1 00:00:00,760 --> 00:00:04,120 Speaker 1: He who sits on the throne said, Behold, I am 2 00:00:04,200 --> 00:00:13,330 Speaker 1: making all things new. Revelation 21.5 Almighty God, this promise 3 00:00:13,410 --> 00:00:17,489 Speaker 1: illuminates the dawn of a new creation, where the old 4 00:00:17,610 --> 00:00:22,730 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 --> 00:00:34,809 Speaker 1: to transform, rejuvenate, and restore. with every sunrise, remind us 7 00:00:34,850 --> 00:00:37,930 Speaker 1: of your continuous work in our lives and the world, 8 00:00:38,830 --> 00:00:45,700 Speaker 1: replacing despair with hope, fear with faith, and weakness with strength. 9 00:00:47,590 --> 00:00:51,180 Speaker 1: May we embrace the new life you offer, walking in 10 00:00:51,200 --> 00:00:55,700 Speaker 1: the light of your love and truth. Lord, let this 11 00:00:55,800 --> 00:00:58,920 Speaker 1: vision of a new heaven and a new earth guide 12 00:00:58,980 --> 00:01:04,600 Speaker 1: our steps, fuel our dreams, and shape our prayers. As 13 00:01:04,660 --> 00:01:10,330 Speaker 1: you make all things new, work within us, transforming our 14 00:01:10,390 --> 00:01:15,130 Speaker 1: hearts and minds, so we may reflect your glory in 15 00:01:15,209 --> 00:01:21,290 Speaker 1: all we do. In anticipation and joy, we look forward 16 00:01:21,310 --> 00:01:28,319 Speaker 1: to the fulfillment of your promise. Amen. Thank you for 17 00:01:28,360 --> 00:01:32,040 Speaker 1: praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. 18 00:01:32,720 --> 00:01:37,580 Speaker 1: Stick around for part two of Jesus' first miracle. If 19 00:01:37,600 --> 00:01:40,890 Speaker 1: this podcast has blessed you, be sure to follow along 20 00:01:41,250 --> 00:01:43,429 Speaker 1: so you never have to miss an episode. 21 00:01:45,069 --> 00:01:48,130 Speaker 2: This is my son. He's going to help with our situation. 22 00:01:48,710 --> 00:01:51,670 Speaker 1: Do whatever he tells you to do. She looked down 23 00:01:51,710 --> 00:01:55,740 Speaker 1: at Jesus in a way only a mother could. Although 24 00:01:55,800 --> 00:01:59,570 Speaker 1: he was a rabbi growing in popularity, She was still 25 00:01:59,890 --> 00:02:05,170 Speaker 1: his mother. She winked at the servants. Something shone in 26 00:02:05,210 --> 00:02:12,030 Speaker 1: her brown eyes. Something like hope. Jesus smiled and shook 27 00:02:12,070 --> 00:02:15,940 Speaker 1: his head. He stood up, kissed his mother on the head, 28 00:02:16,740 --> 00:02:20,339 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 --> 00:02:26,750 Speaker 1: of clay jars. Nothing fancy. 31 00:02:26,760 --> 00:02:26,929 Speaker 2: Nothing. 32 00:02:27,760 --> 00:02:32,120 Speaker 1: Jars for a typical cleansing ceremony. But Jesus looked from 33 00:02:32,210 --> 00:02:36,390 Speaker 1: them to the servants. He didn't sound demanding when he 34 00:02:36,450 --> 00:02:41,169 Speaker 1: spoke to them. He sounded kind. Fill those jars with water. 35 00:02:41,889 --> 00:02:45,570 Speaker 1: The men glanced sideways at each other, but did as 36 00:02:45,610 --> 00:02:49,450 Speaker 1: they were told. The servants left to the well and 37 00:02:49,510 --> 00:02:53,550 Speaker 1: trudged back with the jars filled to the brim. They 38 00:02:53,590 --> 00:02:55,650 Speaker 1: sat them down on the table in front of Jesus. 