WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.339 Do turn to John chapter 2. If you've got a church Bible, it's page 886. And let me encourage 00:00:07.339 --> 00:00:10.400 ! If you didn't hear me at the start, do stay around afterwards. There's no need to rush 00:00:10.400 --> 00:00:15.240 ! You're off this tea, and we'd love to get to know you. And so we're going through John's 00:00:15.240 --> 00:00:21.699 Gospel, and we come this morning to John 2, 1 to 11, to the wedding in Canaan of Galilee, 00:00:22.160 --> 00:00:27.920 Canaan of Galilee, where Jesus turned water into wine. As I was working on this passage 00:00:27.920 --> 00:00:32.780 this week, I took one of the commentaries that I don't normally look at on John from 00:00:32.780 --> 00:00:39.800 a top shelf, and as I pulled the book down from one of the top shelves, a whole collection 00:00:39.800 --> 00:00:45.260 of little pieces of chocolate fell onto my head. I'd obviously been hiding them up there. 00:00:46.340 --> 00:00:52.240 They were Toblerone. It was delicious. It wasn't what I was expecting. It wasn't what I was 00:00:52.240 --> 00:01:00.300 expecting. And I think that nicely sums up John 2, 1 to 11. It's so familiar, isn't it? 00:01:00.560 --> 00:01:09.040 So, so familiar. Jesus turning water into wine. But there's something completely wonderful going 00:01:09.040 --> 00:01:18.520 on here. I think unexpected. Why would Jesus choose a wedding as the first place to do a miracle? 00:01:19.400 --> 00:01:24.719 I mean, it's not saving people from death, is it? It's not saving people from disease. 00:01:27.540 --> 00:01:33.320 It's saving them from embarrassment, maybe, and turning water into wine. But it seems so 00:01:33.319 --> 00:01:45.699 commonplace. Seems so domestic, undramatic. What's the point of this miracle? And you can hear sermons 00:01:45.699 --> 00:01:56.019 on all these kind of themes. Is Jesus the best guest to invite to your wedding? Is John 2 pro-marriage? 00:01:56.019 --> 00:02:06.539 So let's have a sermon on marriage. Is this passage pro-wine? Or is it anti-wine? As one of the commentators 00:02:06.539 --> 00:02:13.599 incredibly says. Or are we meant to be like Mary, Jesus' mother, speaking words of wisdom? 00:02:15.579 --> 00:02:20.319 And I hope you'll be grateful to know that it's none of those things. And John actually teaches 00:02:20.319 --> 00:02:24.439 something, asks something about the reason why he includes the sign. Look at verse 11. 00:02:24.439 --> 00:02:27.340 Look at verse 11, what it says. 00:02:28.599 --> 00:02:34.639 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. 00:02:36.460 --> 00:02:40.699 So by the time we get to the end of the Gospel of John, John tells us, 00:02:40.900 --> 00:02:46.259 listen, if I'd written everything that Jesus did, all the books in all the world would not be able to contain them. 00:02:46.599 --> 00:02:51.139 And so I've had to be really selective. I've selected the different signs. 00:02:51.139 --> 00:02:59.559 He selects what he reports to us. And there are only seven of these miraculous signs that John writes. 00:02:59.619 --> 00:03:07.299 This is one of them. And so the basis on which John chooses the signs is so that you would see that Jesus 00:03:07.299 --> 00:03:12.739 is the Son of God, and that today you might believe in Jesus, and you might have life in his name. 00:03:12.740 --> 00:03:18.540 And so turning water into wine is not just some big power miracle. 00:03:18.980 --> 00:03:21.260 It is a sign that points you to something. 00:03:22.219 --> 00:03:25.480 It shows you something else. It's not a party trick. 00:03:26.159 --> 00:03:30.360 And when John says it's the first of his signs, he could mean it's the first chronologically. 00:03:31.160 --> 00:03:32.600 It's the first one that he did. 00:03:33.920 --> 00:03:36.200 And that he'd not done any miracles before this. 00:03:36.199 --> 00:03:41.239 But the same word is used at the start of the Gospel, in the beginning. 00:03:42.039 --> 00:03:47.299 And so the word, it can mean first, not just chronologically, but in primacy. 00:03:47.759 --> 00:03:52.119 As in primary, that the sign of water into wine is actually foundational. 00:03:53.519 --> 00:03:59.000 The sign of John 2 is the basis on which all the other signs are built. 00:03:59.000 --> 00:04:06.039 And I think John is saying to you and I that the turning of the water into wine is actually a doorway sign 00:04:06.039 --> 00:04:08.719 to all the others. 00:04:10.180 --> 00:04:15.099 That you won't really understand all the other signs unless you understand this sign. 00:04:17.660 --> 00:04:19.399 And I know it's so obvious, isn't it? 00:04:19.779 --> 00:04:24.000 It's so obvious that this miracle is a miracle of change. 00:04:24.000 --> 00:04:32.360 It's a miracle of transformation from one thing into another, of water into wine. 00:04:33.620 --> 00:04:38.720 And that is the sign of the great change that Jesus has come to bring. 00:04:40.279 --> 00:04:43.079 Of what it means to have life in his name. 00:04:44.839 --> 00:04:48.720 And so do you remember last week, the second last verse of John chapter 1, 00:04:49.040 --> 00:04:51.360 said you will see greater things. 00:04:51.360 --> 00:04:56.660 You'll see greater things than these, who was it? 00:04:57.600 --> 00:04:57.960 Nathaniel. 00:04:59.460 --> 00:05:00.800 Well, what are these greater things? 00:05:00.879 --> 00:05:02.740 You go straight into chapter 2, verse 1, here they are. 00:05:05.580 --> 00:05:10.360 Jesus has said, isn't he, I am the connection between heaven and earth. 00:05:11.060 --> 00:05:13.379 But you will see greater things than this. 00:05:13.580 --> 00:05:14.439 Well, what does it look like? 00:05:15.639 --> 00:05:19.139 In the ordinary, common circumstances of our lives? 00:05:19.139 --> 00:05:20.579 Well, it's complete transformation. 00:05:20.800 --> 00:05:21.699 It's water into wine. 00:05:23.060 --> 00:05:25.000 That's why this passage starts on the third day. 00:05:25.060 --> 00:05:26.120 Do you notice that in verse 1? 00:05:27.419 --> 00:05:29.139 Chapter 1, do you remember where that starts? 00:05:29.199 --> 00:05:30.159 It starts in eternity. 00:05:30.399 --> 00:05:32.819 In the beginning was the Word. 00:05:32.959 --> 00:05:33.519 Do you remember that? 00:05:33.759 --> 00:05:35.519 And it comes right down to earth. 00:05:35.879 --> 00:05:39.860 It moves from cosmic to practical, personal. 00:05:40.519 --> 00:05:42.659 From cosmic right down to individual. 00:05:42.660 --> 00:05:48.939 And so chapter 2, verse 1, it's a new week. 00:05:50.200 --> 00:05:51.520 It's a new week. 00:05:52.400 --> 00:05:53.800 The third day. 00:05:55.700 --> 00:06:01.640 This new week, because what Jesus is doing is nothing short of new creation. 