A Wedding Party & Temple Cleaning
John 1:35-22:25
John’s gospel contains signs, these signs could be described as miracles or supernatural acts performed by Jesus. The miracles shed light on something bigger than themselves, they are signs of the greatness and glory of Jesus. (2:11) Remember one of the reasons for John writing his gospel was to help people believe in Jesus. So, these signs will be pointing to Jesus being both God and man, as well as, full of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus appears to almost randomly choose His disciples, but there is nothing random about it at all. Each man is chosen for a purpose. It is very interesting that Jesus did not pick educated, sophisticated men. On the contrary, He chose men from simple backgrounds. In other words, Jesus did not pick the “cool kids” or the “influencers” to pour His life into and then build His church! It is not what you know, but Who you know. Knowing and following Jesus is what matters.
The second chapter of John begins with Jesus and His disciples at a wedding in Cana. At first glance, it seems Jesus was sort of pushed into this first miracle by His mother, but I am not sure if that is truly the case. The wedding would have been a large gathering of friends and family. A time of celebration as these two families come together. During the festivities there is a shortage of wine. Mary, Jesus’ mother, suggests He help out and fix the problem. (2:3)
Jesus appears almost hesitant when He says, “My hour has not yet come.” (2:4) He later goes on to instruct several of the servants to fill six jars with water. (2:6-7) The jars used here would have been water jars used in the Jewish purification process. When the water is poured into the wedding guest’s cups, it is transformed into the best tasting wine of the wedding. (2:10) John tells us this was just the first sign that Jesus gave. Just a glimpse of His glory. His disciples believed in Him and I cannot help but wonder what the servants also thought. (2:11)
What initially looks like Jesus being hesitant appears to be something more like foreshadowing. The wedding itself is a wonderful stage on which to begin explaining the marriage you and I are invited to be a part of - the wedding of Jesus and His people, or Church. When Jesus makes the statement, “My time has not yet come”, He is referring to His death. Jesus would know all too well the wedding invitation He is talking about would come at the cost of His life.
Do you recall the jars used? The water jars were used in the Jewish rite of purification. Before entering the temple and into God’s presence, Jews would wash the dirt off of themselves with water from jars like this. When Jesus chooses these specific jars, He is revealing that it is only through His wine and water that we are brought into the presence of God. Jesus is pointing to the cross. His purifying wine and water will be poured out on the cross when water and blood are spilled from the side of Jesus. (19:34)
John quickly transitions from the celebration and the miraculous wedding feast to a show of Jesus’ passion for proper worship and understanding of God. Jesus shows up at the temple in Jerusalem and what He sees angers Him deeply. He proceeds to clean up the scene by driving out the folks buying and selling animals. (2:15) Jesus accuses those in the temple of turning God’s house, His father’s house, into a shopping mall. (2:16)
The anger shown by Jesus at these common temple practices assumes His authority to prescribe what should and should not be done in the temple. This display outrages the religious leaders and they demand Jesus prove Himself with a sign. (2:18) His response is not a sign or a spectacular display, but a statement that baffled those listening, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (2:19)
These two stories go together so well. They begin to help us understand who Jesus is and what His purpose was and continues to be - the Purifier! He has authority to clean the temple from its impure practices. This, like water to wine, is another symbol of Jesus’ death. The temple is where God’s presence met His people. Jesus kicks out the buyers and sellers because the payment to enter into God’s presence was about to be paid. The true temple is Jesus’ body! It is going to be destroyed for us.
The Temple will be destroyed, but on the third day it will rise up! The cross will destroy Jesus and all of our sins. It is so important to remember it does not stop there. The tomb was empty! The wedding between God and His people has begun!
I pray the Holy Spirit will open your eyes to see the God who longs to invite us into His presence. And may you see Jesus as the one who purifies our hearts so we can have rest with God.