39 00:02:57,190 --> 00:03:01,970 Speaker 1: Calm Cold water rippled on the surface, reflecting Jesus' face. 40 00:03:03,620 --> 00:03:09,780 Speaker 1: Kind eyes, long, thin cheeks, surrounded by starlight and soft 41 00:03:09,880 --> 00:03:15,780 Speaker 1: lamps above. Jesus' followers noticed the commotion. They went quiet 42 00:03:16,560 --> 00:03:21,620 Speaker 1: and watched as Jesus stood over them. A hush spread 43 00:03:21,700 --> 00:03:25,000 Speaker 1: down the length of the table. Crickets chirped in the 44 00:03:25,060 --> 00:03:32,970 Speaker 1: nearby brush. Above, The stars hung low and bright. Insects 45 00:03:33,030 --> 00:03:39,950 Speaker 1: snapped around their shoulders. Mary watched at a distance, leaning 46 00:03:40,010 --> 00:03:42,590 Speaker 1: back in the dark shadow behind the bride and groom 47 00:03:43,720 --> 00:03:49,780 Speaker 1: with a knowing look. A look that said, something extraordinary 48 00:03:50,380 --> 00:03:51,260 Speaker 1: is about to happen. 49 00:04:00,880 --> 00:04:03,860 Speaker 3: Let me ask you a question. What makes a miracle 50 00:04:03,880 --> 00:04:07,160 Speaker 3: a miracle? We often consider miracles to be events that 51 00:04:07,200 --> 00:04:11,510 Speaker 3: are extraordinary, improbable, or even impossible. Whether it's a Christmas 52 00:04:11,550 --> 00:04:15,050 Speaker 3: miracle in our favorite Hallmark movie, or something miraculous that 53 00:04:15,090 --> 00:04:18,630 Speaker 3: someone reports from the mission field, we see miracles as 54 00:04:18,810 --> 00:04:23,150 Speaker 3: inexplicable phenomena meant to inspire. When Jesus performs miracles, they 55 00:04:23,230 --> 00:04:26,580 Speaker 3: may be inconceivable to us, but in reality, they're the 56 00:04:26,620 --> 00:04:30,560 Speaker 3: most natural events as creation is made subject to its creator. 57 00:04:30,900 --> 00:04:32,400 Speaker 3: just the way all things were meant to be in 58 00:04:32,420 --> 00:04:34,760 Speaker 3: the Garden of Eden. But that doesn't make them any 59 00:04:34,800 --> 00:04:39,320 Speaker 3: less extraordinary. Jesus' miracles were grand displays of his glory 60 00:04:39,620 --> 00:04:44,110 Speaker 3: that proved his power, sparked curiosity, and inspired faith. Though 61 00:04:44,150 --> 00:04:47,550 Speaker 3: turning water into wine was Jesus' first, it certainly wouldn't 62 00:04:47,589 --> 00:04:50,330 Speaker 3: be the last as he prepared to glorify the Father 63 00:04:50,630 --> 00:04:54,640 Speaker 3: through his life. You're listening to The Jesus Podcast, a 64 00:04:54,680 --> 00:04:56,960 Speaker 3: year of stories showcasing the depth of Christ's love and 65 00:04:56,980 --> 00:04:59,919 Speaker 3: the glory of God's truth. I'm Zach, your host from Pray.com. 66 00:05:00,680 --> 00:05:02,859 Speaker 3: It's great to be with you as we continue in 67 00:05:02,900 --> 00:05:05,669 Speaker 3: the miracles of Jesus. Don't forget to take a second 68 00:05:05,690 --> 00:05:07,750 Speaker 3: to follow the podcast and stay up to date with 69 00:05:07,870 --> 00:05:11,710 Speaker 3: all these captivating stories. This week, we're continuing our look 70 00:05:11,830 --> 00:05:15,010 Speaker 3: at Jesus's first miracle of turning water into wine at 71 00:05:15,029 --> 00:05:17,850 Speaker 3: the wedding of Cana. What could have been a disastrous 72 00:05:17,890 --> 00:05:19,930 Speaker 3: day that led to years of shame for the young 73 00:05:19,990 --> 00:05:23,360 Speaker 3: couple was prevented by a loving work of Jesus. Let's 74 00:05:23,380 --> 00:05:24,020 Speaker 3: continue now. 75 00:05:27,300 --> 00:05:30,020 Speaker 1: Jesus stood in front of the six heavy stone jars. 76 00:05:31,240 --> 00:05:33,870 Speaker 1: The table had gone quiet with what he might do. 77 00:05:35,650 --> 00:05:42,029 Speaker 1: The group of men, his disciples, exchanged cautious glances. Jesus 78 00:05:42,070 --> 00:05:46,090 Speaker 1: took a moment, breathing in the crisp night air, watching 79 00:05:46,130 --> 00:05:50,860 Speaker 1: the ripples surface on the water, when something in his 80 00:05:50,940 --> 00:05:56,960 Speaker 1: expression lifted. A sweet servant girl stood behind him, holding 81 00:05:57,000 --> 00:06:01,630 Speaker 1: her breath, and Jesus turned to her, Now, Draw some 82 00:06:01,750 --> 00:06:04,240 Speaker 1: out and take it to the master of the feast. 