00:06:01.639 --> 00:06:05.039 We've spoiled the old creation. 00:06:05.539 --> 00:06:09.680 And Jesus has come to restore, to recreate, to transform. 00:06:11.039 --> 00:06:14.180 And this sign is a demonstration showing that. 00:06:15.240 --> 00:06:19.719 And the reason that this is important, the reason that we're even talking about that today, 00:06:19.979 --> 00:06:23.639 is that what Jesus did then, he is able to do now. 00:06:23.759 --> 00:06:27.180 And he is more than able and willing to do that for you now. 00:06:27.180 --> 00:06:31.180 And so I want to look at this passage around two surprises. 00:06:31.439 --> 00:06:32.740 There are two surprising things. 00:06:33.360 --> 00:06:39.340 And the first surprise is, he shows us the basis of the change. 00:06:40.800 --> 00:06:42.819 That's the first surprise, the basis of the change. 00:06:42.900 --> 00:06:44.860 And he points to Jesus' death. 00:06:46.340 --> 00:06:48.699 The second surprise shows us the result of the change. 00:06:49.199 --> 00:06:50.960 And it points to Jesus' life in us. 00:06:52.040 --> 00:06:53.180 So here's the first surprise. 00:06:53.860 --> 00:06:55.180 The basis of our change. 00:06:55.180 --> 00:06:58.480 And I think the surprise is this interaction between Mary and Jesus. 00:06:59.699 --> 00:07:01.680 I don't know whether you picked it up when Chris read it to us. 00:07:01.720 --> 00:07:03.699 It's so abrupt, isn't it, that little interchange? 00:07:05.340 --> 00:07:10.019 Despite the best attempts of commentators to smooth it over, 00:07:10.379 --> 00:07:12.639 Jesus' words to his mother are sharp. 00:07:12.759 --> 00:07:13.519 Verses 1 and 2. 00:07:14.879 --> 00:07:17.199 On the third day, there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee. 00:07:17.639 --> 00:07:19.360 And the mother of Jesus was there. 00:07:19.360 --> 00:07:25.460 Jesus was also invited to the wedding with his disciples. 00:07:27.720 --> 00:07:30.900 And the event is played out like a perfectly normal Saturday afternoon wedding. 00:07:31.740 --> 00:07:33.900 You get the date, you get the occasion, you get the place. 00:07:34.319 --> 00:07:35.280 You get the guest list. 00:07:35.439 --> 00:07:36.540 It's a family wedding. 00:07:37.660 --> 00:07:39.740 It's in a little place not far from Nazareth. 00:07:39.740 --> 00:07:43.019 And it may well be a relative of Mary's. 00:07:43.300 --> 00:07:44.220 Mary is invited. 00:07:44.360 --> 00:07:46.040 She certainly seems to be involved in the wedding. 00:07:47.460 --> 00:07:48.699 And Jesus is invited. 00:07:49.300 --> 00:07:52.740 And five very big eating disciples are invited too. 00:07:54.360 --> 00:07:56.579 And it's likely Mary is related to the family. 00:07:56.680 --> 00:07:58.540 She seems to be in close touch with the kitchen staff. 00:07:59.759 --> 00:08:00.600 She may be helping. 00:08:01.600 --> 00:08:03.780 And before we go on, it's worth pointing out, isn't it, 00:08:03.800 --> 00:08:06.379 that Jesus is very different from John the Baptist. 00:08:07.760 --> 00:08:09.300 Jesus had a social life. 00:08:10.860 --> 00:08:13.379 Jesus is not an ascetic like John the Baptist. 00:08:13.840 --> 00:08:15.240 Jesus is not anti-marriage. 00:08:15.340 --> 00:08:16.620 He's not anti-parties. 00:08:17.760 --> 00:08:23.420 And often in the Gospels, we find him going to a feast, at a feast, or coming from a feast. 00:08:25.200 --> 00:08:27.420 And then early on, just at the beginning of verse 3, 00:08:27.540 --> 00:08:28.900 there's a catering catastrophe. 00:08:29.060 --> 00:08:29.939 The wine runs out. 00:08:31.100 --> 00:08:32.680 It's a perfectly normal crisis. 00:08:34.300 --> 00:08:38.500 It's the kind of thing that happens to you and to me on a regular basis. 00:08:39.820 --> 00:08:42.519 And it's the perfect context for Jesus' first sign. 00:08:42.519 --> 00:08:46.860 Because just like the wine running out, we are always running out. 00:08:48.960 --> 00:08:53.220 Everything in our lives, every natural joy and pleasure we have runs out. 00:08:54.680 --> 00:08:59.220 I mean, this happy wedding couple on their wedding day, with their wedding guests, 00:08:59.220 --> 00:09:01.019 even those people are not going to last. 00:09:02.440 --> 00:09:07.120 The bride and groom, they might have children, but they will grow old and they will eventually die. 00:09:07.580 --> 00:09:08.540 Their health will run out. 00:09:08.600 --> 00:09:09.779 Their capacities will run out. 00:09:10.019 --> 00:09:12.160 Their time will run out, just like yours and just like mine. 00:09:12.159 --> 00:09:17.559 And that's what makes this interchange between Mary and Jesus so surprising. 00:09:17.559 --> 00:09:21.599 If you just look down at chapter 2, verse 3, Jesus' mother says to him, 00:09:22.819 --> 00:09:24.359 they have no wine. 00:09:26.259 --> 00:09:29.619 Whether she said it through gritted teeth, not out loud, they have no wine. 00:09:29.620 --> 00:09:35.659 To which he says in verse 4, and it's even sharper in the original, 00:09:36.220 --> 00:09:38.899 woman, what does this have to do with me? 00:09:41.539 --> 00:09:44.000 What are you to me, woman, literally? 00:09:44.000 --> 00:09:49.759 And then Mary says, not to Jesus, but to the servants, 00:09:50.399 --> 00:09:52.299 do whatever he tells you. 00:09:55.399 --> 00:09:57.919 And I've got to say, honestly, I don't know what to make of it. 00:09:59.399 --> 00:10:00.419 I really don't. 00:10:01.960 --> 00:10:05.899 Because you can read it all the way from a very positive example of faith, 00:10:06.080 --> 00:10:09.220 that Mary is being this wonderfully faith-filled woman, 00:10:09.220 --> 00:10:13.160 or you can read it in being a meddling, manipulative mother. 00:10:14.160 --> 00:10:16.840 And I can line up the books along that divide. 00:10:19.940 --> 00:10:21.360 However, it is a surprise, isn't it? 00:10:21.420 --> 00:10:24.259 Jesus' words, they are not rude, but they are unusual. 00:10:27.000 --> 00:10:28.500 What are you to me? 00:10:28.600 --> 00:10:32.399 And then he says this, my hour, literally, has not yet come. 00:10:34.019 --> 00:10:36.759 And he's clearly pushing back on Mary, isn't he? 00:10:36.759 --> 00:10:41.480 He is putting a line between himself and his mother. 00:10:42.759 --> 00:10:45.360 He's placing a bit of distance between him and his mum. 00:10:45.740 --> 00:10:49.639 He's establishing a distance, which I think is a bit of a surprise for Mary. 00:10:51.019 --> 00:10:52.139 And it's a surprise for us. 00:10:55.139 --> 00:10:58.399 And then when you read John's Gospel, you'll see that Jesus does this again and again. 00:10:59.960 --> 00:11:01.899 As somebody comes to him in desperate need, 00:11:02.019 --> 00:11:04.620 and they ask for Jesus' help, and Jesus says no. 00:11:04.620 --> 00:11:12.000 And then he goes around and he does something more wonderful than the miracle they asked for in the first place. 