Learning To Serve: Learning To Serve:

Sword Sharpening For Men!Sword Sharpening For Men!

Hilltop Free Will Baptist Church

Men’s Bible StudyNovember 12, 2007

Review!!Review!!Last week we covered John 1Last week we covered John 1

– In (the) beginning was The WordIn (the) beginning was The Word

– What was the purpose of The Gospel of John?What was the purpose of The Gospel of John?

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. John 20:31John 20:31

– John the Baptist – The Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness, make Straight the John the Baptist – The Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness, make Straight the Way of the Lord….Way of the Lord….

– Jesus’ First Six DisciplesJesus’ First Six Disciples– Verse 50: Jesus answered unto him (Nathaniel), Because I said unto thee, I saw Verse 50: Jesus answered unto him (Nathaniel), Because I said unto thee, I saw

thee under the fig tree, believest thou? Thou shalt see greater things than these.thee under the fig tree, believest thou? Thou shalt see greater things than these.

– On to John Chapter 2!On to John Chapter 2!

Warning!!Warning!!Don’t Believe Anything That You Hear Don’t Believe Anything That You Hear

Tonight!!!!!Tonight!!!!!

Be Like the Bereans!!!Be Like the Bereans!!!

These were more noble than those in These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, all readiness of mind, and searched the and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were scriptures daily, whether those things were so.so.

Acts 17:11Acts 17:11

John 2John 2

In John 2 we will primarily deal with two familiar events:In John 2 we will primarily deal with two familiar events:– The Wedding in Cana of GalileeThe Wedding in Cana of Galilee– The Cleansing of the Temple at PassoverThe Cleansing of the Temple at Passover

Someone said: You could study the book of John your entire life and Someone said: You could study the book of John your entire life and not learn everything there is to knownot learn everything there is to know– I now believe that to be true!!I now believe that to be true!!

In John’s book of “The Revelation”:In John’s book of “The Revelation”:– There are 404 Total VersesThere are 404 Total Verses

– John makes 800 references to the Old TestamentJohn makes 800 references to the Old Testament

– John’s Gospel is the same way….it’s just not as noticeableJohn’s Gospel is the same way….it’s just not as noticeable

Let’s Jump In!!Let’s Jump In!!

John 2:1-11, Let’s Read It!!John 2:1-11, Let’s Read It!!

John 2:1: And the third day there was a marriage in Cana John 2:1: And the third day there was a marriage in Cana

of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: What is meant by: And the third day…?What is meant by: And the third day…?– One Possibility: It was a Jewish Custom to marry on “The Third One Possibility: It was a Jewish Custom to marry on “The Third

Day”…….. TuesdayDay”…….. Tuesday– Genesis 1:1-13Genesis 1:1-13

First Day: Let there be light: God said that it was goodFirst Day: Let there be light: God said that it was good

Second Day: Waters SeparatedSecond Day: Waters Separated

Third Day: Dry Land, Vegetation, Third Day: Dry Land, Vegetation,

DOUBLE BLESSING!DOUBLE BLESSING!

.....And the mother of Jesus was there:.....And the mother of Jesus was there:

Notice that Mary is never referred to by name in the Gospel Notice that Mary is never referred to by name in the Gospel of Johnof John

– John 19:26-27John 19:26-27

John 2:2-3: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to John 2:2-3: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. the marriage.  And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith  And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.unto him, They have no wine.

`Jesus’ mother comes to Him when she learns that they have a `Jesus’ mother comes to Him when she learns that they have a problemproblem– Why was running out of wine such a big deal?Why was running out of wine such a big deal?– What did she expect Jesus to do?What did she expect Jesus to do?

Had she seen Jesus perform miracles before?Had she seen Jesus perform miracles before?– John 2:11: This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of John 2:11: This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of

Galilee…..Galilee…..

What reason would she have had to have confidence that he What reason would she have had to have confidence that he could help with the situation?could help with the situation?

– By the way…..where was Joseph?By the way…..where was Joseph?Most commentators believe that he was already dead at this Most commentators believe that he was already dead at this pointpoint

Jesus’ ResponseJesus’ Response

John 2:4-5:Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do John 2:4-5:Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. with thee? mine hour is not yet come.  His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith  His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.unto you, do it.

Notice Jesus chose the word “Woman” rather than “Mother”Notice Jesus chose the word “Woman” rather than “Mother”– Was His response one of rebuke?Was His response one of rebuke?