83 00:06:04,920 --> 00:06:08,200 Speaker 1: The servant girl leaned over the jar. It was water. 84 00:06:09,260 --> 00:06:13,640 Speaker 1: She didn't quite understand what was happening, but Mary instructed 85 00:06:13,700 --> 00:06:17,600 Speaker 1: her to do as she was told. So, with a 86 00:06:17,940 --> 00:06:22,200 Speaker 1: nervous smile, she bobbed her head once and quietly spooned 87 00:06:22,240 --> 00:06:25,320 Speaker 1: a cup full of water. She poured it into the 88 00:06:25,360 --> 00:06:28,220 Speaker 1: cup and began walking to the master of the feast. 89 00:06:29,720 --> 00:06:32,600 Speaker 1: She walked the length of the long table to the end, 90 00:06:33,260 --> 00:06:38,480 Speaker 1: where the groom and his father chatted anxiously. The servant 91 00:06:38,520 --> 00:06:41,610 Speaker 1: girl delicately placed the cup in front of the groom's father, 92 00:06:42,350 --> 00:06:45,070 Speaker 1: who was distracted and worried he would not be able 93 00:06:45,110 --> 00:06:46,409 Speaker 1: to provide for his family. 94 00:06:46,970 --> 00:06:49,510 Speaker 2: I just can't believe that we'd run out. 95 00:06:49,870 --> 00:06:51,470 Speaker 1: He gripped the sides of the wood table. 96 00:06:51,910 --> 00:06:55,589 Speaker 2: I had bought plenty, more than plenty. I had spent 97 00:06:55,630 --> 00:06:59,500 Speaker 2: a I had spent a fortune on all this food, 98 00:06:59,510 --> 00:07:00,750 Speaker 2: this wine. 99 00:07:01,190 --> 00:07:05,360 Speaker 1: I'm sorry, father, Gershom said slowly, trying to calm him. 100 00:07:05,820 --> 00:07:09,220 Speaker 1: It isn't your fault. No one believes that. The girl 101 00:07:09,300 --> 00:07:11,800 Speaker 1: approached from behind and placed the cup on the table. 102 00:07:12,880 --> 00:07:16,260 Speaker 1: The groom's father brought the cup to his lips, expecting water, 103 00:07:17,240 --> 00:07:22,380 Speaker 1: and smiled instead. tasting the sweet grape tang of the freshest, 104 00:07:22,620 --> 00:07:32,130 Speaker 1: most delightful-tasting wine he had ever had. He stood boisterously 105 00:07:32,190 --> 00:07:35,070 Speaker 1: and shook his finger at Mary, as though they'd played 106 00:07:35,130 --> 00:07:36,570 Speaker 1: a fine joke on him. 107 00:07:37,170 --> 00:07:41,420 Speaker 2: Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have 108 00:07:41,480 --> 00:07:46,750 Speaker 2: drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept 109 00:07:46,790 --> 00:07:48,410 Speaker 2: the good wine until now. 110 00:07:50,550 --> 00:07:54,190 Speaker 1: The bride beamed at her father-in-law and the groom raised 111 00:07:54,230 --> 00:07:57,690 Speaker 1: his glass to him. The father of the groom turned 112 00:07:57,750 --> 00:08:00,350 Speaker 1: to the length of the table with his cup raised 113 00:08:00,430 --> 00:08:02,930 Speaker 1: in hand and projected to the party. 114 00:08:03,630 --> 00:08:05,750 Speaker 2: My dear family and friends. 115 00:08:06,310 --> 00:08:09,070 Speaker 1: The table hushed and went silent. I have a. 116 00:08:09,060 --> 00:08:12,560 Speaker 2: Blessing for my son and his beloved bride. 