00:11:13.560 --> 00:11:18.259 So, for example, in John chapter 4, an official comes to Jesus, whose son is at the point of death, 00:11:18.480 --> 00:11:22.799 and asks for Jesus for help, and Jesus' response is a strong rebuke. 00:11:22.799 --> 00:11:28.759 Because, you see, the official is in danger of just believing in Jesus' power, 00:11:29.099 --> 00:11:30.899 and not believing in Jesus himself. 00:11:32.240 --> 00:11:36.379 And he wants to give him the greater gift of believing in himself. 00:11:36.379 --> 00:11:44.220 And when the man goes, Jesus heals the boy, even from a distance. 00:11:45.939 --> 00:11:47.059 I think of John 11. 00:11:48.559 --> 00:11:51.139 Lazarus, Jesus' friend, his close friend, is very sick. 00:11:51.240 --> 00:11:53.220 The sisters send off to Jesus and say, 00:11:53.299 --> 00:11:55.299 Come, the one you love is sick, Lord. 00:11:56.340 --> 00:11:59.820 And they think that Jesus could help before Lazarus died. 00:11:59.820 --> 00:12:04.879 They've got no idea that Jesus has power over death itself. 00:12:04.980 --> 00:12:06.120 So Jesus waits, doesn't he? 00:12:06.280 --> 00:12:08.980 And he waits until Lazarus has been in the grave three days. 00:12:10.240 --> 00:12:13.620 And we're told he raises Lazarus from the dead, 00:12:13.860 --> 00:12:15.700 and he gives him a greater gift 00:12:15.700 --> 00:12:19.680 to show them that he is the Lord of life and death. 00:12:20.340 --> 00:12:22.800 And so each time Jesus does this in the gospel, 00:12:22.799 --> 00:12:27.259 the key to it is, why is he saying no? 00:12:28.620 --> 00:12:30.120 Why is Jesus saying no? 00:12:33.319 --> 00:12:35.079 Each time he says no to the person, 00:12:35.159 --> 00:12:36.679 he is trying to move them, isn't he? 00:12:36.679 --> 00:12:40.299 Out of their spiritual danger, into faith in him. 00:12:41.899 --> 00:12:43.939 And here at the wedding feast, 00:12:44.139 --> 00:12:46.039 Jesus is indicating to his mum 00:12:46.039 --> 00:12:48.719 that there's a change in their relationship. 00:12:48.720 --> 00:12:54.680 That he is no longer, if I can put it like this, 00:12:54.820 --> 00:12:56.700 primarily Mary's son. 00:12:57.899 --> 00:12:59.800 He is primarily the son of God. 00:13:01.340 --> 00:13:03.399 That he does not belong to anyone. 00:13:04.940 --> 00:13:07.720 He's not going to be there for anyone's agenda. 00:13:09.220 --> 00:13:11.519 And so what is the greater thing that he's going to do? 00:13:11.740 --> 00:13:14.759 Well, he says, my hour has not yet come. 00:13:14.800 --> 00:13:16.060 And if you've read John's gospel, 00:13:16.200 --> 00:13:18.320 you'll know that when he talks about the hour, 00:13:18.320 --> 00:13:21.140 he is referring to his death on the cross. 00:13:22.520 --> 00:13:24.260 It's used seven times, 00:13:24.360 --> 00:13:27.220 and each time when Jesus speaks of my hour, 00:13:27.520 --> 00:13:29.000 he's referring to the cross. 00:13:31.500 --> 00:13:33.640 And so can you see right here, 00:13:33.960 --> 00:13:35.100 at the start of his ministry, 00:13:35.580 --> 00:13:37.680 in this foundational sign, 00:13:39.020 --> 00:13:40.640 Jesus has his death in mind. 00:13:42.980 --> 00:13:47.260 That the essence and pivot of his ministry is his death. 00:13:48.320 --> 00:13:51.600 And I think that's really helpful to us, 00:13:51.640 --> 00:13:54.200 because if he hadn't talked about his death, 00:13:54.580 --> 00:13:57.100 then we wouldn't really be able to understand this sign. 00:13:58.820 --> 00:14:01.340 Because what you see Jesus is trying to do 00:14:01.340 --> 00:14:03.140 by turning water into wine 00:14:03.140 --> 00:14:05.200 is a sign of his transformation. 00:14:05.660 --> 00:14:08.140 The sign of transformation that he will bring 00:14:08.140 --> 00:14:09.140 through his death. 00:14:09.139 --> 00:14:12.179 Now, if you've fallen asleep, 00:14:12.480 --> 00:14:13.319 as some of you have, 00:14:14.419 --> 00:14:16.379 come back for a moment and listen, all right? 00:14:18.980 --> 00:14:20.120 It's not, is it, 00:14:20.179 --> 00:14:21.740 that Jesus does lots and lots 00:14:21.740 --> 00:14:22.960 of wonderful, 00:14:23.960 --> 00:14:24.860 magical signs, 00:14:25.799 --> 00:14:28.100 and his life is tragically cut short. 00:14:28.100 --> 00:14:29.580 That is not the message of the gospel. 00:14:31.420 --> 00:14:32.620 All his power 00:14:32.620 --> 00:14:34.860 and all his work 00:14:34.860 --> 00:14:37.500 run through the nexus of the cross. 00:14:39.200 --> 00:14:40.980 Everything goes through the cross. 00:14:42.259 --> 00:14:44.240 And it is because of his death 00:14:44.240 --> 00:14:46.899 that his power is available to us. 00:14:48.420 --> 00:14:50.220 Otherwise, we are just spectators 00:14:50.220 --> 00:14:51.560 looking at this miracle. 00:14:51.559 --> 00:14:54.639 If you separate Jesus' death from the signs, 00:14:54.959 --> 00:14:55.759 in the end, 00:14:55.959 --> 00:14:57.579 we just want to use him 00:14:57.579 --> 00:14:58.859 for what we want. 00:14:59.059 --> 00:15:01.579 He becomes a tool for our agendas 00:15:01.579 --> 00:15:04.079 rather than us being drawn 00:15:04.079 --> 00:15:06.059 into the plan and agenda of God. 00:15:08.079 --> 00:15:09.679 And Jesus keeps warning you about this 00:15:09.679 --> 00:15:10.239 all the time. 00:15:10.319 --> 00:15:11.359 He feeds the 5,000 00:15:11.359 --> 00:15:12.479 and he says something like this. 00:15:12.879 --> 00:15:14.539 You are after me 00:15:14.539 --> 00:15:16.279 because of the signs, 00:15:16.459 --> 00:15:18.359 not really because of what they point to. 00:15:19.359 --> 00:15:21.299 I filled your bellies 00:15:21.299 --> 00:15:22.120 with food 00:15:22.120 --> 00:15:23.539 and that's the only reason 00:15:23.539 --> 00:15:24.279 you're following me. 00:15:26.159 --> 00:15:28.159 So here's the first surprise. 00:15:29.559 --> 00:15:31.199 That Jesus connects 00:15:31.199 --> 00:15:32.399 this transformation 00:15:32.399 --> 00:15:34.859 with his death. 00:15:36.519 --> 00:15:37.779 Water into wine 00:15:37.779 --> 00:15:39.819 is a sign of his death. 00:15:40.559 --> 00:15:42.099 That is the basis for change. 00:15:43.659 --> 00:15:44.819 Secondly, what's the result 00:15:44.819 --> 00:15:46.079 of the change? 00:15:47.439 --> 00:15:49.019 And the result of the change 00:15:49.019 --> 00:15:50.279 is that the life of Jesus 00:15:50.279 --> 00:15:51.039 comes to us. 00:15:51.299 --> 00:15:55.159 The gospel is all about life. 00:15:55.240 --> 00:15:56.079 That is the great theme 00:15:56.079 --> 00:15:56.740 of John's gospel. 