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 --> 00:01:45,890 Speaker 2: This is my son. 22 00:01:46,370 --> 00:01:48,130 Speaker 3: He's going to help with our situation. 23 00:01:48,710 --> 00:01:51,690 Speaker 1: Do whatever he tells you to do. She looked down 24 00:01:51,730 --> 00:01:55,750 Speaker 1: at Jesus in a way only a mother could. Although 25 00:01:55,810 --> 00:01:59,580 Speaker 1: he was a rabbi growing in popularity, She was still 26 00:01:59,900 --> 00:02:05,190 Speaker 1: his mother. She winked at the servants. Something shone in 27 00:02:05,230 --> 00:02:12,050 Speaker 1: her brown eyes. Something like hope. Jesus smiled and shook 28 00:02:12,090 --> 00:02:15,950 Speaker 1: his head. He stood up, kissed his mother on the head, 29 00:02:16,750 --> 00:02:20,359 Speaker 1: and gestured to the servants. Let's go. They walked around 30 00:02:20,380 --> 00:02:24,260 Speaker 1: the corner. Beside the group of men sat a line 31 00:02:24,300 --> 00:02:28,980 Speaker 1: of clay jars. Nothing fancy. Nothing. jars for a typical 32 00:02:29,040 --> 00:02:33,740 Speaker 1: cleansing ceremony. But Jesus looked from them to the servants. 33 00:02:34,940 --> 00:02:37,980 Speaker 1: He didn't sound demanding when he spoke to them. He 34 00:02:38,020 --> 00:02:42,780 Speaker 1: sounded kind. Fill those jars with water. The men glanced 35 00:02:42,820 --> 00:02:46,190 Speaker 1: sideways at each other, but did as they were told. 36 00:02:47,810 --> 00:02:50,430 Speaker 1: The servants left to the well and trudged back with 37 00:02:50,450 --> 00:02:54,209 Speaker 1: the jars filled to the brim. They sat them down 38 00:02:54,290 --> 00:02:59,030 Speaker 1: on the table in front of Jesus. Calm Cold water 39 00:02:59,130 --> 00:03:05,370 Speaker 1: rippled on the surface, reflecting Jesus' face. Kind eyes, long, 40 00:03:05,750 --> 00:03:12,590 Speaker 1: thin cheeks, surrounded by starlight and soft lamps above. Jesus' 41 00:03:12,650 --> 00:03:17,840 Speaker 1: followers noticed the commotion. They went quiet and watched as 42 00:03:17,940 --> 00:03:22,400 Speaker 1: Jesus stood over them. A hush spread down the length 43 00:03:22,440 --> 00:03:27,600 Speaker 1: of the table. Crickets chirped in the nearby brush. Above, 44 00:03:28,630 --> 00:03:34,440 Speaker 1: The stars hung low and bright. Insects snapped around their shoulders. 45 00:03:36,380 --> 00:03:40,760 Speaker 1: Mary watched at a distance, leaning back in the dark 46 00:03:40,820 --> 00:03:44,540 Speaker 1: shadow behind the bride and groom with a knowing look. 47 00:03:46,030 --> 00:03:51,250 Speaker 1: A look that said, something extraordinary is about to happen. 48 00:04:00,900 --> 00:04:03,900 Speaker 2: Let me ask you a question. What makes a miracle 49 00:04:04,200 --> 00:04:07,180 Speaker 2: a miracle? We often consider miracles to be events that 50 00:04:07,220 --> 00:04:11,500 Speaker 2: are extraordinary, improbable, or even impossible. Whether it's a Christmas 51 00:04:11,560 --> 00:04:15,070 Speaker 2: miracle in our favorite Hallmark movie, or something miraculous that 52 00:04:15,110 --> 00:04:18,650 Speaker 2: someone reports from the mission field, we see miracles as 53 00:04:18,830 --> 00:04:23,170 Speaker 2: inexplicable phenomena meant to inspire. When Jesus performs miracles, they 54 00:04:23,230 --> 00:04:26,589 Speaker 2: may be inconceivable to us, but in reality, they're the 55 00:04:26,630 --> 00:04:30,570 Speaker 2: most natural events as creation is made subject to its creator. 