117 00:08:12,960 --> 00:08:16,190 Speaker 1: He smiled down at them through his beard May. 118 00:08:15,990 --> 00:08:20,530 Speaker 2: Your cup overflow and never run out. May your life 119 00:08:20,590 --> 00:08:24,940 Speaker 2: together be long and filled with years. And may you 120 00:08:25,000 --> 00:08:30,760 Speaker 2: experience the abundance of God's love for you, tonight and 121 00:08:31,020 --> 00:08:31,740 Speaker 2: every night. 122 00:08:32,400 --> 00:08:36,160 Speaker 1: Cheering spread down the table, and the servant girl returned 123 00:08:36,179 --> 00:08:39,760 Speaker 1: to the jar again, smiling at the floor, knowing full 124 00:08:39,840 --> 00:08:42,800 Speaker 1: well who had done it, even though the master of 125 00:08:42,850 --> 00:08:47,579 Speaker 1: the feast did not. The bride's friends, a group of 126 00:08:47,640 --> 00:08:50,960 Speaker 1: girls she'd grown up with, stopped the servant girl halfway 127 00:08:50,980 --> 00:08:53,870 Speaker 1: down the table and pulled her in as though she 128 00:08:53,910 --> 00:08:54,990 Speaker 1: were their little sister. 129 00:08:55,429 --> 00:08:57,410 Speaker 3: Hey, where did you find the extra wine? 130 00:08:58,010 --> 00:08:59,510 Speaker 1: They pressed, whispering. 131 00:09:00,130 --> 00:09:01,310 Speaker 3: Come on, you can tell us. 132 00:09:01,710 --> 00:09:03,500 Speaker 1: The servant girl shook her head. 133 00:09:04,010 --> 00:09:04,840 Speaker 3: I didn't find it. 134 00:09:05,600 --> 00:09:07,679 Speaker 2: It was him, the rabbi Jesus. 135 00:09:08,200 --> 00:09:10,520 Speaker 1: The girl released the grip on the servant girl and 136 00:09:10,580 --> 00:09:14,840 Speaker 1: raised an eyebrow, disbelieving. But they all started laughing. 137 00:09:16,740 --> 00:09:18,780 Speaker 3: Well, give us some too then, they. 138 00:09:18,700 --> 00:09:22,980 Speaker 1: Chattered excitedly, leaning over their delicate red dresses toward the 139 00:09:23,020 --> 00:09:27,730 Speaker 1: servant girl. The girl nodded quickly and rushed off for them. 140 00:09:28,970 --> 00:09:32,610 Speaker 1: She filled cup after cup full of water from the jars. 141 00:09:34,350 --> 00:09:37,330 Speaker 1: And by the time it was served, like some trick 142 00:09:37,370 --> 00:09:42,709 Speaker 1: of light, it had become the most delicious wine. Each time, 143 00:09:43,770 --> 00:09:48,860 Speaker 1: a miracle. She poured a cup for the bride, and 144 00:09:48,940 --> 00:09:51,660 Speaker 1: to the groom, who said, It's as though one cup 145 00:09:51,720 --> 00:09:55,780 Speaker 1: were filling enough, like for eating a whole meal. Then 146 00:09:55,850 --> 00:09:59,290 Speaker 1: she poured a cup for Mary. The woman looked down 147 00:09:59,330 --> 00:10:03,599 Speaker 1: at the crimson, liquid. Reflected in it was her somber face, 148 00:10:04,640 --> 00:10:09,400 Speaker 1: reflecting on what would become of her son. She sipped 149 00:10:09,440 --> 00:10:15,120 Speaker 1: it and nodded. It's sweet for now, but bittersweet. The 150 00:10:15,160 --> 00:10:19,990 Speaker 1: girl was a little confused by that. The only one 151 00:10:20,130 --> 00:10:23,620 Speaker 1: who never asked for anything for himself was the one 152 00:10:23,640 --> 00:10:29,320 Speaker 1: they called Jesus, the miracle worker. The longer the party went, 153 00:10:29,860 --> 00:10:34,420 Speaker 1: the more cheerful and loud the celebrations became. But he 154 00:10:34,460 --> 00:10:40,350 Speaker 1: did not. He remained the same, sipping his cup. There 155 00:10:40,380 --> 00:10:44,710 Speaker 1: was a kind of warmth about him. But he never 156 00:10:44,750 --> 00:10:48,780 Speaker 1: lost control of his laughter. never slammed the table with 157 00:10:48,820 --> 00:10:53,340 Speaker 1: his fists like the others, never broke bread carelessly, never 158 00:10:53,460 --> 00:10:56,280 Speaker 1: shouted orders at the