00:15:57.919 --> 00:15:59.120 He's writing these words 00:15:59.120 --> 00:16:00.419 so that you might believe in Jesus 00:16:00.419 --> 00:16:01.620 and have life in his name 00:16:01.620 --> 00:16:02.379 but we need pictures, 00:16:02.500 --> 00:16:02.699 don't we? 00:16:02.839 --> 00:16:03.959 We need pictures to see 00:16:03.959 --> 00:16:05.459 what is that life going to be like? 00:16:05.539 --> 00:16:06.539 What is that life all about? 00:16:08.740 --> 00:16:10.279 And the basic picture 00:16:10.279 --> 00:16:13.719 of somebody who was without God 00:16:13.719 --> 00:16:14.599 and without hope 00:16:14.599 --> 00:16:16.439 who begins to follow 00:16:16.439 --> 00:16:17.419 the Lord Jesus Christ 00:16:17.419 --> 00:16:18.719 is that they are changed. 00:16:20.159 --> 00:16:21.059 They are transformed. 00:16:21.059 --> 00:16:21.659 They are transformed. 00:16:23.659 --> 00:16:24.500 They are transformed. 00:16:24.740 --> 00:16:25.779 It's like being changed 00:16:25.779 --> 00:16:29.099 from ordinary plain water 00:16:29.099 --> 00:16:32.339 into something that is living 00:16:32.339 --> 00:16:33.699 and fermenting, 00:16:34.099 --> 00:16:35.259 if you will, 00:16:35.319 --> 00:16:35.819 and changing. 00:16:35.820 --> 00:16:38.879 It's not just ideas 00:16:38.879 --> 00:16:39.740 we're talking about. 00:16:39.740 --> 00:16:41.620 It is not just spiritual change 00:16:41.620 --> 00:16:43.419 that is confined 00:16:43.419 --> 00:16:45.139 into my inner experience. 00:16:45.519 --> 00:16:46.539 It is a miracle 00:16:46.539 --> 00:16:47.779 of power 00:16:47.779 --> 00:16:48.680 with a particular date 00:16:48.680 --> 00:16:49.299 and an occasion 00:16:49.299 --> 00:16:51.279 and a guest list. 00:16:52.560 --> 00:16:53.480 Here is a change 00:16:53.480 --> 00:16:54.600 in the material world 00:16:54.600 --> 00:16:57.840 showing what the Lord Jesus Christ 00:16:57.840 --> 00:16:58.759 will do for us 00:16:58.759 --> 00:17:00.039 if we'll put our trust in him. 00:17:00.039 --> 00:17:02.639 And John so wants us 00:17:02.639 --> 00:17:03.299 to get this 00:17:03.299 --> 00:17:04.420 that he doesn't even show you 00:17:04.420 --> 00:17:05.180 the miracle happening. 00:17:05.279 --> 00:17:05.940 Did you notice that? 00:17:07.119 --> 00:17:08.940 He only shows you the results. 00:17:10.500 --> 00:17:11.000 Have you noticed 00:17:11.000 --> 00:17:11.480 he does that 00:17:11.480 --> 00:17:12.460 all the way through the Gospels? 00:17:12.539 --> 00:17:13.659 There's no razzle-dazzle. 00:17:14.980 --> 00:17:16.779 The miracle itself is narrated. 00:17:17.779 --> 00:17:18.940 The actual changing 00:17:18.940 --> 00:17:20.079 of the water and wine 00:17:20.079 --> 00:17:21.099 happens in between 00:17:21.099 --> 00:17:22.139 verse 7 and verse 8. 00:17:22.680 --> 00:17:23.319 Look at verse 7. 00:17:23.379 --> 00:17:24.019 Look down there, please. 00:17:26.279 --> 00:17:27.500 Jesus tells the servants 00:17:27.500 --> 00:17:29.420 to fill in these stone water jars 00:17:29.420 --> 00:17:30.200 with water. 00:17:30.440 --> 00:17:31.480 They fill them to the brim 00:17:31.480 --> 00:17:32.340 the end of verse 7. 00:17:32.680 --> 00:17:33.820 The next thing he tells them 00:17:33.820 --> 00:17:35.400 draw out, verse 8, 00:17:35.500 --> 00:17:36.779 some of the water 00:17:36.779 --> 00:17:37.759 and take it to the MC. 00:17:38.620 --> 00:17:39.860 But it's already been changed. 00:17:41.360 --> 00:17:42.620 The master of ceremonies. 00:17:44.120 --> 00:17:45.000 He loves it. 00:17:46.759 --> 00:17:47.860 And in case we missed it 00:17:47.860 --> 00:17:49.240 verse 9, John tells us 00:17:49.240 --> 00:17:51.840 the water has now become wine. 00:17:53.460 --> 00:17:54.860 So where did the miracle happen? 00:17:55.080 --> 00:17:55.560 It happened somewhere 00:17:55.560 --> 00:17:56.640 between the end of verse 7 00:17:56.640 --> 00:17:57.519 and the beginning of verse 8. 00:17:57.600 --> 00:17:58.519 We don't even get to see it. 00:17:58.519 --> 00:18:00.559 But the effects are very big. 00:18:00.839 --> 00:18:01.440 What are the effects? 00:18:01.539 --> 00:18:02.220 There's three of them. 00:18:04.420 --> 00:18:05.519 There's three effects. 00:18:05.680 --> 00:18:06.879 Number one, newness. 00:18:07.819 --> 00:18:09.000 Number two, goodness. 00:18:10.539 --> 00:18:11.500 Number three, fullness. 00:18:14.299 --> 00:18:15.980 First, this change that Jesus makes, 00:18:16.119 --> 00:18:16.759 it's newness. 00:18:19.160 --> 00:18:20.819 And what were the water jars for? 00:18:22.220 --> 00:18:23.079 And what were they for? 00:18:23.079 --> 00:18:25.759 They were for the Jewish rite 00:18:25.759 --> 00:18:26.639 of purification. 00:18:28.039 --> 00:18:29.619 They are connected, aren't they, 00:18:29.879 --> 00:18:31.099 to washing on the outside. 00:18:32.599 --> 00:18:34.559 But by filling them with water 00:18:34.559 --> 00:18:36.779 and turning them into wine, 00:18:36.939 --> 00:18:38.259 Jesus creates, doesn't he, 00:18:38.259 --> 00:18:39.579 something completely new. 00:18:41.359 --> 00:18:43.059 Something completely different. 00:18:43.059 --> 00:18:47.579 It's not the old with a bit of cordial mixed in 00:18:47.579 --> 00:18:48.500 with a bit of squash in it. 00:18:50.240 --> 00:18:51.139 It is de novo. 00:18:51.319 --> 00:18:52.960 It is a new creation. 00:18:53.179 --> 00:18:54.200 It is a different thing. 00:18:55.779 --> 00:18:57.419 He has transformed stuff 00:18:57.419 --> 00:18:59.659 that was used for ritual, 00:18:59.919 --> 00:19:00.639 formal practice 00:19:00.639 --> 00:19:02.799 into something which is brilliant 00:19:02.799 --> 00:19:04.200 and alive 00:19:04.200 --> 00:19:06.539 and will meet ordinary human needs 00:19:06.539 --> 00:19:07.480 and will bring joy. 00:19:07.480 --> 00:19:10.240 It's what God promised 00:19:10.240 --> 00:19:10.980 in the Old Testament. 00:19:12.579 --> 00:19:14.079 That when the Messiah would come, 00:19:14.339 --> 00:19:16.480 the mountains would drip sweet wine 00:19:16.480 --> 00:19:18.380 and all the hills would flow with it 00:19:18.380 --> 00:19:20.000 and I will restore the fortunes 00:19:20.000 --> 00:19:20.759 of my people Israel. 00:19:21.180 --> 00:19:23.079 Jesus is not just shuffling around 00:19:23.079 --> 00:19:24.900 the different elements in the world. 00:19:25.259 --> 00:19:26.740 He's not like a clever cook 00:19:26.740 --> 00:19:28.700 that goes to the cupboard 00:19:28.700 --> 00:19:29.799 and says, 00:19:29.920 --> 00:19:30.700 I'll see what I can do 00:19:30.700 --> 00:19:31.480 with a little bit of this 00:19:31.480 --> 00:19:32.500 and a little bit of that. 00:19:33.259 --> 00:19:33.960 No, he says, 00:19:34.120 --> 00:19:36.480 I will create something new. 00:19:37.480 --> 00:19:41.279 He's not just taking natural life 00:19:41.279 --> 00:19:43.059 and lifting it to a new level. 00:19:43.440 --> 00:19:44.480 He is creating 00:19:44.480 --> 00:19:46.000 a different order of things. 