International S. S. Lessons.
"So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading." —Neh. 8:8 LESSON IX.—SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 1894.
THE FIRST MIRACLE OF JESUS.
[NOTE.—The questions which follow are merely suggestive for the student on the leading points of the lesson; it is presumed that the thorough student will think of many more as he studies the subject. References, where verses alone are given, always refer to the lesson scripture printed above. All other references are given in book, chapter, and verse. The text printed is that of the Revised Version, not because it is especially preferred, but because it is not found in every family, as is the common version.] - And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there;
- And Jesus also was bidden, and his disciples, to the marriage.
- And when the wine failed, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
- And Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
- His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
- Now there were six waterpots of stone set there after the Jews' manner of purifying, containing two or three firkins apiece.
- Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
- And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the ruler of the feast. And they bare it.
- And when the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and knew not whence it was (but the servants which had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast calleth the bridegroom, and saith unto him,
- Every man setteth on first the good wine; and when men have drunk freely, then that which is worse, thou hast kept the good wine until now.
- This beginning of his signs did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
Golden Text: "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, manifesting forth his glory." John 2: 11. NOTE.—This lesson contains an account of the first miracle of Jesus. It was wrought in Cana of Galilee, eight or nine miles northeast of Nazareth. It was the home of Nathanael, or Bartholomew. John was still preaching in the wilderness of Judea. The last lesson left Jesus on the way from Bethabara to Galilee, having connected with him Philip and Nathanael, and the three or four disciples he had already made. On reaching Nazareth, two or three days later, his mother, together with himself and disciples, were invited to a marriage. - After Christ's conversation with Nathanael, what occurred in Cana of Galilee? Verse 1.
- Who were there?
- Who else besides were called to the marriage? Verse 2. Note 1.
- When the wine failed, what did the mother of Jesus say to him? Verse 3.
- What reply did Jesus make to his mother? Verse 4. Note 2.
- What did the mother say to the servants? Verse 5.
- What vessels were there near at hand? Verse 6. Note 3.
- What did Jesus say to them? and how was his command obeyed? Verse 7.
- After the servants had filled them up, what command did he give? Verse 8.
- Did the ruler of the feast know of this matter? Verse 9.
- As he tasted the wine, what did he say to the bridegroom? Verse 10. Note 4.
- What did he do in this beginning of miracles? Memory verse. Note 5.
1. It seems, from the meager account that is given of this, that the mother must have been a friend of the parties where the marriage took place, or a relative, from the familiarity which is shown and the commands which she gives the servants. It is worthy of note that, while our Lord was never married, yet his first public appearance was at a wedding. He sanctifies all true earthly joys, and shows that he honors the institution of marriage, which was given by him in Eden before sin entered. Those who would destroy or weaken the marriage relation in any way are contrary to Jesus of Nazareth.14 2. Woman, what have I to do with thee?—Schaff says the English words convey an impression of disrespect and harshness which is absent from the original. The use of the Greek word for "woman" is consistent with the utmost respect. The Cambridge Bible says the word might more properly be rendered "lady." In Homer, for example, Priam thus addresses his queen. The question literally is, "What is there to me and thee?" That is, "My work is different from yours; leave me to myself." The earthly relation of Christ to his mother was ended. He who had been her submissive son was now her divine Lord. Her only hope, in common with the rest of mankind, was to believe him to be the Redeemer of the world, and yield him implicit obedience. The fearful delusion of the Roman Church exalts the mother of Christ equal with the Son of the infinite God; but he, the Saviour, places the matter in a vastly different light, and in a pointed manner indicates that the tie of relationship between them in no way raises her to his level, or insures her future. Human sympathies must no longer affect the One whose mission is to the world. The mother of Christ understood the character of her son, and bowed in submission to his will. She knew that he would comply with her request if it was best to do so. Her manner evidenced her perfect faith in his wisdom and power, and it was this faith to which Jesus responded in the miracle that followed. Mary believed that Jesus was able to do that which she had desired of him, and she was exceedingly anxious that everything in regard to the feast should be properly ordered, and pass off with due honor. She said to those serving at table, 'Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.' Thus she did what she could to prepare the way."—Great Controversy, vol. 2, page 102. Jesus perhaps meant that the time had not yet come for him to begin his public ministry. Not until the wine was wholly gone, not until their time of need had come, did Jesus manifest himself. When all other sources of help fail, then Christ becomes to us our help. Man's need is God's opportunity. 3. THESE waterpots were evidently there so that the Jews could wash themselves according to their customs and traditions. They used neither knives nor forks in eating, but only their hands and fingers. The feet of each guest were to be washed as he entered. The rabbis placed washing and cleansing outwardly above all inward righteousness. Note also that these vessels were waterpots, not wine vessels, so that, in all probability, there was no residue or sediment of wine remaining in them which could give a flavor to the water. The term "firkin" is almost the exact equivalent of the Greek metrētēs, which was about nine gallons. All these jars, therefore, held from 18 to 27 gallons each. 4. Good wine.—There is nothing whatever in the original words which would indicate whether the wine was intoxicating or not. But we cannot conceive for a moment that the Lord of glory created that which was a poison, and which he himself had forbidden in the words which he had spoken through his servants in the past. It was Christ speaking through Solomon: "Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth its color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder." Fermentation is a process of decay, and Christ did not create fermentation or disease. What he did create was good, that which was healthful as well as refreshing. In other words, it was just the same life which he had placed in the grape, without going through the long process of nature. In what is called the natural way God works his wonderful miracle of putting life into the grape, and making it food and strength for man. In this matter the process was quickened, and God did instantaneously by his word what is done by the slower process which he has ordained by that same word in nature. 5. Manifesting forth his glory.—He showed that the creative power of God was in him, and that just as he could change that water into wine, so he could change the natural heart of man into that which would glorify God; and the lesson that we should learn from it is that the same power that wrought that miracle may perform in us just what is needed to fit us for the kingdom of God. His glory is also his goodness, and he shows by this that he has respect unto the wants and needs of men in all that is good for them. The filling of the various kinds of luscious fruits with their refreshing juices is God's constant miracle before us; and he would have us learn, even by nature's laws, of his goodness, and that all things show forth his glory, except sin and sinful men. He came right down to men; he does so still. He meets our needs just where we are, if we will but trust in him.