servants as the rest of them had. 159 00:10:57,860 --> 00:11:00,729 Speaker 1: Then she caught herself staring at the back of his head, 160 00:11:01,370 --> 00:11:05,530 Speaker 1: wondering about him, when he slowly turned around to meet 161 00:11:05,570 --> 00:11:11,130 Speaker 1: her gaze with a soft look. A still, motionless presence 162 00:11:12,170 --> 00:11:15,990 Speaker 1: in the chaos of the celebrations. It's strange to think 163 00:11:16,030 --> 00:11:19,720 Speaker 1: how one person can feel they know another person simply 164 00:11:19,780 --> 00:11:24,100 Speaker 1: by a look. But the servant girl felt she knew him. 165 00:11:25,640 --> 00:11:29,960 Speaker 1: This man was much more than a simple man. But 166 00:11:29,980 --> 00:11:33,750 Speaker 1: the moment passed and he turned away, and the celebrations 167 00:11:33,809 --> 00:11:37,209 Speaker 1: continued all night and into the early hours of the morning, 168 00:11:38,050 --> 00:11:44,630 Speaker 1: with water turned into wine again and again. The disciples 169 00:11:44,710 --> 00:11:50,290 Speaker 1: were amazed at him in sheer disbelief. But the servant 170 00:11:50,330 --> 00:11:54,270 Speaker 1: girl was not. She knew the power that had changed 171 00:11:54,360 --> 00:12:01,380 Speaker 1: water into wine was the very heart of God. Covering, caring, 172 00:12:02,440 --> 00:12:07,800 Speaker 1: protecting the family and everyone here. And if this wine 173 00:12:07,950 --> 00:12:12,510 Speaker 1: was possible, what other wonders could be at work too? 174 00:12:15,230 --> 00:12:18,050 Speaker 3: When we read the Bible, we might find ourselves categorizing 175 00:12:18,170 --> 00:12:21,030 Speaker 3: all of the stories into one time period distinct from ours. 176 00:12:21,570 --> 00:12:24,150 Speaker 3: When we read through the magnificent moments like God speaking 177 00:12:24,190 --> 00:12:26,910 Speaker 3: to Moses through a bush set ablaze that didn't burn 178 00:12:27,290 --> 00:12:29,990 Speaker 3: or a talking donkey used to stop a wicked prophet 179 00:12:30,030 --> 00:12:33,110 Speaker 3: from cursing God's people or the apostles in the early 180 00:12:33,150 --> 00:12:36,150 Speaker 3: church performing the same types of healings as Jesus, we 181 00:12:36,190 --> 00:12:38,550 Speaker 3: may be left wondering why those same events aren't as 182 00:12:38,620 --> 00:12:41,579 Speaker 3: prevalent today. But we have to remember that the Bible 183 00:12:41,800 --> 00:12:44,770 Speaker 3: often captures these moments for the very reason that they 184 00:12:44,809 --> 00:12:47,109 Speaker 3: were distinct from the day-to-day lives of people lived at 185 00:12:47,130 --> 00:12:50,929 Speaker 3: the time. When Jesus began performing miracles, it was just 186 00:12:50,990 --> 00:12:53,610 Speaker 3: as surprising to the people then as it would be 187 00:12:53,650 --> 00:12:56,309 Speaker 3: for us if we saw that happening now. And if 188 00:12:56,350 --> 00:12:58,850 Speaker 3: you were to condense all of those events in just 189 00:12:58,890 --> 00:13:01,410 Speaker 3: a small book, it would seem like it would happen 190 00:13:01,450 --> 00:13:04,080 Speaker 3: every single day. You see, the mission of Jesus during 191 00:13:04,120 --> 00:13:07,740 Speaker 3: his earthly ministry was revolutionary. He was turning Jewish tradition 192 00:13:07,920 --> 00:13:10,580 Speaker 3: on its head, instituting the kingdom of God and preparing 193 00:13:10,620 --> 00:13:13,200 Speaker 3: its citizens. and he was fulfilling his role as the 194 00:13:13,240 --> 00:13:17,300 Speaker 3: promised Messiah from Genesis 3. This task required a turning 195 00:13:17,340 --> 00:13:20,640 Speaker 3: of the