00:19:49.140 --> 00:19:50.559 And so if you make wine, 00:19:50.640 --> 00:19:51.559 some of you have made wine 00:19:51.559 --> 00:19:52.860 and you home-brewed it, 00:19:53.720 --> 00:19:56.160 it is a carefully controlled process 00:19:56.160 --> 00:19:58.420 of decay and fermentation 00:19:58.420 --> 00:19:59.360 for flavor. 00:20:00.779 --> 00:20:01.660 And there's a need 00:20:01.660 --> 00:20:03.160 for an aging process 00:20:03.160 --> 00:20:04.880 to bring out the flavor, 00:20:05.000 --> 00:20:05.539 so I'm told. 00:20:05.839 --> 00:20:06.880 And it depends, doesn't it, 00:20:06.880 --> 00:20:07.580 on the bottling 00:20:07.580 --> 00:20:08.800 and the storage 00:20:08.800 --> 00:20:09.660 and the casks 00:20:09.660 --> 00:20:10.620 and the corks. 00:20:14.260 --> 00:20:15.120 Some of you will remember 00:20:15.120 --> 00:20:16.980 that Graham used to home-brew 00:20:16.980 --> 00:20:19.300 the wine Chateau Weeks, 00:20:19.360 --> 00:20:19.960 as it was known, 00:20:20.020 --> 00:20:20.960 that we used in communion. 00:20:22.880 --> 00:20:23.840 And we're very grateful 00:20:23.840 --> 00:20:25.080 he did that for many years. 00:20:26.440 --> 00:20:26.720 But, 00:20:26.720 --> 00:20:30.519 it could have probably done 00:20:30.519 --> 00:20:31.559 with a bit more of a process, 00:20:31.680 --> 00:20:32.059 that wine, 00:20:32.160 --> 00:20:34.160 but there was a process to it, 00:20:34.200 --> 00:20:34.799 wasn't there, you know? 00:20:36.240 --> 00:20:37.740 And there are some very expensive bottles 00:20:37.740 --> 00:20:38.799 of wine about, 00:20:38.900 --> 00:20:39.160 aren't there? 00:20:40.640 --> 00:20:41.660 And the most expensive bottle 00:20:41.660 --> 00:20:42.259 of red wine 00:20:42.259 --> 00:20:43.640 in London at the moment 00:20:43.640 --> 00:20:44.940 is a 1987 00:20:44.940 --> 00:20:47.100 Henri J.Richberg. 00:20:47.099 --> 00:20:47.740 Rieschberg. 00:20:48.639 --> 00:20:49.959 Henri J.Richberg. 00:20:50.819 --> 00:20:51.819 Grand Chew, 00:20:52.199 --> 00:20:53.119 as they say in Wales. 00:20:53.480 --> 00:20:55.199 It'll cost you £31,200. 00:20:55.939 --> 00:20:56.859 That's a bottle of red. 00:20:57.959 --> 00:20:59.459 The most expensive bottle of white 00:20:59.459 --> 00:21:00.419 ever sold in London 00:21:00.419 --> 00:21:03.259 was a 200-year-old bottle 00:21:03.259 --> 00:21:05.199 of Chateau D'Kiem. 00:21:06.599 --> 00:21:08.740 It was purchased in 2011 00:21:08.740 --> 00:21:10.219 for a whopping £75,000. 00:21:10.220 --> 00:21:13.980 What Jesus does 00:21:13.980 --> 00:21:14.819 in these two verses, 00:21:15.180 --> 00:21:16.140 in between these two verses, 00:21:16.200 --> 00:21:17.100 is completely different 00:21:17.100 --> 00:21:18.000 from all of that. 00:21:18.420 --> 00:21:20.079 It is instantly perfect. 00:21:20.640 --> 00:21:21.839 It's not 200 years old. 00:21:23.299 --> 00:21:24.400 It's not in 1987. 00:21:25.799 --> 00:21:26.960 It's instantly perfect. 00:21:29.240 --> 00:21:30.299 The MC says 00:21:30.299 --> 00:21:31.559 it's the best wine I've ever tasted. 00:21:32.640 --> 00:21:33.980 What vintage is this? 00:21:34.819 --> 00:21:35.579 Jesus says it was made 00:21:35.579 --> 00:21:36.579 about a minute and a half ago. 00:21:37.960 --> 00:21:39.680 It's what Jesus has come to do, 00:21:39.740 --> 00:21:40.000 isn't it? 00:21:41.180 --> 00:21:43.400 Jesus has come to give 00:21:43.400 --> 00:21:45.360 newness of life. 00:21:46.839 --> 00:21:48.500 To make you new. 00:21:50.120 --> 00:21:52.420 To bring you into a new creation. 00:21:54.799 --> 00:21:56.600 Jesus has come to give you 00:21:56.600 --> 00:21:59.259 a taste of what heaven is like. 00:22:00.720 --> 00:22:03.000 Something that is constantly renewing. 00:22:03.579 --> 00:22:03.880 Newness. 00:22:03.960 --> 00:22:06.299 The second word is goodness. 00:22:07.559 --> 00:22:08.400 Growing goodness. 00:22:08.519 --> 00:22:09.960 I love the MC in this wedding. 00:22:09.960 --> 00:22:12.700 You've got to love his honesty. 00:22:14.100 --> 00:22:15.259 He's probably a semi-pro, 00:22:15.420 --> 00:22:15.720 isn't he? 00:22:17.019 --> 00:22:18.299 He's been hired indicator 00:22:18.299 --> 00:22:18.860 for weddings, 00:22:18.980 --> 00:22:20.200 make sure the guests are happy, 00:22:20.539 --> 00:22:21.500 the food keeps coming, 00:22:21.720 --> 00:22:23.240 that the wine keeps being serviced. 00:22:23.480 --> 00:22:24.559 He knows a thing or two 00:22:24.559 --> 00:22:25.079 about wine. 00:22:25.340 --> 00:22:26.500 And when he tastes the wine, 00:22:26.579 --> 00:22:27.980 he is utterly gobsmacked. 00:22:29.299 --> 00:22:30.480 He's got no idea 00:22:30.480 --> 00:22:31.240 where it's come from, 00:22:31.299 --> 00:22:32.160 but he's astounded 00:22:32.160 --> 00:22:32.920 by the quality. 00:22:33.240 --> 00:22:34.360 He's never tasted wine 00:22:34.360 --> 00:22:35.059 like this before. 00:22:35.059 --> 00:22:36.740 And so he calls the groom over 00:22:36.740 --> 00:22:37.980 and he smiles at him. 00:22:38.419 --> 00:22:39.599 And I think he winks at the groom 00:22:39.599 --> 00:22:40.019 and he says, 00:22:40.119 --> 00:22:40.980 you crafty devil, 00:22:41.079 --> 00:22:42.559 you've done the exact reverse 00:22:42.559 --> 00:22:44.099 of what normally happens. 00:22:44.279 --> 00:22:46.000 Every other wedding I've ever done, 00:22:46.419 --> 00:22:47.720 they've served the good stuff 00:22:47.720 --> 00:22:48.319 at first, 00:22:48.599 --> 00:22:49.500 and when the people have drunk 00:22:49.500 --> 00:22:50.019 quite a lot, 00:22:50.079 --> 00:22:51.099 they bring out the rubbish. 00:22:53.480 --> 00:22:54.460 Poor old groom doesn't know 00:22:54.460 --> 00:22:55.299 what he's talking about. 00:22:55.299 --> 00:22:58.539 But he's smiling as well. 00:22:58.879 --> 00:22:59.740 The MC says, 00:22:59.839 --> 00:23:00.519 you've done the reverse, 00:23:00.619 --> 00:23:01.859 you've saved the very best 00:23:01.859 --> 00:23:02.659 to the last. 00:23:06.460 --> 00:23:06.980 You see, 00:23:07.039 --> 00:23:08.220 the normal way it is 00:23:08.220 --> 00:23:08.779 in our lives, 00:23:08.859 --> 00:23:09.700 the normal direction 00:23:09.700 --> 00:23:11.599 is the head into decline, 00:23:11.700 --> 00:23:12.039 isn't it? 00:23:14.419 --> 00:23:16.139 We go from life to death. 00:23:18.839 --> 00:23:19.539 We decay. 00:23:21.599 --> 00:23:22.960 But the order of Christianity 00:23:22.960 --> 00:23:24.220 is the opposite. 00:23:24.220 --> 00:23:26.039 We go from death to life. 00:23:27.960 --> 00:23:29.640 And when Jesus makes water 00:23:29.640 --> 00:23:30.140 into wine, 00:23:30.240 --> 00:23:31.440 he is reversing 00:23:31.440 --> 00:23:32.960 the normal order of things. 00:23:34.279 --> 00:23:35.720 And that is the direction 00:23:35.720 --> 00:23:36.759 of growing goodness. 