56 00:04:30,920 --> 00:04:32,400 Speaker 2: just the way all things were meant to be in 57 00:04:32,440 --> 00:04:34,760 Speaker 2: the Garden of Eden. But that doesn't make them any 58 00:04:34,820 --> 00:04:39,339 Speaker 2: less extraordinary. Jesus' miracles were grand displays of his glory 59 00:04:39,640 --> 00:04:44,120 Speaker 2: that proved his power, sparked curiosity, and inspired faith. Though 60 00:04:44,140 --> 00:04:47,570 Speaker 2: turning water into wine was Jesus' first, it certainly wouldn't 61 00:04:47,610 --> 00:04:50,349 Speaker 2: be the last as he prepared to glorify the Father 62 00:04:50,650 --> 00:04:54,650 Speaker 2: through his life. You're listening to The Jesus Podcast, a 63 00:04:54,670 --> 00:04:56,979 Speaker 2: year of stories showcasing the depth of Christ's love and 64 00:04:57,000 --> 00:04:59,940 Speaker 2: the glory of God's truth. I'm Zach, your host from Pray.com. 65 00:05:00,700 --> 00:05:02,880 Speaker 2: It's great to be with you as we continue in 66 00:05:02,900 --> 00:05:05,679 Speaker 2: the miracles of Jesus. Don't forget to take a second 67 00:05:05,700 --> 00:05:07,740 Speaker 2: to follow the podcast and stay up to date with 68 00:05:07,880 --> 00:05:11,730 Speaker 2: all these captivating stories. This week, we're continuing our look 69 00:05:11,830 --> 00:05:15,010 Speaker 2: at Jesus's first miracle of turning water into wine at 70 00:05:15,029 --> 00:05:17,870 Speaker 2: the wedding of Cana. What could have been a disastrous 71 00:05:17,910 --> 00:05:19,950 Speaker 2: day that led to years of shame for the young 72 00:05:20,010 --> 00:05:22,810 Speaker 2: couple was 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 --> 00:05:44,469 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 --> 00:05:59,919 Speaker 1: behind him, holding her breath, and Jesus turned to her. 80 00:06:00,360 --> 00:06:00,520 Speaker 4: Now. 81 00:06:01,130 --> 00:06:03,720 Speaker 3: Draw some out and take it to the master of 82 00:06:03,760 --> 00:06:04,260 Speaker 3: the feast. 83 00:06:04,920 --> 00:06:08,220 Speaker 1: The servant girl leaned over the jar. It was water. 84 00:06:09,279 --> 00:06:13,669 Speaker 1: She didn't quite understand what was happening, but Mary instructed 85 00:06:13,710 --> 00:06:17,610 Speaker 1: her to do as she was told. So, with a 86 00:06:17,970 --> 00:06:22,210 Speaker 1: nervous smile, she bobbed her head once and quietly spooned 87 00:06:22,250 --> 00:06:25,359 Speaker 1: a cup full of water. She poured it into the 88 00:06:25,400 --> 00:06:28,260 Speaker 1: cup and began walking to the master of the feast. 89 00:06:29,740 --> 00:06:32,620 Speaker 1: She walked the length of the long table to the end, 90 00:06:33,279 --> 00:06:38,500 Speaker 1: where the groom and his father chatted anxiously. The servant 91 00:06:38,540 --> 00:06:41,619 Speaker 1: girl delicately placed the cup in front of the groom's father, 92 00:06:42,360 --> 00:06:45,080 Speaker 1: who was distracted and worried he would not be able 93 00:06:45,100 --> 00:06:46,430 Speaker 1: to provide for his family. 94 00:06:46,990 --> 00:06:49,530 Speaker 3: I just can't believe that we'd run out. 95 00:06:49,890 --> 00:06:51,470 Speaker 1: He gripped the sides of the wood table. 96 00:06:51,930 --> 00:06:54,010 Speaker 3: I had bought plenty, more than plenty. 