Miracles : “Raising Lazarus From the Dead”

Miracles: Let Him Be Known

“Raising Lazarus From the Dead”

Pastor Rollan Fisher

Notes prepared by Justin Gray

We believe that God works miracles today by the power of the Holy Spirit to bless people and advance his kingdom. In 2023, we are believing God for miracles that will testify to his power and create new opportunities for the gospel to advance. The sermon series will focus on the 7 miracles John recounts as signs pointing people to faith in Jesus as the Son of God.

Focus: The glory of God will be fully displayed when he raises from the dead all who have trusted in Jesus. This great hope comforts the souls of all who wait on God to fulfill his promises.

John 11:1–45 (ESV)

1 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. 3 So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” 4 But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. 7 Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” 8 The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?” 9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” 11 After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” 12 The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” 13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. 14 Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, 15 and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 16 So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

17 Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

28 When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” 29 And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him. 31 When the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 32 Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. 34 And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus wept. 36 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?”

38 Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” 44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

45 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him.

Context, The Book of John

The emphasis of John’s gospel account can be summarized from the stated purpose in John 20:31.

“But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

The book begins with, “In the beginning was the Word . . .” which harkens to the Genesis account where God reveals his creative power through his divine speech bringing all things into existence. The “the Word” here, in Greek meaning “logos,” conveys divine self-expression; however, John does not use it in the same way as the Greek philosophers did during his time to explain an impersonal force of reason. Instead, in verse 14, John reveals Jesus as “the Word made flesh” giving the “logos” a personal one-of-a-kind distinction as the incarnate Son of God. One of several recurring themes throughout John’s account is the idea of belief. Underscoring that it is not enough to experience God’s power through miraculous signs, nor is it sufficient to give an intellectual assent to Jesus’ messiahship, but to be fully persuaded to entrust our lives to God through the one unique Son of God– Jesus Christ.

Another thematic point of note is the “new people” concept that is woven throughout John’s Gospel account which is most unveiled in chapters 3 and 4 according to McHughes (see commentary below). This helps us see that God is calling a people to himself from all walks of life united by their belief in Jesus as Messiah. Jesus delineates these groups by their response to his signs, particularly after the raising of Lazarus (verses 45–46).

As we come to chapter 11, the raising of Lazarus is the last of seven signs pointing to Jesus as the Messiah in the book of John (also see 2:1–11, 4:46–54, 5:1–15, 6:5–13, 6:16–21, 9:1–7). This episode in verses 1–53, unveils Jesus as Messiah with power over life and death. This event also foreshadows the death and resurrection of Jesus as he makes his decisive move into Jerusalem toward the cross.

Surrounding Context

✦ Introduction: Characters, Crisis & Conclusion (verses 1–4)

- Jesus’ friends Mary and Martha send word that their brother, Lazarus, is ill. Jesus, in the presence of his disciples, responds by giving the purpose and conclusion to this dramatic episode in verse 4:


“This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

✦ Jesus, the Disciples & the Death of Lazarus (verses 5–16)

- After receiving the news of Lazarus, Jesus oddly delays his departure and engages in a conversation with his disciples about their fear of visiting his friends in Judea and the redemptive outcome of Lazarus’ death. Jesus frames this crisis for the disciples in verse 15:


“And for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe . . .”

✦ Jesus, Grief & the Resurrection (verses 17–37)

- Jesus arrives in Bethany. He meets the grief-stricken Martha and Mary, who both express disappointment that Jesus wasn’t there to save their brother from his illness. As they mourn the loss of Lazarus, he engages in two conversations, one with Martha about the resurrection and the other with Mary displaying his deep care and compassion. These conversations are punctuated in two key verses:


“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (verses 25–26)


- Jesus finally enters the village to visit the place of Lazarus’ burial. In a rather uncharacteristic and dramatic fashion, Jesus requests that the stone over the tomb be removed, prays publicly, and shouts loudly for Lazarus to come out. Again, Jesus gives the purpose of this demonstrative event in verse 42:
 


“. . . but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.”