00:23:37.220 --> 00:23:39.259 It means that for you and I today, 00:23:39.339 --> 00:23:40.539 if we'll trust in Christ, 00:23:40.720 --> 00:23:42.100 we don't have to live in the past. 00:23:43.160 --> 00:23:44.680 You don't have to wallow 00:23:44.680 --> 00:23:45.460 in regret. 00:23:46.960 --> 00:23:48.900 But Christ has come for me. 00:23:49.000 --> 00:23:50.519 He has entered into this world 00:23:50.519 --> 00:23:51.980 to give me life, 00:23:52.559 --> 00:23:53.920 which means the best 00:23:53.920 --> 00:23:54.880 is in the future. 00:23:56.720 --> 00:23:57.660 And he's not just 00:23:57.660 --> 00:23:58.800 fixing up the old. 00:23:59.000 --> 00:24:00.480 He's not even replacing it. 00:24:00.700 --> 00:24:01.640 He's not just adding 00:24:01.640 --> 00:24:02.460 good things 00:24:02.460 --> 00:24:03.580 into our declining lives. 00:24:03.840 --> 00:24:05.200 He is transforming 00:24:05.200 --> 00:24:06.980 our lives 00:24:06.980 --> 00:24:07.840 with his own life, 00:24:08.420 --> 00:24:09.940 with a growing goodness. 00:24:11.620 --> 00:24:13.500 He's taking the old waters 00:24:13.500 --> 00:24:14.340 of purification, 00:24:14.340 --> 00:24:14.920 if you will, 00:24:15.140 --> 00:24:16.039 and turning them 00:24:16.039 --> 00:24:17.259 into fermenting wine, 00:24:17.400 --> 00:24:18.039 bringing life 00:24:18.039 --> 00:24:18.579 and abundance. 00:24:21.960 --> 00:24:22.700 When you think 00:24:22.700 --> 00:24:23.659 about those jars, 00:24:23.779 --> 00:24:24.960 those jars that we used 00:24:24.960 --> 00:24:26.119 for purifying yourselves, 00:24:26.220 --> 00:24:27.420 for cleaning yourselves up, 00:24:27.960 --> 00:24:29.259 it's really important 00:24:29.259 --> 00:24:30.420 you see that the change 00:24:30.420 --> 00:24:31.500 that Jesus is bringing 00:24:31.500 --> 00:24:33.980 is different to that. 00:24:35.460 --> 00:24:36.240 It's different 00:24:36.240 --> 00:24:37.420 than just purification. 00:24:39.500 --> 00:24:40.859 Let me be really clear 00:24:40.859 --> 00:24:41.200 about this. 00:24:41.259 --> 00:24:42.139 When Jesus gives us 00:24:42.139 --> 00:24:42.639 his life, 00:24:42.720 --> 00:24:43.879 it is more than purity. 00:24:43.880 --> 00:24:46.960 When Jesus gives us 00:24:46.960 --> 00:24:47.600 his life, 00:24:48.000 --> 00:24:49.240 it is more than forgiveness. 00:24:49.500 --> 00:24:50.700 It is more than cleansing, 00:24:50.760 --> 00:24:51.940 as important as they are. 00:24:53.760 --> 00:24:55.280 Jesus hasn't just 00:24:55.280 --> 00:24:56.440 come to take away 00:24:56.440 --> 00:24:57.060 your sin. 00:24:58.900 --> 00:24:59.960 He comes also 00:24:59.960 --> 00:25:00.660 to give us 00:25:00.660 --> 00:25:01.600 what we don't have. 00:25:03.180 --> 00:25:04.220 Because removing 00:25:04.220 --> 00:25:04.900 the dirt 00:25:04.900 --> 00:25:05.520 and the stains 00:25:05.520 --> 00:25:06.220 is essentially, 00:25:06.380 --> 00:25:06.560 isn't it, 00:25:06.560 --> 00:25:07.700 a negative act 00:25:07.700 --> 00:25:09.640 and can never 00:25:09.640 --> 00:25:10.420 really restore 00:25:10.420 --> 00:25:10.940 something 00:25:10.940 --> 00:25:12.000 to being new. 00:25:12.240 --> 00:25:13.140 It can't bring 00:25:13.140 --> 00:25:14.539 fullness. 00:25:14.920 --> 00:25:16.840 It can't bring joy. 00:25:17.059 --> 00:25:17.779 But what Christ 00:25:17.779 --> 00:25:18.340 has done 00:25:18.340 --> 00:25:21.059 and what he has 00:25:21.059 --> 00:25:21.600 come to do 00:25:21.600 --> 00:25:22.279 in you and me 00:25:22.279 --> 00:25:22.799 is not just 00:25:22.799 --> 00:25:23.380 to remedy 00:25:23.380 --> 00:25:24.299 our defects, 00:25:24.819 --> 00:25:26.080 but he has come 00:25:26.080 --> 00:25:27.500 to make a new creation, 00:25:27.680 --> 00:25:28.319 a new life. 00:25:30.200 --> 00:25:31.180 And it begins 00:25:31.180 --> 00:25:32.220 in this life. 00:25:32.360 --> 00:25:33.160 It is broken 00:25:33.160 --> 00:25:34.120 into this world 00:25:34.120 --> 00:25:34.759 right now. 00:25:35.700 --> 00:25:36.920 And it grows 00:25:36.920 --> 00:25:37.880 and it increases 00:25:37.880 --> 00:25:38.580 in hope 00:25:38.580 --> 00:25:39.160 and joy 00:25:39.160 --> 00:25:39.759 and fullness. 00:25:40.900 --> 00:25:41.720 So the life 00:25:41.720 --> 00:25:42.080 of Jesus 00:25:42.080 --> 00:25:43.120 means newness. 00:25:45.759 --> 00:25:46.360 Goodness. 00:25:47.120 --> 00:25:47.560 Newness. 00:25:48.660 --> 00:25:49.580 And finally, 00:25:49.759 --> 00:25:50.460 it means fullness. 00:25:51.820 --> 00:25:52.560 What does life 00:25:52.560 --> 00:25:53.400 in Jesus look like? 00:25:54.720 --> 00:25:55.440 I don't know 00:25:55.440 --> 00:25:55.740 if you've done 00:25:55.740 --> 00:25:56.180 the maths, 00:25:57.539 --> 00:25:58.320 but each of the 00:25:58.320 --> 00:25:58.860 water jars 00:25:58.860 --> 00:25:59.500 contain about 00:25:59.500 --> 00:26:00.759 20 to 30 gallons. 00:26:01.279 --> 00:26:01.920 They're massive. 00:26:03.340 --> 00:26:04.400 It's mind-boggling. 00:26:04.519 --> 00:26:04.840 It's something 00:26:04.840 --> 00:26:06.019 like 700 litres 00:26:06.019 --> 00:26:06.900 of the best wine. 00:26:06.920 --> 00:26:07.019 wine. 00:26:09.720 --> 00:26:10.600 The Old Testament 00:26:10.600 --> 00:26:11.420 says God 00:26:11.420 --> 00:26:12.500 gave wine 00:26:12.500 --> 00:26:14.340 to gladden hearts. 00:26:15.620 --> 00:26:16.259 That's why it's 00:26:16.259 --> 00:26:16.940 important at the 00:26:16.940 --> 00:26:17.400 Lord's table 00:26:17.400 --> 00:26:18.420 we have wine. 00:26:19.019 --> 00:26:20.039 It's to gladden hearts. 00:26:20.160 --> 00:26:20.620 It's a picture 00:26:20.620 --> 00:26:21.140 of fullness. 00:26:23.300 --> 00:26:23.759 And here, 00:26:23.860 --> 00:26:25.039 with 700 litres 00:26:25.039 --> 00:26:25.840 of the best wine, 00:26:25.900 --> 00:26:26.340 there's a lot 00:26:26.340 --> 00:26:26.920 of gladness. 00:26:28.980 --> 00:26:29.779 I need to say, 00:26:29.860 --> 00:26:30.100 don't we, 00:26:30.120 --> 00:26:31.000 that we spoil this 00:26:31.000 --> 00:26:31.620 with our excess. 00:26:31.700 --> 00:26:32.460 Like all of God's 00:26:32.460 --> 00:26:33.300 good gifts, 00:26:33.440 --> 00:26:34.360 we use it for evil. 00:26:34.359 --> 00:26:35.279 It's really easy 00:26:35.279 --> 00:26:36.359 to become enslaved 00:26:36.359 --> 00:26:37.759 to God's good gifts. 00:26:40.139 --> 00:26:40.979 Just to be clear, 00:26:41.059 --> 00:26:41.679 I need to say to you, 00:26:41.740 --> 00:26:41.939 of course, 00:26:42.000 --> 00:26:42.519 getting drunk 00:26:42.519 --> 00:26:43.339 is a sin. 00:26:44.879 --> 00:26:45.839 It is something 00:26:45.839 --> 00:26:46.379 that Christians 00:26:46.379 --> 00:26:46.939 don't do. 00:26:46.940 --> 00:26:49.759 But here, 00:26:50.240 --> 00:26:50.620 clearly, 00:26:50.940 --> 00:26:52.200 wine stands 00:26:52.200 --> 00:26:52.980 for joy 00:26:52.980 --> 00:26:53.880 and gladness 00:26:53.880 --> 00:26:54.460 and fullness. 