97 00:06:54,910 --> 00:06:58,460 Speaker 4: I had spent a I had spent a fortune on 98 00:06:58,760 --> 00:07:00,760 Speaker 4: all this food, this wine. 99 00:07:01,200 --> 00:07:05,380 Speaker 1: I'm sorry, father, Gershom said slowly, trying to calm him. 100 00:07:05,820 --> 00:07:09,240 Speaker 1: It isn't your fault. No one believes that. The girl 101 00:07:09,300 --> 00:07:11,820 Speaker 1: approached from behind and placed the cup on the table. 102 00:07:12,900 --> 00:07:16,290 Speaker 1: The groom's father brought the cup to his lips, expecting water, 103 00:07:17,250 --> 00:07:22,410 Speaker 1: and smiled instead, tasting the sweet grape tang of the freshest, 104 00:07:22,650 --> 00:07:31,220 Speaker 1: most delightful tasting wine he had ever had. He stood 105 00:07:31,400 --> 00:07:34,580 Speaker 1: boisterously and shook his finger at Mary as though they'd 106 00:07:34,700 --> 00:07:36,580 Speaker 1: played a fine joke on him. 107 00:07:37,180 --> 00:07:41,430 Speaker 3: Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have 108 00:07:41,490 --> 00:07:46,770 Speaker 3: drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept 109 00:07:46,810 --> 00:07:48,410 Speaker 3: the good wine until now. 110 00:07:50,570 --> 00:07:54,210 Speaker 1: The bride beamed at her father-in-law, and the groom raised 111 00:07:54,250 --> 00:07:57,700 Speaker 1: his glass to him. The father of the groom turned 112 00:07:57,760 --> 00:08:00,360 Speaker 1: to the length of the table, with his cup raised 113 00:08:00,420 --> 00:08:02,940 Speaker 1: in hand and projected to the party. 114 00:08:03,640 --> 00:08:05,770 Speaker 3: My dear family and friends! 115 00:08:06,330 --> 00:08:07,970 Speaker 1: The table hushed and went silent. 116 00:08:08,650 --> 00:08:12,550 Speaker 3: I have a blessing for my son and his beloved bride. 117 00:08:12,970 --> 00:08:15,270 Speaker 1: He smiled down at them through his beard. 118 00:08:15,710 --> 00:08:20,280 Speaker 3: May your cup overflow and never run out! May your 119 00:08:20,340 --> 00:08:21,300 Speaker 3: life together be. 120 00:08:21,240 --> 00:08:26,150 Speaker 4: Long and filled with years, and may you experience the 121 00:08:26,470 --> 00:08:31,750 Speaker 4: abundance of God's love for you, tonight and every night. 122 00:08:32,410 --> 00:08:36,180 Speaker 1: Cheering spread down the table, and the servant girl returned 123 00:08:36,200 --> 00:08:39,780 Speaker 1: to the jar again, smiling at the floor, knowing full 124 00:08:39,860 --> 00:08:42,819 Speaker 1: well who had done it, even though the master of 125 00:08:42,860 --> 00:08:47,620 Speaker 1: the feast did not. The bride's friends, a group of 126 00:08:47,660 --> 00:08:50,959 Speaker 1: girls she'd grown up with, stopped the servant girl halfway 127 00:08:51,000 --> 00:08:53,860 Speaker 1: down the table and pulled her in as though she 128 00:08:53,900 --> 00:08:54,980 Speaker 1: were their little sister. 129 00:08:55,440 --> 00:08:57,400 Speaker 2: Hey, where did you find the extra wine? 130 00:08:58,020 --> 00:09:01,820 Speaker 1: They pressed, whispering. Come on, you can tell us. The 131 00:09:01,860 --> 00:09:04,830 Speaker 1: servant girl shook her head. I didn't find it. 132 00:09:05,610 --> 00:09:07,660 Speaker 3: It was him, the rabbi Jesus. 133 00:09:08,210 --> 00:09:10,530 Speaker 1: The girl released the grip on the servant girl and 134 00:09:10,590 --> 00:09:14,870 Speaker 1: raised an eyebrow, disbelieving. But they all started laughing. 