he miracle at Cana. (1-11) Christ casts the buyers and
sellers out of the temple. (12-22) Many believe in Christ.
(23-25)
Verses 1-11: It is very desirable when there is a marriage, to have
Christ own and bless it. Those that would have Christ with them
at their marriage, must invite him by prayer, and he will come.
While in this world we sometimes find ourselves in straits, even
when we think ourselves in fulness. There was want at a marriage
feast. Those who are come to care for the things of the world,
must look for trouble, and count upon disappointment. In our
addresses to Christ, we must humbly spread our case before him,
and then refer ourselves to him to do as he pleases. In Christ's
reply to his mother there was no disrespect. He used the same
word when speaking to her with affection from the cross; yet it
is a standing testimony against the idolatry of after-ages, in
giving undue honours to his mother. His hour is come when we
know not what to do. Delays of mercy are not denials of prayer.
Those that expect Christ's favours, must observe his orders with
ready obedience. The way of duty is the way to mercy; and
Christ's methods must not be objected against. The beginning of
Moses' miracles was turning water into blood, (Ex 7:20); the
beginning of Christ's miracles was turning water into wine;
which may remind us of the difference between the law of Moses
and the gospel of Christ. He showed that he improves
creature-comforts to all true believers, and make them comforts
indeed. And Christ's works are all for use. Has he turned thy
water into wine, given thee knowledge and grace? it is to profit
withal; therefore draw out now, and use it. It was the best
wine. Christ's works commend themselves even to those who know
not their Author. What was produced by miracles, always was the
best in its kind. Though Christ hereby allows a right use of
wine, he does not in the least do away his own caution, which
is, that our hearts be not at any time overcharged with
surfeiting and drunkenness, (Lu 21:34). Though we need not
scruple to feast with our friends on proper occasions, yet every
social interview should be so conducted, that we might invite
the Redeemer to join with us, if he were now on earth; and all
levity, luxury, and excess offend him.
Verses 12-22: The first public work in which we find Christ engaged,
was driving from the temple the traders whom the covetous
priests and rulers encouraged to make a market-place of its
courts. Those now make God's house a house of merchandise, whose
minds are filled with cares about worldly business when
attending religious exercises, or who perform Divine offices for
love of gain. Christ, having thus cleansed the temple, gave a
sign to those who demanded it, to prove his authority for so
doing. He foretells his death by the Jews' malice, Destroy ye
this temple; I will permit you to destroy it. He foretells his
resurrection by his own power; In three days I will raise it up.
Christ took again his own life. Men mistake by understanding
that according to the letter, which the Scripture speaks by way
of figure. When Jesus was risen from the dead, his disciples
remembered he has said this. It helps much in understanding the
Divine word, to observe the fulfilling of the Scriptures.
Verses 23-25: Our Lord knew all men, their nature, dispositions,
affections, designs, so as we do not know any man, not even
ourselves. He knows his crafty enemies, and all their secret
projects; his false friends, and their true characters. He knows
who are truly his, knows their uprightness, and knows their
weaknesses. We know what is done by men; Christ knows what is in
them, he tries the heart. Beware of a dead faith, or a formal
profession: carnal, empty professors are not to be trusted, and
however men impose on others or themselves, they cannot impose
on the heart-searching God.
he miracle at Cana. (1-11) Christ casts the buyers and
sellers out of the temple. (12-22) Many believe in Christ.
(23-25)