220 00:14:49,280 --> 00:14:52,360 Speaker 2: Jesus tells a servant to bring a cup of the 221 00:14:52,400 --> 00:14:55,620 Speaker 2: contents to the master of the feast. We're not told 222 00:14:55,720 --> 00:15:02,210 Speaker 2: in scriptures where exactly the water turned into wine. Was 223 00:15:02,270 --> 00:15:04,870 Speaker 2: it immediately after the vessels were filled? The moment the 224 00:15:04,890 --> 00:15:07,930 Speaker 2: cup was poured? While the servants walked to deliver the drink? 225 00:15:08,710 --> 00:15:11,070 Speaker 2: While the servants walked to deliver the drink? Or was 226 00:15:11,090 --> 00:15:13,030 Speaker 2: it mere seconds before it touched the lips of the 227 00:15:13,070 --> 00:15:15,600 Speaker 2: master of the feast? In a sense, it doesn't matter. 228 00:15:16,100 --> 00:15:19,640 Speaker 2: The point is that Jesus came in his timing. The 229 00:15:19,680 --> 00:15:23,060 Speaker 2: servants didn't need to check the water. They didn't ask 230 00:15:23,140 --> 00:15:25,520 Speaker 2: Jesus when he was going to provide more wine. They 231 00:15:25,560 --> 00:15:28,020 Speaker 2: had to have faith that in time it would happen. 232 00:15:28,550 --> 00:15:30,490 Speaker 2: In the same way, just because we don't know God's 233 00:15:30,550 --> 00:15:33,490 Speaker 2: timing or are confused about His process doesn't mean we 234 00:15:33,530 --> 00:15:36,450 Speaker 2: should hesitate to listen and obey when Jesus calls us 235 00:15:36,490 --> 00:15:40,130 Speaker 2: to take a step. Uncertainty in the process is distinct 236 00:15:40,210 --> 00:15:43,950 Speaker 2: from certainty in God's promises. Having the former doesn't exclude 237 00:15:43,990 --> 00:15:47,270 Speaker 2: the latter. God doesn't expect us to live without uncertainty. 238 00:15:47,510 --> 00:15:50,740 Speaker 2: In fact, He expects it. That's why He requires faith. 239 00:15:51,200 --> 00:15:54,000 Speaker 2: But over time, as we see His faithfulness, it will 240 00:15:54,040 --> 00:15:58,220 Speaker 2: grow our assurance that His promises are always yes and amen. 241 00:15:58,940 --> 00:16:01,140 Speaker 2: When we think about Jesus' ministry as a whole, we 242 00:16:01,160 --> 00:16:03,480 Speaker 2: can see a multitude of people that are healed. But 243 00:16:03,520 --> 00:16:06,180 Speaker 2: that doesn't mean everyone was. It might be easy to 244 00:16:06,220 --> 00:16:09,460 Speaker 2: wonder why Jesus didn't perform endless miracles, spending every second 245 00:16:09,500 --> 00:16:12,620 Speaker 2: he could finding the sick, blind, lame, and healing them 246 00:16:12,640 --> 00:16:15,190 Speaker 2: in an instant. With a word, every sick person could 247 00:16:15,210 --> 00:16:17,270 Speaker 2: have been made well, and every hungry belly could have 248 00:16:17,290 --> 00:16:20,890 Speaker 2: been made full. But there was and is a greater 249 00:16:20,930 --> 00:16:23,770 Speaker 2: plan that God is working out. While Jesus wanted to 250 00:16:23,830 --> 00:16:27,270 Speaker 2: bless the ones he performed miracles for, His true hope 251 00:16:27,390 --> 00:16:31,530 Speaker 2: was to lead people to repentance. Blanket healings would have 252 00:16:31,570 --> 00:16:35,620 Speaker 2: brought physical peace to people's afflictions, but completely missed the 253 00:16:35,720 --> 00:16:38,640 Speaker 2: mark of the spiritual healing that he wanted to provide. 254 00:16:39,240 --> 00:16:42,260 Speaker 2: While it may seem insensitive for God to not provide 255 00:16:42,380 --> 00:16:44,920 Speaker 2: all the miracles we think he should, we should trust 256 00:16:44,980 --> 00:16:47,640 Speaker 2: in his good plan. Think about Adam and Eve. After 257 00:16:47,680 --> 00:16:50,990 Speaker 2: they sinned, they were removed from the garden. What some 258 00:16:51,030 --> 00:16:53,650 Speaker 2: may see as a punishment was actually an act of mercy. 