135 00:09:16,750 --> 00:09:17,969 Speaker 2: Well, give us some too then. 136 00:09:18,500 --> 00:09:22,880 Speaker 1: They chattered excitedly, leaning over their delicate red dresses toward 137 00:09:22,900 --> 00:09:27,390 Speaker 1: the servant girl. The girl nodded quickly and rushed off 138 00:09:27,410 --> 00:09:31,930 Speaker 1: for them. She filled cup after cup full of water 139 00:09:31,970 --> 00:09:35,830 Speaker 1: from the jars. And by the time it was served, 140 00:09:36,290 --> 00:09:39,980 Speaker 1: like some trick of light, it had become the most 141 00:09:40,080 --> 00:09:47,040 Speaker 1: delicious wine. Each time, a miracle. She poured a cup 142 00:09:47,080 --> 00:09:49,959 Speaker 1: for the bride, And to the groom, who said. 143 00:09:50,400 --> 00:09:53,740 Speaker 3: It's as though one cup were filling enough, like for 144 00:09:53,820 --> 00:09:55,020 Speaker 3: eating a whole meal. 145 00:09:55,590 --> 00:09:59,010 Speaker 1: Then she poured a cup for Mary. The woman looked 146 00:09:59,050 --> 00:10:02,690 Speaker 1: down at the crimson. liquid. Reflected in it was her 147 00:10:02,790 --> 00:10:07,199 Speaker 1: somber face, reflecting on what would become of her son. 148 00:10:08,890 --> 00:10:14,500 Speaker 1: She sipped it and nodded. It's sweet for now, but bittersweet. 149 00:10:15,020 --> 00:10:19,650 Speaker 1: The girl was a little confused by that. The only 150 00:10:19,850 --> 00:10:23,450 Speaker 1: one who never asked for anything for himself was the 151 00:10:23,510 --> 00:10:28,700 Speaker 1: one they called Jesus, the miracle worker. The longer the 152 00:10:28,740 --> 00:10:32,720 Speaker 1: party went, the more cheerful and loud the celebrations became. 153 00:10:34,140 --> 00:10:38,600 Speaker 1: But he did not. He remained the same, sipping his cup. 154 00:10:40,220 --> 00:10:44,440 Speaker 1: There was a kind of warmth about him. But he 155 00:10:44,500 --> 00:10:48,630 Speaker 1: never lost control of his laughter. never slammed the table 156 00:10:48,670 --> 00:10:52,239 Speaker 1: with his fists like the others, never broke bread carelessly, 157 00:10:53,100 --> 00:10:55,920 Speaker 1: never shouted orders at the servants as the rest of 158 00:10:55,940 --> 00:11:00,280 Speaker 1: them had. Then she caught herself staring at the back 159 00:11:00,320 --> 00:11:04,520 Speaker 1: of his head, wondering about him, when he slowly turned 160 00:11:04,590 --> 00:11:09,750 Speaker 1: around to meet her gaze with a soft look. The still, 161 00:11:10,010 --> 00:11:15,650 Speaker 1: motionless presence in the chaos of the Celebrations It's strange 162 00:11:15,690 --> 00:11:18,689 Speaker 1: to think how one person can feel they know another 163 00:11:18,750 --> 00:11:23,059 Speaker 1: person simply by a look. But the servant girl felt 164 00:11:23,580 --> 00:11:27,199 Speaker 1: she knew him. This man was much more than a 165 00:11:27,380 --> 00:11:31,939 Speaker 1: simple man. But the moment passed and he turned away, 166 00:11:32,870 --> 00:11:36,290 Speaker 1: and the celebrations continued all night and into the early 167 00:11:36,330 --> 00:11:40,930 Speaker 1: hours of the morning, with water turned into wine again 168 00:11:41,429 --> 00:11:47,970 Speaker 1: and again. The disciples were amazed at him in sheer disbelief. 