Sermon: Newness
Bible Passage: John 2:1-11
I. A quick word about the passage
1. About 50 years after Jesus turned water into wine, Apostle John recollected the event to an audience most likely living in Ephesus
2. The purpose of such recollection is not just to give historical information, but it would produce faith in his audience (cf. verse 11)
3. When the disciples witnessed this miracle, they understood it’s meaning
a. That it is not just a miracle, but it points to who Jesus is
b. The writer calls this miracle “a sign” which means “a pointer” (cf. verse 11)
c. “Pointer” towards the person of Jesus
d. Jesus is the Messiah who ushers the messianic age (cf. Amos 9:11-15)
e. In other words, Jesus is the One sent by the Father to bring salvation to the world
f. Therefore, the primary thrust of this passage Christological
4. To the audience of Apostle John, Jesus will reveal His glory when they invite Him into their life and community
5. And as a result, they might believe in Him
6. Apostle John teaches that Jesus brings newness to our life and situation
II. Five levels of negative situation that requires Jesus’ newness
1. Deficiency of joy (“they have no wine” cf. verse 3)
2. Embarrassment (verses 3-5)
3. Inferior quality of life (verse 9)
4. Anxiety (verse 3)
5. Emptiness and incompleteness (verses 6-8)
III. Reversal of their negative situation when Jesus stepped in (verse 7-8)
1. Plenty of joy (the size of the jars cf. verse 6) (God’s resources are exceedingly abundant)
2. Pleasant surprise (verses 9-10)
3. Superior quality of life (verse 9)
4. Filled to the brim (vs. empty jars)
5. Jesus brings transformation
6. Superiority
Take Away
Let Jesus come in to your predicament