00:26:56.460 --> 00:26:57.200 And the point 00:26:57.200 --> 00:26:57.700 I'm making, 00:26:57.960 --> 00:26:58.820 and John is making, 00:26:59.240 --> 00:26:59.860 is that Jesus 00:26:59.860 --> 00:27:00.880 does not provide 00:27:00.880 --> 00:27:02.100 the bare minimum, 00:27:02.200 --> 00:27:02.500 does he? 00:27:02.500 --> 00:27:05.819 he gives ridiculous 00:27:05.819 --> 00:27:06.319 provision. 00:27:08.839 --> 00:27:09.720 Jesus doesn't just 00:27:09.720 --> 00:27:10.640 cover the embarrassment 00:27:10.640 --> 00:27:11.740 of this young couple, 00:27:11.980 --> 00:27:13.480 he gives over the top 00:27:13.480 --> 00:27:15.460 lavish satisfaction. 00:27:17.619 --> 00:27:18.279 It's like 00:27:18.279 --> 00:27:20.160 the miracle we'll see 00:27:20.160 --> 00:27:20.579 with the feeding 00:27:20.579 --> 00:27:21.440 of the 5,000. 00:27:21.559 --> 00:27:22.140 Do you remember that? 00:27:23.000 --> 00:27:24.059 And he doesn't just 00:27:24.059 --> 00:27:24.940 give enough 00:27:24.940 --> 00:27:25.759 for the 5,000. 00:27:25.960 --> 00:27:26.500 He leaves baskets 00:27:27.099 --> 00:27:27.839 and baskets 00:27:27.839 --> 00:27:28.599 and baskets 00:27:28.599 --> 00:27:29.319 and baskets 00:27:29.319 --> 00:27:29.779 over. 00:27:29.779 --> 00:27:29.779 00:27:29.779 --> 00:27:29.880 over. 00:27:32.500 --> 00:27:32.920 And that's what 00:27:32.920 --> 00:27:34.720 verse 16 00:27:34.720 --> 00:27:35.599 of chapter 1 00:27:35.599 --> 00:27:36.160 is all about 00:27:36.160 --> 00:27:37.099 if you just glance there. 00:27:39.000 --> 00:27:39.819 This is what 00:27:39.819 --> 00:27:40.240 it's all about. 00:27:40.359 --> 00:27:40.799 John says, 00:27:41.039 --> 00:27:42.079 from his fullness 00:27:42.079 --> 00:27:44.240 we've received 00:27:44.240 --> 00:27:45.019 grace upon grace. 00:27:46.579 --> 00:27:47.359 And John is talking 00:27:47.359 --> 00:27:48.000 about the fullness 00:27:48.000 --> 00:27:48.599 of Jesus 00:27:48.599 --> 00:27:49.299 filling us. 00:27:52.599 --> 00:27:53.380 We all know, 00:27:53.440 --> 00:27:53.619 don't we, 00:27:53.640 --> 00:27:54.180 what it is to be 00:27:54.180 --> 00:27:55.019 filled with self-pity. 00:27:55.200 --> 00:27:55.779 I certainly do. 00:27:57.279 --> 00:27:58.099 Or with pride. 00:27:59.160 --> 00:27:59.900 Or to be filled 00:27:59.900 --> 00:28:00.519 with anger. 00:28:00.519 --> 00:28:02.799 or bitterness. 00:28:03.460 --> 00:28:03.960 Or to be filled 00:28:03.960 --> 00:28:04.539 with envy. 00:28:04.879 --> 00:28:05.339 Or to be filled 00:28:05.339 --> 00:28:06.279 with self-entightenment. 00:28:06.519 --> 00:28:06.900 And when you're 00:28:06.900 --> 00:28:08.000 filled with self-pity 00:28:08.000 --> 00:28:08.700 it pushes everything 00:28:08.700 --> 00:28:09.339 out, doesn't it? 00:28:10.339 --> 00:28:11.299 So you can't really 00:28:11.299 --> 00:28:12.119 think about anything 00:28:12.119 --> 00:28:12.579 else. 00:28:12.879 --> 00:28:14.359 You've got no room 00:28:14.359 --> 00:28:15.379 for anything else. 00:28:17.559 --> 00:28:17.960 Well, 00:28:18.019 --> 00:28:18.599 Jesus' deepest 00:28:18.599 --> 00:28:19.539 desire for you 00:28:19.539 --> 00:28:21.359 is that you 00:28:21.359 --> 00:28:21.859 would be filled 00:28:21.859 --> 00:28:22.619 with all his fullness. 00:28:25.000 --> 00:28:26.400 Because his fullness 00:28:26.400 --> 00:28:27.400 is the only thing 00:28:27.400 --> 00:28:28.379 that can overwhelm 00:28:28.379 --> 00:28:28.859 our fears 00:28:28.859 --> 00:28:29.659 and our pride 00:28:29.659 --> 00:28:31.000 and our self-preoccupation. 00:28:33.119 --> 00:28:34.199 And this is the 00:28:34.199 --> 00:28:35.159 character of the life 00:28:35.159 --> 00:28:35.839 that Jesus comes 00:28:35.839 --> 00:28:36.240 to bring. 00:28:41.539 --> 00:28:42.419 It's not just 00:28:42.419 --> 00:28:43.419 free his grace. 00:28:44.379 --> 00:28:45.299 It is free. 00:28:46.299 --> 00:28:47.659 But it is full 00:28:47.659 --> 00:28:48.479 and it is 00:28:48.479 --> 00:28:49.519 extravagant 00:28:49.519 --> 00:28:51.619 and plentiful. 00:28:51.619 --> 00:28:55.019 The Lord Jesus 00:28:55.019 --> 00:28:55.759 doesn't give you 00:28:55.759 --> 00:28:56.819 scraps of himself. 00:28:58.059 --> 00:28:59.039 He brings himself 00:28:59.039 --> 00:28:59.859 with all of his 00:28:59.859 --> 00:29:00.799 fullness to us. 00:29:03.619 --> 00:29:04.319 I spoke with 00:29:04.319 --> 00:29:04.939 an older man 00:29:04.939 --> 00:29:05.339 recently 00:29:05.339 --> 00:29:06.879 who said to me 00:29:06.879 --> 00:29:07.500 that he had made 00:29:07.500 --> 00:29:08.179 a list of the 00:29:08.179 --> 00:29:08.879 advantages of 00:29:08.879 --> 00:29:09.539 growing old. 00:29:11.979 --> 00:29:12.679 These are some 00:29:12.679 --> 00:29:13.039 of the things 00:29:13.039 --> 00:29:13.959 that he had 00:29:13.959 --> 00:29:14.459 on his list. 00:29:14.559 --> 00:29:14.939 These are the 00:29:14.939 --> 00:29:15.519 advantages 00:29:15.519 --> 00:29:16.619 that he as an 00:29:16.619 --> 00:29:17.219 older man 00:29:17.219 --> 00:29:17.779 as a Christian 00:29:17.779 --> 00:29:19.039 he said this is 00:29:19.039 --> 00:29:19.479 the advantage 00:29:19.479 --> 00:29:20.000 of growing old. 00:29:20.000 --> 00:29:20.960 Number one was 00:29:20.960 --> 00:29:21.599 I've got more 00:29:21.599 --> 00:29:22.059 time to pray 00:29:22.059 --> 00:29:22.519 for others. 00:29:25.539 --> 00:29:26.220 Number two 00:29:26.220 --> 00:29:26.839 I've got more 00:29:26.839 --> 00:29:27.599 time to go back 00:29:27.599 --> 00:29:28.220 over my life 00:29:28.220 --> 00:29:29.220 and see God's 00:29:29.220 --> 00:29:29.980 good hand 00:29:29.980 --> 00:29:30.640 of sovereign 00:29:30.640 --> 00:29:31.140 kindness 00:29:31.140 --> 00:29:31.819 to me. 00:29:34.420 --> 00:29:35.200 Number three 00:29:35.200 --> 00:29:35.859 I've got more 00:29:35.859 --> 00:29:36.660 time to volunteer 00:29:36.660 --> 00:29:37.539 to help others 00:29:37.539 --> 00:29:38.519 both near to 00:29:38.519 --> 00:29:38.880 where he used 00:29:38.880 --> 00:29:39.180 to live 00:29:39.180 --> 00:29:39.559 and in his 00:29:39.559 --> 00:29:39.900 church. 00:29:42.140 --> 00:29:42.819 Number four 00:29:42.819 --> 00:29:43.440 I've got more 00:29:43.440 --> 00:29:44.160 time to give 00:29:44.160 --> 00:29:45.200 specific thanks 00:29:45.200 --> 00:29:46.299 thanks for 00:29:46.299 --> 00:29:47.200 specific things. 00:29:49.720 --> 00:29:50.500 That is 00:29:50.500 --> 00:29:50.799 fullness. 