169 00:11:49,670 --> 00:11:53,550 Speaker 1: But the servant girl was not. She knew the power 170 00:11:53,590 --> 00:11:57,329 Speaker 1: that had changed water into wine was the very heart 171 00:11:57,390 --> 00:12:05,180 Speaker 1: of God. Covering, caring, protecting the family and everyone here. 172 00:12:06,840 --> 00:12:11,719 Speaker 1: And if this wine was possible, what other wonders could 173 00:12:11,760 --> 00:12:12,520 Speaker 1: be at work too? 174 00:12:15,240 --> 00:12:18,059 Speaker 2: When we read the Bible, we might find ourselves categorizing 175 00:12:18,179 --> 00:12:21,040 Speaker 2: all of the stories into one time period distinct from ours. 176 00:12:21,590 --> 00:12:24,170 Speaker 2: When we read through the magnificent moments like God speaking 177 00:12:24,190 --> 00:12:26,930 Speaker 2: to Moses through a bush set ablaze that didn't burn, 178 00:12:27,309 --> 00:12:30,010 Speaker 2: or a talking donkey used to stop a wicked prophet 179 00:12:30,050 --> 00:12:33,130 Speaker 2: from cursing God's people, or the apostles in the early 180 00:12:33,170 --> 00:12:36,170 Speaker 2: church performing the same types of healings as Jesus, we 181 00:12:36,210 --> 00:12:38,570 Speaker 2: may be left wondering why those same events aren't as 182 00:12:38,630 --> 00:12:41,610 Speaker 2: prevalent today. But we have to remember that the Bible 183 00:12:41,809 --> 00:12:44,780 Speaker 2: often captures these moments for the very reason that they 184 00:12:44,820 --> 00:12:47,110 Speaker 2: were distinct from the day-to-day lives of people lived at 185 00:12:47,140 --> 00:12:50,949 Speaker 2: the time. When Jesus began performing miracles, it was just 186 00:12:51,010 --> 00:12:53,630 Speaker 2: as surprising to the people then as it would be 187 00:12:53,670 --> 00:12:56,329 Speaker 2: for us if we saw that happening now. And if 188 00:12:56,370 --> 00:12:58,870 Speaker 2: you were to condense all of those events in just 189 00:12:58,910 --> 00:13:01,430 Speaker 2: a small book, it would seem like it would happen 190 00:13:01,450 --> 00:13:04,090 Speaker 2: every single day. You see, the mission of Jesus during 191 00:13:04,130 --> 00:13:07,750 Speaker 2: his earthly ministry was revolutionary. He was turning Jewish tradition 192 00:13:07,910 --> 00:13:10,600 Speaker 2: on its head, instituting the kingdom of God and preparing 193 00:13:10,640 --> 00:13:13,220 Speaker 2: its citizens. and he was fulfilling his role as the 194 00:13:13,240 --> 00:13:17,319 Speaker 2: promised Messiah from Genesis 3. This task required a turning 195 00:13:17,340 --> 00:13:20,640 Speaker 2: of the tides that seemed impossible. So, it only makes 196 00:13:20,730 --> 00:13:23,540 Speaker 2: sense that to prove his claims, he would have to 197 00:13:23,620 --> 00:13:26,010 Speaker 2: do the impossible. He would have to prove that the 198 00:13:26,050 --> 00:13:29,750 Speaker 2: authority he carried came from God in heaven. In accomplishing 199 00:13:29,790 --> 00:13:32,390 Speaker 2: this work, we may not see many of the same 200 00:13:32,429 --> 00:13:35,350 Speaker 2: sort of miracles today, but that doesn't mean that the 201 00:13:35,429 --> 00:13:39,290 Speaker 2: Spirit is any less work. The miracles we see today 202 00:13:39,400 --> 00:13:42,640 Speaker 2: are just as extraordinary, with God empowering minds to translate 203 00:13:42,660 --> 00:13:45,620 Speaker 2: the Bible into every language, stories of families who have 204 