It was actually a response of respect and affection!It was actually a response of respect and affection!

Choosing “Woman” over “mother” let her know (and us!) that she Choosing “Woman” over “mother” let her know (and us!) that she had no maternal authority over HIS Messianic workhad no maternal authority over HIS Messianic work

Why would that be important for us to know today?Why would that be important for us to know today?

Mine hour has not yet come.Mine hour has not yet come.– The phrase is used numerous other times in John’s gospelThe phrase is used numerous other times in John’s gospel

7:30, 8:20, 12:23, 12:27, 16:32, 17:17:30, 8:20, 12:23, 12:27, 16:32, 17:1

– Everything Jesus did was according to scheduleEverything Jesus did was according to scheduleGalatians 4:4 – His BirthGalatians 4:4 – His Birth

Romans 5:6 – His DeathRomans 5:6 – His Death

James 5:8 – His Return: Be ye also patient, establish your hearts: for the James 5:8 – His Return: Be ye also patient, establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

John 2:6-8: And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the John 2:6-8: And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. apiece.  Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled  Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. them up to the brim.  And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of  And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.the feast. And they bare it.

Notice the 6 Waterpots (We’ll come back to them later)Notice the 6 Waterpots (We’ll come back to them later)– Made of stoneMade of stone

– Used for ritual purificationUsed for ritual purification

– 2 or 3 Firkins Capacity each2 or 3 Firkins Capacity eachA firkin is a goatskin measurement of 6-8 gallonsA firkin is a goatskin measurement of 6-8 gallons

– They were emptyThey were emptyJesus commanded that they be filledJesus commanded that they be filled

The servants filled them to the brimThe servants filled them to the brim

This could have yielded almost 150 gallons of wineThis could have yielded almost 150 gallons of wine

Imagine the servants response!Imagine the servants response!

John 2:9-10: When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was John 2:9-10: When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,  And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good  And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.thou hast kept the good wine until now.

The Governor of the Feast’s ResponseThe Governor of the Feast’s Response– He had no clue where the wine came from He had no clue where the wine came from

– He knew that this was superior wine than what was previously being He knew that this was superior wine than what was previously being served!served!

– That went against the custom of such eventsThat went against the custom of such events

The good wine was served firstThe good wine was served first

The lesser quality wine was reserved for laterThe lesser quality wine was reserved for later

A Closer Look!A Closer Look!

Last week we talked about the Old Testament period ending with Last week we talked about the Old Testament period ending with John the Baptist (Luke 16:16)John the Baptist (Luke 16:16)

John’s gospel writes about the state of Judaism, it’s failure, the lack John’s gospel writes about the state of Judaism, it’s failure, the lack of knowledge of the Sanhedrin of knowledge of the Sanhedrin (John 1:26:…. There standeth one (John 1:26:…. There standeth one among you whom ye know not.)among you whom ye know not.)

The picture of the wedding is symbolic in many ways to the sad The picture of the wedding is symbolic in many ways to the sad state of Jewish affairs:state of Jewish affairs:– The wine had run out – (wine = joy, Psalm 104:15)The wine had run out – (wine = joy, Psalm 104:15)

– Their religion was empty (purifying water)Their religion was empty (purifying water)

Six Waterpots:

Six is the number of man or incompletion

They were of stone, not gold or silver

They were empty (Their religion was empty

Like we were before Christ filled us!

At the command of Christ they were filled!

Good Wine!!

New beginning of Miracles!

The Glory of God was manifested!

Many believed on Him

Water PurificationWater Purification

How many of you have ever heard of the Ashes of the Red Heifer?

Numbers 19:1-10

Notice that this was commanded by God!

Ashes of the 1st Red Heifer would be mingled with the ashes of the next, and the next …and so on!

From Moses until the destruction of the temple, there were apparently 9 Red Heifers offered in this manner

The Jews today are looking for a Levitically acceptable Red Heifer for the time when the temple is rebuilt.

Aren’t you glad that God has provided the final, perfect, spotless Lamb for Our Purification?!?!?!

Marriage…..Marriage…..

