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“There must be more to the story!” (usually requires reflection/rumination time)
So many miracles, the other gospel writers skipped it!
Why this story? Of the many other “signs” that John didn’t record, why this one? John’s mission in writing a gospel is that the readers might believe that Jesus is the Messiah! (John 20:30-31) NOT WHAT IS THIS, BUT WHO IS THIS?

A sign—something hidden, disclosed (miracle is a demonstration of divine power)

A problem wedding heading south fast!

1. The will of God and the work of God are never at odds.

Story will not be allowed to trump Spirit

“They have no wine.”
“My hour has not yet come.”

God won’t be fitted for the story; He makes the story fit Him.
The things of God are neither untouched by the needs of man, nor set aside by human feelings or sensitivities. Religion and real life are not either/or for Jesus, but both/and.

2. Be careful that religious things haven’t become replacements for the real thing—Jesus Christ.

When you are out of wine, six purification waterpots can’t help.

“Fill the waterpots with water.”

Everything the wedding celebration pointed to was seriously impoverished; just like the empty Jewish religious system. How dead and unhelpful their religious replacements for God had become. Up to 180 gallons of wine!! Overflowing abundance.

3. “THE Bridegroom (Messiah) has arrived and the Messianic banquet has begun.” (Burge) and his name is Jesus. (Jn. 14:1f; 1 Thes. 4:13f; Hos. 2:22; Amos 9:13-14; Jn. 3:27-30; Matt. 22:1-14; 25:1-13)

Out of the mess, the wedding guests got the best.

“you have kept the excellent wine until now.”

This Bridegroom isn’t like all the rest, playing bait and switch—his wine is always good wine.
From unfulfilling, unsatisfying to fully satisfying excellence.
When this Bridegroom is the host, don’t expect to ever be disappointed or lacking in abundance (Jn. 6:35; Phil. 4:19)

Turns a wedding fail into a grand success, from unfulfilling and joyless, to symbols of exceeding joy, the most outstanding Bridegroom steps in to bring great gladness–

Takeaways—

- They put their faith in HIM—beware of the subtle, but fatal temptation to attach your faith to the abundance of wine/the joy of the party/celebration/the gifts instead of in HIM no matter what He gives or withholds from giving.

- There was lots of religion, but very little of it had anything to do with God. If you are not vigilant, your religious schedule, religious things and activities can become like the stone purification jars—they aren’t about the Lord, they are a replacement for the Lord. Our Sunday habits and religious things may have little to do with the Lord, they may really be a social habit about and for me; what I get, what I like, what will get me glory—not much left for God. It shows up when things don’t go our way or we don’t get what we want. Were you really just worshipping you all this time?

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