00:13:45,700 --> 00:13:48,920 Speaker 2: nothing being supported by loving communities of faith, and even 205 00:13:48,980 --> 00:13:52,140 Speaker 2: times when we do see miraculous healings that could only 206 00:13:52,179 --> 00:13:55,680 Speaker 2: be explained by God's abiding love in our lives. But 207 00:13:55,700 --> 00:13:58,100 Speaker 2: whatever miracles we see in our lives, we should remember 208 00:13:58,120 --> 00:14:02,280 Speaker 2: that miracles aren't the only defining attribute of God. We 209 00:14:02,320 --> 00:14:05,350 Speaker 2: can't distill our idea of God's power down to these moments. 210 00:14:05,990 --> 00:14:10,220 Speaker 2: Miracles are just catalysts used to deepen faith. But through that, 211 00:14:10,250 --> 00:14:12,960 Speaker 2: there's a miracle behind the miracle, where we get to 212 00:14:13,059 --> 00:14:16,520 Speaker 2: see that growing faith put into action as disciples press 213 00:14:16,679 --> 00:14:19,700 Speaker 2: on to make more disciples. The idea that the modern 214 00:14:19,740 --> 00:14:24,860 Speaker 2: church of over 2.38 billion believers started with 12 everyday 215 00:14:24,920 --> 00:14:28,120 Speaker 2: people is a miracle in and of itself. As Jesus 216 00:14:28,160 --> 00:14:30,920 Speaker 2: performed the miracle of turning water into wine, he was 217 00:14:30,990 --> 00:14:33,670 Speaker 2: planting a seed in their hearts, a seed that would 218 00:14:33,710 --> 00:14:36,720 Speaker 2: grow their belief. To trust that every word he spoke 219 00:14:36,760 --> 00:14:38,760 Speaker 2: to them was true and that they would be the 220 00:14:38,940 --> 00:14:41,800 Speaker 2: ones who shared his message with the world. So what 221 00:14:41,840 --> 00:14:44,760 Speaker 2: do we learn about faith through the first miracle? First, 222 00:14:44,800 --> 00:14:48,180 Speaker 2: we're taught to trust in Jesus' timing. After the stone 223 00:14:48,220 --> 00:14:51,400 Speaker 2: jars have been filled, Jesus tells a servant to bring 224 00:14:51,460 --> 00:14:54,120 Speaker 2: a cup of the contents to the master of the feast. 225 00:14:54,800 --> 00:14:58,520 Speaker 2: We're not told in scriptures where exactly the water turned 226 00:14:58,590 --> 00:15:04,070 Speaker 2: into wine. Was it immediately after the vessels were filled? 227 00:15:04,390 --> 00:15:06,910 Speaker 2: The moment the cup was poured? While the servants walked 228 00:15:06,950 --> 00:15:09,970 Speaker 2: to deliver the drink? While the servants walked to deliver 229 00:15:09,990 --> 00:15:12,490 Speaker 2: the drink? Or was it mere seconds before it touched 230 00:15:12,530 --> 00:15:14,920 Speaker 2: the lips of the master of the feast? In a sense, 231 00:15:15,000 --> 00:15:18,380 Speaker 2: it doesn't matter. The point is that Jesus came in 232 00:15:18,440 --> 00:15:21,660 Speaker 2: his timing. The servants didn't need to check the water. 233 00:15:22,500 --> 00:15:24,580 Speaker 2: They didn't ask Jesus when he was going to provide 234 00:15:24,620 --> 00:15:27,200 Speaker 2: more wine. They had to have faith that in time 235 00:15:27,490 --> 00:15:29,890 Speaker 2: it would happen. In the same way, just because we 236 00:15:29,930 --> 00:15:32,850 Speaker 2: don't know God's timing or are confused about His process 237 00:15:32,890 --> 00:15:35,630 Speaker 2: doesn't mean we should hesitate to listen and obey when 238 00:15:35,670 --> 00:15:38,590 Speaker 2: