Do Whatever He Says #2360

His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it” (John 2:5, NKJV).

Mary’s simple statement to the wedding feast servants is worthy of our contemplation and imitation. Our lives change when we do whatever Jesus says. We must hear and do what Jesus says to be wise and blessed: “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matt. 7:24). Consider some things Jesus said, and do them. (1) We must receive the words of His apostles. Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me” (John 13:20). That means we must believe and do what His apostles taught (Matt. 28:20; 1 Cor. 14:37). (2) The lost must believe and be baptized to be saved. Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). Instead of refusing baptism is essential for salvation, do what Jesus said, and you will be saved. He said we must be born again of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3, 5-7). (3) Christians must worship in spirit and truth. Jesus said, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). We must offer God the worship He approves in His word. (4) Christians eat the Lord’s Supper in memory of Christ’s death. Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of Me” (1 Cor. 11:24-25). The Lord’s Supper is not an unbloody sacrifice of Christ for the forgiveness of sins. It is a memorial of His death by which our sins are forgiven (Eph. 1:7). Remember that having ears to hear Jesus will do what He says (Luke 8:8, 18).

Water to Wine #1737

9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. 10 And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!” (John 2:9–10, NKJV)

Did Jesus turn water into alcoholic beverage? That is not the conclusion one must draw, but it is the one those who wish to drink alcohol rush to make. “Wine” (oinos) in the Scriptures is generic, and does not inherently include alcohol. If alcoholic wine, then Jesus produced 120-180 gallons of intoxicating drink for consumption after the wedding guests had drunk large amounts (v. 10). Yet, the Bible condemns drunkenness and the process leading to it (Prov. 20:1; 23:29-35; Eph. 5:18; 1 Pet. 4:3). If Jesus miraculously made fermented wine, then (1) Jesus approved drinking large quantities of alcohol, (2) The Son of God was a bartender, and we can tend bar, too, (3) The Son of God ignored the Scriptures (see above), and (4) The Son of God was a stumbling block to the self-control and soberness of others (Matt. 18:6-7). It is fairer to Christ, in harmony with His character, His power, and in agreement with the Scriptures to understand that Jesus made unfermented wine (grape juice) from water.

“But, Jesus turned water into wine!” #1529

9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. 10 And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!” (John 2:9–10, NKJV)

Many who support the social consumption of alcohol resort to the wedding feast in Cana (when Jesus turned water into wine) to support their cause (John 2:1-11). They overlook several crucial points in defending their consumption of what Scripture warns is a “mocker” (Proverbs 20:1). First, the word “wine” (Gr. oinos) may be used of either alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage (Ephesians 5:18; Revelation 19:15), and context helps determine which. Next, Jesus would not purposefully contribute to someone’s sin, yet, that is what He did if He miraculously provided the feast with alcoholic beverage. If true, Jesus became a bartender, providing another 120-180 gallons of alcohol to inebriated people so they could remain in their drunkenness (which is sin, Galatians 5:21). In truth, Jesus bypassed the natural and months-long process of water going from the clouds to the ground, to the vine, to the grape, to the cup. In an instant, He showed His power over nature and time. To use His miracle to prop up a foolish practice that destroys soberness and self-control denies His glory – the very glory that was displayed at Cana (John 2:11).