tides that seemed impossible. So, it only makes 196 00:13:20,710 --> 00:13:23,520 Speaker 3: sense that to prove his claims, he would have to 197 00:13:23,610 --> 00:13:25,990 Speaker 3: do the impossible. He would have to prove that the 198 00:13:26,030 --> 00:13:29,730 Speaker 3: authority he carried came from God in heaven. In accomplishing 199 00:13:29,770 --> 00:13:32,390 Speaker 3: this work, we may not see many of the same 200 00:13:32,429 --> 00:13:35,350 Speaker 3: sort of miracles today, but that doesn't mean that the 201 00:13:35,410 --> 00:13:39,280 Speaker 3: Spirit is any less work. The miracles we see today 202 00:13:39,380 --> 00:13:42,620 Speaker 3: are just as extraordinary, with God empowering minds to translate 203 00:13:42,640 --> 00:13:45,600 Speaker 3: the Bible into every language, stories of families who have 204 00:13:45,700 --> 00:13:48,900 Speaker 3: nothing being supported by loving communities of faith, and even 205 00:13:48,960 --> 00:13:52,120 Speaker 3: times when we do see miraculous healings that could only 206 00:13:52,160 --> 00:13:55,660 Speaker 3: be explained by God's abiding love in our lives. But 207 00:13:55,679 --> 00:13:58,090 Speaker 3: whatever miracles we see in our lives, we should remember 208 00:13:58,110 --> 00:14:02,270 Speaker 3: that miracles aren't the only defining attribute of God. We 209 00:14:02,309 --> 00:14:05,350 Speaker 3: can't distill our idea of God's power down to these moments. 210 00:14:06,000 --> 00:14:10,199 Speaker 3: Miracles are just catalysts used to deepen faith. But through that, 211 00:14:10,240 --> 00:14:12,940 Speaker 3: there's a miracle behind the miracle, where we get to 212 00:14:13,040 --> 00:14:16,500 Speaker 3: see that growing faith put into action as disciples press 213 00:14:16,679 --> 00:14:19,690 Speaker 3: on to make more disciples. The idea that the modern 214 00:14:19,730 --> 00:14:24,870 Speaker 3: church of over 2.38 billion believers started with 12 everyday 215 00:14:24,910 --> 00:14:28,110 Speaker 3: people is a miracle in and of itself. As Jesus 216 00:14:28,150 --> 00:14:30,910 Speaker 3: performed the miracle of turning water into wine, he was 217 00:14:30,990 --> 00:14:33,660 Speaker 3: planting a seed in their hearts, a seed that would 218 00:14:33,700 --> 00:14:36,720 Speaker 3: grow their belief. To trust that every word he spoke 219 00:14:36,740 --> 00:14:38,760 Speaker 3: to them was true and that they would be the 220 00:14:38,920 --> 00:14:41,780 Speaker 3: ones who shared his message with the world. So what 221 00:14:41,820 --> 00:14:44,740 Speaker 3: do we learn about faith through the first miracle? First, 222 00:14:44,780 --> 00:14:48,160 Speaker 3: we're taught to trust in Jesus' timing. After the stone 223 00:14:48,200 --> 00:14:51,380 Speaker 3: jars have been filled, Jesus tells a servant to bring 224 00:14:51,470 --> 00:14:54,109 Speaker 3: a cup of the contents to the master of the feast. 225 00:14:54,790 --> 00:14:58,510 Speaker 3: We're not told in scriptures where exactly the water turned 226 00:14:58,570 --> 00:15:04,070 Speaker 3: into wine. Was it immediately after the vessels were filled? 227 00:15:04,370 --> 00:15:06,910 Speaker 3: The moment the cup was poured? While the servants walked 228 00:15:06,930 --> 00:15:09,950 Speaker 3: to deliver the drink? While the servants walked to deliver 229 00:15:09,990 --> 00:15:12,470 Speaker 3: the drink? Or was it mere seconds before it touched 230 00:15:12,510 --> 00:15:14,900 Speaker 3: the lips of the master of the feast? In a sense, 231 00:15:14,980 --> 00:15:18,360 Speaker 3: it doesn't matter. The point is that Jesus came in 232 00:15:18,420 --> 00:15:21,660 Speaker 3: his timing. The servants didn't need to check the water. 