Jesus calls us to take a step. Uncertainty in the 239 00:15:38,630 --> 00:15:42,750 Speaker 2: process is distinct from certainty in God's promises. Having the 240 00:15:42,790 --> 00:15:46,150 Speaker 2: former doesn't exclude the latter. God doesn't expect us to 241 00:15:46,220 --> 00:15:49,780 Speaker 2: live without uncertainty. In fact, He expects it. That's why 242 00:15:49,860 --> 00:15:53,400 Speaker 2: He requires faith. But over time, as we see His faithfulness, 243 00:15:53,740 --> 00:15:57,220 Speaker 2: it will grow our assurance that His promises are always 244 00:15:57,540 --> 00:15:58,220 Speaker 2: yes and amen. 245 00:15:58,940 --> 00:15:59,740 Speaker 3: When we think about. 246 00:15:59,640 --> 00:16:01,980 Speaker 2: Jesus' ministry as a whole, we can see a multitude 247 00:16:02,000 --> 00:16:04,860 Speaker 2: of people that are healed. But that doesn't mean everyone was. 248 00:16:05,340 --> 00:16:07,660 Speaker 2: It might be easy to wonder why Jesus didn't perform 249 00:16:07,760 --> 00:16:11,920 Speaker 2: endless miracles, spending every second he could finding the sick, blind, lame, 250 00:16:11,970 --> 00:16:14,450 Speaker 2: and healing them in an instant. With a word, every 251 00:16:14,490 --> 00:16:16,710 Speaker 2: sick person could have been made well, and every hungry 252 00:16:16,730 --> 00:16:19,970 Speaker 2: belly could have been made full. But there was and 253 00:16:20,130 --> 00:16:22,990 Speaker 2: is a greater plan that God is working out. While 254 00:16:23,030 --> 00:16:25,950 Speaker 2: Jesus wanted to bless the ones he performed miracles for, 255 00:16:26,450 --> 00:16:30,390 Speaker 2: His true hope was to lead people to repentance. Blanket 256 00:16:30,430 --> 00:16:33,990 Speaker 2: healings would have brought physical peace to people's afflictions, but 257 00:16:34,150 --> 00:16:37,740 Speaker 2: completely missed the mark of the spiritual healing that he 258 00:16:37,800 --> 00:16:41,600 Speaker 2: wanted to provide. While it may seem insensitive for God 259 00:16:41,640 --> 00:16:43,859 Speaker 2: to not provide all the miracles we think he should, 260 00:16:44,280 --> 00:16:46,860 Speaker 2: we should trust in his good plan. Think about Adam 261 00:16:46,880 --> 00:16:49,780 Speaker 2: and Eve. After they sinned, they were removed from the garden. 262 00:16:50,570 --> 00:16:52,850 Speaker 2: What some may see as a punishment was actually an 263 00:16:52,950 --> 00:16:55,979 Speaker 2: act of mercy. We're told in Genesis 3.22 that God 264 00:16:56,040 --> 00:16:58,460 Speaker 2: removed them from the garden so that they wouldn't eat 265 00:16:58,480 --> 00:17:01,060 Speaker 2: of the tree of life and live eternally broken in 266 00:17:01,080 --> 00:17:04,280 Speaker 2: their sin. You see, what seems harsh or what seems 267 00:17:04,320 --> 00:17:07,040 Speaker 2: like judgment can actually be an act of mercy from God. 268 00:17:07,520 --> 00:17:09,980 Speaker 2: God held off his miracle of giving them eternal life 269 00:17:10,290 --> 00:17:13,910 Speaker 2: to first perform the miracle of cleansing humanity from its transgressions. 270 00:17:14,390 --> 00:17:16,649 Speaker 2: God is good and we can trust that he has 271 00:17:16,690 --> 00:17:19,970 Speaker 2: good plans. Through the miracle in Cana, Jesus did more 272 00:17:20,010 --> 00:17:22,540 Speaker 2: than just save a wedding. He was preparing the foundation 273 00:17:22,580 --> 00:17:24,620 Speaker 2: for this young couple to honor God in their marriage. 