God uses the marriage to communicate his most intimate truthsGod uses the marriage to communicate his most intimate truthsIn this case, He (through John) gives us a picture of redemptionIn this case, He (through John) gives us a picture of redemptionWe’ve probably studied marriage from a “human perspective”:We’ve probably studied marriage from a “human perspective”:– Biological Basis: Procreation RoleBiological Basis: Procreation Role– Psychological Basis: Sharing Life’s JourneyPsychological Basis: Sharing Life’s Journey– Sociological Basis: The Root of SocietySociological Basis: The Root of Society

Most of us may have never studied marriage from a “Spiritual Basis”Most of us may have never studied marriage from a “Spiritual Basis”– Ephesians 5:25Ephesians 5:25– With regard to marriage; God gave us two basic rulesWith regard to marriage; God gave us two basic rules

Wives: Submit yourselves to your own husband.Wives: Submit yourselves to your own husband.Husbands: Love your wife supremely!Husbands: Love your wife supremely!

– Example: As Christ loved the church and gave himself for it!Example: As Christ loved the church and gave himself for it!– Example of AdamExample of Adam

We’ve heard Jesus being referred to as the “Second Adam” (1 Cor. 15:45)We’ve heard Jesus being referred to as the “Second Adam” (1 Cor. 15:45)We know who the “Second Adam” gave Himself forWe know who the “Second Adam” gave Himself forWho did the “first” Adam give himself for?Who did the “first” Adam give himself for?

Marriage (cont’d)Marriage (cont’d)

I Timothy 2:14I Timothy 2:14

Wait a minute…….Adam was NOT deceived?Wait a minute…….Adam was NOT deceived?

What does that mean?What does that mean?

Is it a Is it a possibilitypossibility that Adam that Adam chosechose to join Eve in the sin so that she to join Eve in the sin so that she might be redeemed?might be redeemed?– How might Adam choosing to join Eve in her lost estate ultimately result How might Adam choosing to join Eve in her lost estate ultimately result

in her salvation?in her salvation?

– Through the Seed of the Woman!! Jesus Christ Himself! Through the Seed of the Woman!! Jesus Christ Himself!

Do we Love our Wives THAT MUCH?Do we Love our Wives THAT MUCH?

Verses 11-12: This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and Verses 11-12: This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. After this he went manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples:

and they continued there not many days.and they continued there not many days.

Verse 11 seems to dispel any thought that Jesus might have Verse 11 seems to dispel any thought that Jesus might have performed miracles as a childperformed miracles as a child– Imagine what Nathaniel is thinking now!!!!Imagine what Nathaniel is thinking now!!!!– Notice the result of the miracle……His disciples believed!Notice the result of the miracle……His disciples believed!

Verse 12 is what I would call a “connector”Verse 12 is what I would call a “connector”– Capernaum was fenced city on the shore of the Sea of GalileeCapernaum was fenced city on the shore of the Sea of Galilee– Matthew 9:1 seems to indicate that Jesus may have considered Matthew 9:1 seems to indicate that Jesus may have considered

Capernaum as “his own city”Capernaum as “his own city”– It was about a days journey from Cana of GalileeIt was about a days journey from Cana of Galilee– Capernaum was probably the Jewish “capital of Galilee”Capernaum was probably the Jewish “capital of Galilee”– One commentator refers to Capernaum as the place Jesus went One commentator refers to Capernaum as the place Jesus went

for restfor rest

Verse 13:And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus Verse 13:And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus

went up to Jerusalem.went up to Jerusalem. Notice the term “the Jew’s passover”. Why was it not referred to as Notice the term “the Jew’s passover”. Why was it not referred to as “The Lord’s Passover? “The Lord’s Passover?

This was the first of four Passovers that Jesus would attend as the This was the first of four Passovers that Jesus would attend as the MessiahMessiah– Luke 6:1Luke 6:1– John 6:4John 6:4– John 11:55John 11:55

All Jewish Males were required to attend these feastsAll Jewish Males were required to attend these feasts

Matthew 23:27 – Whited SepulchersMatthew 23:27 – Whited Sepulchers– Did Jesus have the Scribes and Pharisee’s figured out or what?Did Jesus have the Scribes and Pharisee’s figured out or what?

Verses 14-16: And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:  And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;  And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.

•The Hebrew word for temple here is the word “hieron” and refers to the temple court

•What was the problem with what was going on?

•The selling of oxen and sheep and doves would have been a needed service

•The money changers would have been required to accommodate transactions.

•So what was the problem?