00:29:52.900 --> 00:29:53.460 That's what 00:29:53.460 --> 00:29:53.920 the Apostle 00:29:53.920 --> 00:29:54.920 Paul prayed 00:29:54.920 --> 00:29:55.240 for the 00:29:55.240 --> 00:29:55.740 Christians in 00:29:55.740 --> 00:29:56.059 Ephesus 00:29:56.059 --> 00:29:56.460 that they 00:29:56.460 --> 00:29:56.779 would be 00:29:56.779 --> 00:29:57.340 filled with 00:29:57.340 --> 00:29:57.840 all the 00:29:57.840 --> 00:29:58.420 fullness of 00:29:58.420 --> 00:29:58.740 God. 00:30:01.539 --> 00:30:02.259 And I'm 00:30:02.259 --> 00:30:02.680 aware, 00:30:02.779 --> 00:30:03.019 I'm not 00:30:03.019 --> 00:30:03.580 fully aware 00:30:03.580 --> 00:30:04.200 but I'm 00:30:04.200 --> 00:30:04.779 aware a 00:30:04.779 --> 00:30:05.160 little bit 00:30:05.160 --> 00:30:05.420 as your 00:30:05.420 --> 00:30:05.759 pastor 00:30:05.759 --> 00:30:06.299 of some 00:30:06.299 --> 00:30:06.519 of the 00:30:06.519 --> 00:30:06.900 difficulties 00:30:06.900 --> 00:30:07.299 of your 00:30:07.299 --> 00:30:07.960 circumstances 00:30:07.960 --> 00:30:10.319 and some 00:30:10.319 --> 00:30:10.700 of you 00:30:10.700 --> 00:30:11.080 who are 00:30:11.080 --> 00:30:11.519 suffering 00:30:11.519 --> 00:30:12.120 greatly. 00:30:12.119 --> 00:30:14.539 And the 00:30:14.539 --> 00:30:14.919 Lord Jesus 00:30:14.919 --> 00:30:15.559 has not 00:30:15.559 --> 00:30:16.059 come into 00:30:16.059 --> 00:30:16.439 this world 00:30:16.439 --> 00:30:16.699 to give 00:30:16.699 --> 00:30:16.959 us a 00:30:16.959 --> 00:30:17.659 free pass 00:30:17.659 --> 00:30:17.859 from 00:30:17.859 --> 00:30:18.279 suffering. 00:30:19.279 --> 00:30:20.159 He doesn't 00:30:20.159 --> 00:30:20.919 airlift you 00:30:20.919 --> 00:30:21.500 out of your 00:30:21.500 --> 00:30:22.099 difficulties 00:30:22.099 --> 00:30:25.919 but what 00:30:25.919 --> 00:30:26.339 he does 00:30:26.339 --> 00:30:26.939 is he so 00:30:26.939 --> 00:30:27.579 fills us 00:30:27.579 --> 00:30:28.159 with his 00:30:28.159 --> 00:30:28.819 life that 00:30:28.819 --> 00:30:29.379 in those 00:30:29.379 --> 00:30:29.839 difficulties 00:30:29.839 --> 00:30:30.319 we know 00:30:30.319 --> 00:30:30.859 his plenty 00:30:30.859 --> 00:30:33.099 and we 00:30:33.099 --> 00:30:33.759 know his 00:30:33.759 --> 00:30:35.439 joy in 00:30:35.439 --> 00:30:35.719 the midst 00:30:35.719 --> 00:30:36.139 of our 00:30:36.139 --> 00:30:36.539 difficulties. 00:30:39.239 --> 00:30:39.979 And my 00:30:39.979 --> 00:30:40.619 experience has 00:30:40.619 --> 00:30:41.019 been 00:30:41.019 --> 00:30:42.839 that those 00:30:42.839 --> 00:30:43.519 Christians who 00:30:43.519 --> 00:30:44.700 suffer most 00:30:44.700 --> 00:30:45.279 when they 00:30:45.279 --> 00:30:45.980 are abiding 00:30:45.980 --> 00:30:46.680 in Jesus 00:30:46.680 --> 00:30:48.639 are those 00:30:48.639 --> 00:30:48.839 who are 00:30:48.839 --> 00:30:49.400 most filled 00:30:49.400 --> 00:30:49.980 with joy. 00:30:53.680 --> 00:30:53.960 And so 00:30:53.960 --> 00:30:54.619 this is the 00:30:54.619 --> 00:30:55.160 first and 00:30:55.160 --> 00:30:55.639 the foundational 00:30:55.639 --> 00:30:56.079 sign. 00:30:57.460 --> 00:30:58.259 It is about 00:30:58.259 --> 00:30:58.940 the change 00:30:58.940 --> 00:30:59.940 that Jesus 00:30:59.940 --> 00:31:00.440 has come to 00:31:00.440 --> 00:31:00.700 bring. 00:31:02.700 --> 00:31:03.039 And I 00:31:03.039 --> 00:31:03.500 wonder if you 00:31:03.500 --> 00:31:03.819 know this 00:31:03.819 --> 00:31:04.180 change. 00:31:06.379 --> 00:31:06.859 Longingly, 00:31:07.359 --> 00:31:07.900 inwardly, 00:31:08.079 --> 00:31:08.480 personally, 00:31:08.680 --> 00:31:09.079 really, 00:31:09.339 --> 00:31:09.980 the basis 00:31:09.980 --> 00:31:10.660 of his 00:31:10.660 --> 00:31:11.319 change is 00:31:11.319 --> 00:31:11.900 his death. 00:31:12.220 --> 00:31:12.720 The effects 00:31:12.720 --> 00:31:12.960 of his 00:31:12.960 --> 00:31:13.360 change are 00:31:13.360 --> 00:31:13.860 newness of 00:31:13.860 --> 00:31:14.579 life and 00:31:14.579 --> 00:31:15.039 a life of 00:31:15.039 --> 00:31:15.779 goodness and 00:31:15.779 --> 00:31:16.200 a life of 00:31:16.200 --> 00:31:16.440 fullness. 00:31:16.920 --> 00:31:17.220 And you 00:31:17.220 --> 00:31:17.660 might wonder 00:31:17.660 --> 00:31:18.059 why in 00:31:18.059 --> 00:31:18.640 verse 11, 00:31:18.740 --> 00:31:19.039 just look 00:31:19.039 --> 00:31:19.200 there, 00:31:19.259 --> 00:31:19.539 there's the 00:31:19.539 --> 00:31:20.099 last surprise, 00:31:20.240 --> 00:31:20.759 Jesus tells 00:31:20.759 --> 00:31:21.160 us that the 00:31:21.160 --> 00:31:21.539 disciples 00:31:21.539 --> 00:31:22.140 believed. 00:31:24.819 --> 00:31:25.339 But didn't 00:31:25.339 --> 00:31:25.640 they believe 00:31:25.640 --> 00:31:25.920 in chapter 00:31:25.920 --> 00:31:26.180 1? 00:31:29.480 --> 00:31:30.079 How come 00:31:30.079 --> 00:31:30.440 they believe 00:31:30.440 --> 00:31:30.740 in chapter 00:31:30.740 --> 00:31:31.079 2, 00:31:31.140 --> 00:31:31.579 verse 11, 00:31:31.680 --> 00:31:31.960 when we're 00:31:31.960 --> 00:31:32.200 told that 00:31:32.200 --> 00:31:32.539 they believe 00:31:32.539 --> 00:31:32.819 in chapter 00:31:32.819 --> 00:31:33.120 1? 00:31:33.119 --> 00:31:35.500 And I 00:31:35.500 --> 00:31:35.819 think it's 00:31:35.819 --> 00:31:36.039 this, 00:31:36.139 --> 00:31:36.399 I think 00:31:36.399 --> 00:31:37.079 that believing 00:31:37.079 --> 00:31:37.359 is a 00:31:37.359 --> 00:31:37.819 process. 00:31:39.519 --> 00:31:40.119 It's not 00:31:40.119 --> 00:31:40.959 a one-off 00:31:40.959 --> 00:31:41.759 sign on the 00:31:41.759 --> 00:31:42.259 dotted line. 00:31:42.399 --> 00:31:43.099 Every single 00:31:43.099 --> 00:31:43.559 one of us 00:31:43.559 --> 00:31:43.979 here are 00:31:43.979 --> 00:31:44.919 somewhere along 00:31:44.919 --> 00:31:45.579 that process, 00:31:45.679 --> 00:31:45.959 I hope, 00:31:45.979 --> 00:31:46.359 of believing. 00:31:48.439 --> 00:31:49.259 The disciples 00:31:49.259 --> 00:31:50.059 believed in 00:31:50.059 --> 00:31:50.599 Jesus and 00:31:50.599 --> 00:31:51.039 began to 00:31:51.039 --> 00:31:51.500 follow him. 00:31:52.519 --> 00:31:52.919 And as 00:31:52.919 --> 00:31:53.459 they followed 00:31:53.459 --> 00:31:53.719 him, 00:31:53.859 --> 00:31:55.139 Jesus showed 00:31:55.139 --> 00:31:55.979 more of 00:31:55.979 --> 00:31:56.799 himself to 00:31:56.799 --> 00:31:57.159 them, 00:31:57.639 --> 00:31:58.599 and as he 00:31:58.599 --> 00:31:59.259 manifested 00:31:59.259 --> 00:31:59.899 more of 00:31:59.899 --> 00:32:00.479 himself to 00:32:00.479 --> 00:32:00.759 them, 00:32:01.099 --> 00:32:01.479 so they 00:32:01.479 --> 00:32:02.000 trusted and 00:32:02.000 --> 00:32:02.359 believed in 00:32:02.359 --> 00:32:02.659 him more. 00:32:03.119 --> 00:32:05.439 And that's 00:32:05.439 --> 00:32:05.959 exactly how it 00:32:05.959 --> 00:32:06.359 works for us 00:32:06.359 --> 00:32:06.579 today. 00:32:08.559 --> 00:32:09.059 Let's pray 00:32:09.059 --> 00:32:09.259 together.