274 00:17:25,160 --> 00:17:27,169 Speaker 2: Rather than allowing them to start off their marriage with 275 00:17:27,230 --> 00:17:30,350 Speaker 2: a bad reputation in the community that brought bitterness and hardship, 276 00:17:30,750 --> 00:17:32,650 Speaker 2: he gave them the blessing of knowing how much God 277 00:17:32,690 --> 00:17:34,869 Speaker 2: cared for them. He wanted to show them that he 278 00:17:34,950 --> 00:17:37,810 Speaker 2: loves fruitful marriages that are founded in gratitude for the 279 00:17:37,850 --> 00:17:40,830 Speaker 2: Lord and find their hope in him. He wanted to 280 00:17:40,890 --> 00:17:43,730 Speaker 2: give them more than just a good celebration. He wanted 281 00:17:43,780 --> 00:17:46,820 Speaker 2: to give them a good life. Jesus wants to bless 282 00:17:46,980 --> 00:17:49,290 Speaker 2: beyond the material. He wants to give us a good 283 00:17:49,330 --> 00:17:51,929 Speaker 2: life full of His peace, joy, and strength. And He 284 00:17:51,990 --> 00:17:55,310 Speaker 2: wants it more than just physical needs being met. When 285 00:17:55,350 --> 00:17:57,510 Speaker 2: we only look at God for the physical spaces, we're 286 00:17:57,550 --> 00:18:00,129 Speaker 2: likely to miss how He's working in the spiritual, mental, 287 00:18:00,170 --> 00:18:03,699 Speaker 2: and emotional parts of our lives. God cares for us holistically. 288 00:18:04,420 --> 00:18:06,340 Speaker 2: This is why He calls us to love Him with 289 00:18:06,420 --> 00:18:09,780 Speaker 2: all of our hearts, soul, mind, and strength. He wants 290 00:18:09,840 --> 00:18:12,580 Speaker 2: us to be integrated in our worship of Him. To 291 00:18:12,740 --> 00:18:14,639 Speaker 2: not only praise Him for how He's cared for our 292 00:18:14,680 --> 00:18:17,520 Speaker 2: physical well-being, but also how He's cared for our hearts, minds, 293 00:18:17,580 --> 00:18:21,520 Speaker 2: and souls. Miracles only address the physical, which is why 294 00:18:21,619 --> 00:18:24,640 Speaker 2: Jesus didn't want people to need signs and wonders forever. 295 00:18:25,320 --> 00:18:27,720 Speaker 2: The miracles were just setting the stage for his work, 296 00:18:28,100 --> 00:18:30,780 Speaker 2: to grow the faith of the first disciples. And while 297 00:18:30,840 --> 00:18:33,679 Speaker 2: miracles are still at work today, we can look to 298 00:18:33,820 --> 00:18:36,619 Speaker 2: more than just miracles to grow our faith. We have 299 00:18:36,740 --> 00:18:39,850 Speaker 2: so many things the disciples didn't have. The complete scriptures 300 00:18:39,880 --> 00:18:43,370 Speaker 2: from Genesis to Revelation, generations of faithful men and women 301 00:18:43,410 --> 00:18:46,580 Speaker 2: who have spread the gospel message, countless testimonies of the 302 00:18:46,640 --> 00:18:50,350 Speaker 2: saving transformative power of Jesus. So yes, look for miracles 303 00:18:50,410 --> 00:18:53,590 Speaker 2: in your life. Expect God to do the unexpected. Believe 304 00:18:53,609 --> 00:18:55,630 Speaker 2: that he's going to do the impossible things in your life. 305 00:18:55,710 --> 00:18:58,629 Speaker 2: But above all, remember that all of those things are 306 00:18:58,670 --> 00:19:02,389 Speaker 2: meant to draw you closer to him. That is the 307 00:19:02,470 --> 00:19:03,490 Speaker 2: true miracle.