233 00:15:22,480 --> 00:15:24,560 Speaker 3: They didn't ask Jesus when he was going to provide 234 00:15:24,600 --> 00:15:27,180 Speaker 3: more wine. They had to have faith that in time 235 00:15:27,470 --> 00:15:29,870 Speaker 3: it would happen. In the same way, just because we 236 00:15:29,910 --> 00:15:32,830 Speaker 3: don't know God's timing or are confused about His process 237 00:15:32,870 --> 00:15:35,610 Speaker 3: doesn't mean we should hesitate to listen and obey when 238 00:15:35,670 --> 00:15:38,570 Speaker 3: Jesus calls us to take a step. Uncertainty in the 239 00:15:38,630 --> 00:15:42,740 Speaker 3: process is distinct from certainty in God's promises. Having the 240 00:15:42,770 --> 00:15:46,140 Speaker 3: former doesn't exclude the latter. God doesn't expect us to 241 00:15:46,200 --> 00:15:49,760 Speaker 3: live without uncertainty. In fact, He expects it. That's why 242 00:15:49,860 --> 00:15:53,380 Speaker 3: He requires faith. But over time, as we see His faithfulness, 243 00:15:53,720 --> 00:15:57,220 Speaker 3: it will grow our assurance that His promises are always 244 00:15:57,540 --> 00:16:00,560 Speaker 3: yes and amen. When we think about Jesus' ministry as 245 00:16:00,620 --> 00:16:02,440 Speaker 3: a whole, we can see a multitude of people that 246 00:16:02,480 --> 00:16:05,580 Speaker 3: are healed. But that doesn't mean everyone was. It might 247 00:16:05,620 --> 00:16:08,490 Speaker 3: be easy to wonder why Jesus didn't perform endless miracles, 248 00:16:08,510 --> 00:16:11,910 Speaker 3: spending every second he could finding the sick, blind, lame, 249 00:16:11,950 --> 00:16:14,450 Speaker 3: and healing them in an instant. With a word, every 250 00:16:14,470 --> 00:16:16,690 Speaker 3: sick person could have been made well, and every hungry 251 00:16:16,710 --> 00:16:19,950 Speaker 3: belly could have been made full. But there was and 252 00:16:20,110 --> 00:16:22,970 Speaker 3: is a greater plan that God is working out. While 253 00:16:23,010 --> 00:16:26,210 Speaker 3: Jesus wanted to bless the ones he performed miracles for... 254 00:16:26,430 --> 00:16:30,390 Speaker 3: His true hope was to lead people to repentance. Blanket 255 00:16:30,410 --> 00:16:33,980 Speaker 3: healings would have brought physical peace to people's afflictions, but 256 00:16:34,140 --> 00:16:37,740 Speaker 3: completely missed the mark of the spiritual healing that he 257 00:16:37,780 --> 00:16:41,580 Speaker 3: wanted to provide. While it may seem insensitive for God 258 00:16:41,620 --> 00:16:43,840 Speaker 3: to not provide all the miracles we think he should, 259 00:16:44,260 --> 00:16:46,850 Speaker 3: we should trust in his good plan. Think about Adam 260 00:16:46,870 --> 00:16:49,770 Speaker 3: and Eve. After they sinned, they were removed from the garden. 261 00:16:50,570 --> 00:16:52,830 Speaker 3: What some may see as a punishment was actually an 262 00:16:52,930 --> 00:16:55,960 Speaker 3: act of mercy. We're told in Genesis 3.22 that God 263 00:16:56,020 --> 00:16:58,440 Speaker 3: removed them from the garden so that they wouldn't eat 264 00:16:58,460 --> 00:17:01,040 Speaker 3: of the tree of life and live eternally broken in 265 00:17:01,080 --> 00:17:04,260 Speaker 3: their sin. You see, what seems harsh or what seems 266 00:17:04,300 --> 00:17:07,030 Speaker 3: like judgment can actually be an act of mercy from God. 267 00:17:07,510 --> 00:17:09,990 Speaker 3: God held off his miracle of giving them eternal life 268 00:17:10,270 --> 00:17:13,890 Speaker 3: to first perform the miracle of cleansing humanity from its transgressions. 