•There were probably some deceitfulness involved

•There was certainly some profiteering at several levels

The Real Problem was not so much WHAT they were doing, as WHERE they were doing it!!

Imagine what the disciples are thinking right about now?Imagine what the disciples are thinking right about now?

Why didn’t someone try to stop him?Why didn’t someone try to stop him?

Verse 17: And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of Verse 17: And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of

thine house hath eaten me up.thine house hath eaten me up. Psalm 69:9Psalm 69:9

The Disciples remembered the scriptureThe Disciples remembered the scripture

What does the verse mean when it says: “The zeal of thine house has What does the verse mean when it says: “The zeal of thine house has eaten me up”?eaten me up”?– The word for zeal here is the Greek word zelosThe word for zeal here is the Greek word zelos

It would be not be too far fetched to translate this word as “jealousy”It would be not be too far fetched to translate this word as “jealousy”– The Greek word for “eaten up” is katesthioThe Greek word for “eaten up” is katesthio

The meaning here is “to devour”The meaning here is “to devour”

– The “zeal of thine house” means extraordinary concern for the temple The “zeal of thine house” means extraordinary concern for the temple of God; intense desire that the worship there should be pure, and such of God; intense desire that the worship there should be pure, and such as God would approve. (Barnes notes)as God would approve. (Barnes notes)

Verse 18: Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign Verse 18: Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign

shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Why would the Jews ask for a sign? What were they looking for?Why would the Jews ask for a sign? What were they looking for?– The Greek word for sign is “semeion”The Greek word for sign is “semeion”– It literally mean something supernatural, they were looking for a It literally mean something supernatural, they were looking for a

miracle to support His authority for what he had just done in the miracle to support His authority for what he had just done in the templetemple

Verse 19: Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

•Jesus gave them the “Ultimate” sign!!

•They had no ability to comprehend what he was saying to them!

Verse 20: Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this Verse 20: Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this

temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? The Jews, of course, scoffed at Jesus’ sign, because they thought The Jews, of course, scoffed at Jesus’ sign, because they thought he spoke of rebuilding Herod’s Temple.he spoke of rebuilding Herod’s Temple.

Their response does give us a little more insight as to the timing of Their response does give us a little more insight as to the timing of the event.the event.– The restoration of Zerubbabel’s Temple had begun in 18 or 19 The restoration of Zerubbabel’s Temple had begun in 18 or 19

BC (Zerubabbel’s Temple was first built in Nehemiah’s dayBC (Zerubabbel’s Temple was first built in Nehemiah’s day– If the restoration had been ongoing for 46 years as they said, If the restoration had been ongoing for 46 years as they said,

and Jesus was born in 2 BC as is speculated, Jesus would have and Jesus was born in 2 BC as is speculated, Jesus would have been “About” 30 years old, or of Priesthood Age at the time of been “About” 30 years old, or of Priesthood Age at the time of this event!this event!

Verses 21 and 22: But he spake of the temple of his body. Verses 21 and 22: But he spake of the temple of his body.

When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

•Not only did the Jews not understand my Jesus meant when he said “Destroy this temple in three days I will raise it up, His own disciples did not understand it either.

•It was only after His Resurrection that they were able to understand what He had meant.

•They believed the scripture:

•Psalm 16:10 Compared to: Acts 2:27-32, Acts 13:35-37

•They believed the word which Jesus said:

•Matthew 20:19

•Luke 18:32-33

•How long will it take to rebuild the temple this time? Preparations are underway!!

Verses 24-25: But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because Verses 24-25: But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because He knew all men. And needed not that any should testify of man: for He He knew all men. And needed not that any should testify of man: for He knew what was in man.knew what was in man.

What does it mean when it says: Jesus did not commit Himself to What does it mean when it says: Jesus did not commit Himself to them?them?– pisteuo is the Greek word here translated “commit”pisteuo is the Greek word here translated “commit”

– The word means literally to have faith in, to trustThe word means literally to have faith in, to trust

He did not trust them because he knew what was in them!He did not trust them because he knew what was in them!

– It was a testimony to His Omniscience!It was a testimony to His Omniscience!

1 Samuel 16:71 Samuel 16:7

Mark 2:8Mark 2:8

Acts 1:24Acts 1:24

ConclusionConclusion

So what have we learned?So what have we learned?

What are your questions?What are your questions?