Greater Than Political Leaders
Notes
Transcript
Story
Story
a simple miracle - out of wine? get some water, viola! you have wine! no problem
curious as to why Jesus did this? I mean how was this necessary- Jesus’ miracles usually were needed; wine? a disgrace to run out, but needed? dead; lame; blind;
IT WAS A QUIET, BUT OBVIOUS DEMONSTRATION OF POWER
Jesus shows his authority through a miracle that most people didn’t know took place.
a story we need to hear during our political situation - a demonstration of power (riot); a transfer of power
Intro
Intro
by now you have heard of the riot in DC; breaching the walls of the capital building ;it was a display of power
by now you’ve heard messages of healing; opposition of such violence, need for unity and healing -I’m not going to deliver a message that you are hearing already; I want to talk about something else that is bothering me - the beliefs behind those riots
what you saw on Wednesday of last week was a display of power; demonstrations draw attention to an issue, or make our voices heard; But this was a display of power
this story about Jesus turning water into wine is also a display of glory, power, authority
let’s compare how Christ displays power and how political movements can; tells us something we need to be paying close attention to. the vast majority of people were self - identifying Christians
Bible - US key actor in biblical history
Flag - US should be a Christian nation; must be governed by Christian policies
Campaign Signs - must have Christian politicians to do that
Building Kingdom on earth…as it is in heaven?
“Jesus Saves” - a terrible distortion of the Gospel; some will see a Bible and remember the riot; see a cross and remember
You and I have work to do - how?
The story of the water / wine can help us.
2 details: most didn’t know this took place; yet Jesus revealed his glory
why did Jesus do this; and who knew about it?
1. The riot was a display of power. why does Jesus display his power?
A simple act; a secret act
miracles displayed authority…by compassion for the hurting (wine?)
to teach about God’s love; to teach about himself; about God’s plan to save - pointing to God, not himself; God’s kingdom in heaven, not building kingdoms on earth
cannot take the kingdom of God by force
v. 9 captures both points:
and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside
2. To whom does he display his power?
2. the servants
not those with authority; influence; but to those with low social status
bible stories of large groups, but most in small groups
What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.