269 00:17:14,369 --> 00:17:16,629 Speaker 3: God is good and we can trust that he has 270 00:17:16,670 --> 00:17:19,950 Speaker 3: good plans. Through the miracle in Cana, Jesus did more 271 00:17:19,990 --> 00:17:22,530 Speaker 3: than just save a wedding. He was preparing the foundation 272 00:17:22,570 --> 00:17:24,609 Speaker 3: for this young couple to honor God in their marriage. 273 00:17:25,150 --> 00:17:27,149 Speaker 3: Rather than allowing them to start off their marriage with 274 00:17:27,210 --> 00:17:30,330 Speaker 3: a bad reputation in the community that brought bitterness and hardship, 275 00:17:30,730 --> 00:17:32,630 Speaker 3: he gave them the blessing of knowing how much God 276 00:17:32,670 --> 00:17:34,850 Speaker 3: cared for them. He wanted to show them that he 277 00:17:34,930 --> 00:17:38,119 Speaker 3: loves fruitful marriages, that are founded in gratitude for the Lord, 278 00:17:38,440 --> 00:17:41,060 Speaker 3: and find their hope in him. He wanted to give 279 00:17:41,100 --> 00:17:43,840 Speaker 3: them more than just a good celebration. He wanted to 280 00:17:43,880 --> 00:17:47,260 Speaker 3: give them a good life. Jesus wants to bless beyond 281 00:17:47,280 --> 00:17:49,510 Speaker 3: the material. He wants to give us a good life 282 00:17:49,530 --> 00:17:52,230 Speaker 3: full of his peace, joy, and strength. And he wants 283 00:17:52,290 --> 00:17:55,449 Speaker 3: it more than just physical needs being met. When we 284 00:17:55,510 --> 00:17:57,889 Speaker 3: only look at God for the physical spaces, we're likely 285 00:17:57,930 --> 00:18:00,240 Speaker 3: to miss how he's working in the spiritual, mental, and 286 00:18:00,260 --> 00:18:03,700 Speaker 3: emotional parts of our lives. God cares for us holistically. 287 00:18:04,400 --> 00:18:06,320 Speaker 3: This is why he calls us to love him with 288 00:18:06,400 --> 00:18:09,760 Speaker 3: all of our hearts, soul, mind, and strength. He wants 289 00:18:09,820 --> 00:18:12,580 Speaker 3: us to be integrated in our worship of him. To 290 00:18:12,740 --> 00:18:14,639 Speaker 3: not only praise him for how he's cared for our 291 00:18:14,660 --> 00:18:17,530 Speaker 3: physical well-being, but also how he's cared for our hearts, minds, 292 00:18:17,590 --> 00:18:21,500 Speaker 3: and souls. Miracles only address the physical, which is why 293 00:18:21,600 --> 00:18:24,620 Speaker 3: Jesus didn't want people to need signs and wonders forever. 294 00:18:25,310 --> 00:18:27,700 Speaker 3: The miracles were just setting the stage for his work, 295 00:18:28,090 --> 00:18:30,770 Speaker 3: to grow the faith of the first disciples. And while 296 00:18:30,830 --> 00:18:33,689 Speaker 3: miracles are still at work today, we can look to 297 00:18:33,810 --> 00:18:36,609 Speaker 3: more than just miracles to grow our faith. We have 298 00:18:36,730 --> 00:18:39,850 Speaker 3: so many things the disciples didn't have. The complete scriptures 299 00:18:39,869 --> 00:18:43,350 Speaker 3: from Genesis to Revelation, generations of faithful men and women 300 00:18:43,390 --> 00:18:46,570 Speaker 3: who have spread the gospel message, countless testimonies of the 301 00:18:46,650 --> 00:18:50,330 Speaker 3: saving transformative power of Jesus. So yes, look for miracles 302 00:18:50,390 --> 00:18:53,570 Speaker 3: in your life. Expect God to do the unexpected. Believe 303 00:18:53,590 --> 00:18:55,609 Speaker 3: that he's going to do the impossible things in your life. 304 00:18:55,690 --> 00:18:58,629 Speaker 3: But above all, remember that all of those things are 305 00:18:58,650 --> 00:19:02,379 Speaker 3: meant to draw you closer to him. That is the 306 00:19:02,460 --> 00:19:03,480 Speaker 3: true miracle.