259 00:16:54,030 --> 00:16:57,000 Speaker 2: We're told in Genesis 3.22 that God removed them from 260 00:16:57,040 --> 00:16:58,840 Speaker 2: the garden so that they wouldn't eat of the tree 261 00:16:58,860 --> 00:17:02,380 Speaker 2: of life and live eternally broken in their sin. You see, 262 00:17:02,440 --> 00:17:05,720 Speaker 2: what seems harsh or what seems like judgment can actually 263 00:17:05,780 --> 00:17:08,260 Speaker 2: be an act of mercy from God. God held off 264 00:17:08,300 --> 00:17:11,010 Speaker 2: his miracle of giving them eternal life to first perform 265 00:17:11,030 --> 00:17:14,710 Speaker 2: the miracle of cleansing humanity from its transgressions. God is 266 00:17:14,790 --> 00:17:17,270 Speaker 2: good and we can trust that he has good plans. 267 00:17:17,930 --> 00:17:20,310 Speaker 2: Through the miracle in Cana, Jesus did more than just 268 00:17:20,330 --> 00:17:22,820 Speaker 2: save a wedding. He was preparing the foundation for this 269 00:17:22,840 --> 00:17:25,550 Speaker 2: young couple to honor God in their marriage. Rather than 270 00:17:25,609 --> 00:17:27,530 Speaker 2: allowing them to start off their marriage with a bad 271 00:17:27,570 --> 00:17:30,830 Speaker 2: reputation in the community that brought bitterness and hardship, he 272 00:17:30,869 --> 00:17:32,910 Speaker 2: gave them the blessing of knowing how much God cared 273 00:17:32,950 --> 00:17:35,230 Speaker 2: for them. He wanted to show them that he loves 274 00:17:35,350 --> 00:17:38,129 Speaker 2: fruitful marriages that are founded in gratitude for the Lord 275 00:17:38,450 --> 00:17:41,050 Speaker 2: and find their hope in him. He wanted to give 276 00:17:41,109 --> 00:17:43,859 Speaker 2: them more than just a good celebration. He wanted to 277 00:17:43,900 --> 00:17:47,280 Speaker 2: give them a good life. Jesus wants to bless beyond 278 00:17:47,300 --> 00:17:49,510 Speaker 2: the material. He wants to give us a good life 279 00:17:49,550 --> 00:17:52,250 Speaker 2: full of His peace, joy, and strength. And He wants 280 00:17:52,310 --> 00:17:55,469 Speaker 2: it more than just physical needs being met. When we 281 00:17:55,530 --> 00:17:57,909 Speaker 2: only look at God for the physical spaces, we're likely 282 00:17:57,950 --> 00:18:00,230 Speaker 2: to miss how He's working in the spiritual, mental, and 283 00:18:00,280 --> 00:18:03,699 Speaker 2: emotional parts of our lives. God cares for us holistically. 284 00:18:04,420 --> 00:18:06,340 Speaker 2: This is why He calls us to love Him with 285 00:18:06,420 --> 00:18:09,780 Speaker 2: all of our hearts, soul, mind, and strength. He wants 286 00:18:09,840 --> 00:18:12,580 Speaker 2: us to be integrated in our worship of Him. To 287 00:18:12,740 --> 00:18:14,639 Speaker 2: not only praise Him for how He's cared for our 288 00:18:14,680 --> 00:18:17,520 Speaker 2: physical well-being, but also how He's cared for our hearts, minds, 289 00:18:17,580 --> 00:18:21,520 Speaker 2: and souls. Miracles only address the physical, which is why 290 00:18:21,619 --> 00:18:24,640 Speaker 2: Jesus didn't want people to need signs and wonders forever. 291 00:18:25,320 --> 00:18:27,720 Speaker 2: The miracles were just setting the stage for his work, 292 00:18:28,100 --> 00:18:30,780 Speaker 2: to grow the faith of the first disciples. And while 293 00:18:30,840 --> 00:18:33,679 Speaker 2: miracles are still at work today, we can look to 294 00:18:33,820 --> 00:18:36,619 Speaker 2: more than just miracles to grow our faith. We have 295 00:18:36,740 --> 00:18:39,850 Speaker 2: so many things the disciples didn't have. The complete scriptures 296 00:18:39,880 --> 00:18:43,370 Speaker 2: from Genesis to Revelation, generations of faithful men and women 297 00:18:43,410 --> 00:18:46,580 Speaker 2: who have spread the gospel message, countless testimonies of the 298 00:18:46,640 --> 00:18:50,350 Speaker 2: saving transformative power of Jesus. So yes, look for miracles 299 00:18:50,410 --> 00:18:53,590 Speaker 2: in your life. Expect God to do the unexpected. Believe 300 00:18:53,609 --> 00:18:55,630 Speaker 2: that he's going to do the impossible things in your life. 301 00:18:55,710 --> 00:18:58,629 Speaker 2: But above all, remember that all of those things are 302 00:18:58,670 --> 00:19:02,389 Speaker 2: meant to draw you closer to him. That is the 303 00:19:02,470 --> 00:19:03,490 Speaker 2: true miracle.