✦ The Believers, Unbelievers & Caiaphas’ Prophecy (verses 45–53)

- The Jews present during this miraculous event respond in two ways: one group believes in Jesus and the other reports Jesus’ activities to the Pharisees. The Pharisees, concerned about their socio-political status, convened a council to discuss what should be done about him. 

Caiaphas, the high priest, advises that Jesus should die for the nation’s sake, and from that point on, they conspire to kill Jesus. The following verses underscore the emphasis of this passage:


“Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.” (verses 45–46)


“He [Caiaphas] did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.” (verse 52)

Commentaries:

✦ The NIV Application Commentary

- “John 11 and 12 stand together as marking a new and significant step in the life and work of Jesus . . . Here we read the story of the most dramatic, provocative miracle in this Gospel. Jesus is the master of life and death and proves it by bringing Lazarus back from the grave. But he is also prepared for his own death . . . The Lazarus story is a story about one man whom Jesus rescues from the grave; but it is also a parabolic story, telling us far more about Jesus, his power, and his upcoming experience in the grave.” (Burge, pp. 310–311)

✦ John 1–4 (ICC): A Critical and Exegetical Commentary

- “Chapters 3 and 4 fall naturally into four sections, dealing respectively with Judaism, the followers of the Baptist, the Samaritans, and the God-fearers (if we take 4.46–54 as a rewriting of the story of the centurion’s servant). In the first three sections, the evangelist calls into question the sufficiency of Judaism, of the ‘Baptist movement,’ and of the religion of the Samaritan people; in the fourth section, he tells the God-fearing Gentiles who frequent the synagogue not to wait for signs and wonders before beginning to believe (4.48). In three of the four sections, the person representing the group responds positively (in 3.30, the Baptist; in 4.29, the Samaritan woman; in 4.50, the official). Nicodemus, personifying the sympathetic stream of Pharisaic Judaism (3.2), remains at this stage puzzled (3.7, 9– 10), because for the development of the argument and the unfolding of the drama, it is essential that the response of Judaism should remain at this stage non-committal.” (McHughes, pp. 217)

Sermon Idea: Jesus, Lazarus & His Resurrection Community
 


Focus Statement: Jesus is not only the Son of God who delivers us by his resurrection power but is also the leader of a new resurrection community who partners with him in life restoration.


Function Statement: Listeners will grow in their understanding and application of ministering the resurrection life of God to others.
 


Context:


In this last of seven signs in the book of John, Jesus engages three groups of people through the raising of Lazarus from the dead: 1) The Disciples, 2) The Sisters (Martha & Mary), and 3) The Jews. Jesus challenges each one to believe that he is the Son of God despite confusion, disillusionment, and most importantly, the reality of sin and death.

1. The Disciples

a. Fearful about returning to Judea.

b. Confused about Jesus delaying his visit to Lazarus despite his condition.

c. Much like the disciples, have you ever experienced fear or confusion while following Jesus?

d. Jesus reveals his purpose to the disciples:


“I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe.” (verse 15)

2. The Sisters (Martha & Mary)

a. Disappointed that Jesus was not there to prevent Lazarus’ death.

b. In deep grief and mourning over a hopeless situation but still with some hope and reverence for Jesus:


“But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.”—Martha (verse 22)
 


“. . . she fell at his feet. . . . ‘Lord, come and see.’”—Mary (verse 32, 34)

c. Even in his resurrection power as Messiah (verses 25–26), Jesus enters their pain with weeping and anger over the affects of sin and death (verses 33–35). In the face of disappointment, grief, and even death, Jesus’ calls them to believe:


“I am the resurrection and the life. . . . Do you believe this?” (verse 25–26)


“Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” (verse 40)

3. The Jews

a. There is a mixed crowd of Jews: those who saw Jesus’ care and compassion and those who criticized him for not keeping Lazarus alive (verses 36–37).

b. After Lazarus was raised from the dead, some believed and others reported him to the Pharisees (verses 45–46).

c. Whether we see Jesus for his care and compassion or criticize him for what he didn’t do, the question remains—what do we believe about him?

d. Jesus in an uncharacteristic and demonstrative way gives instructions to the crowd, prays publicly, and shouts loudly for Lazarus to come out of the tomb. All of this was done so:


“. . . but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” (verse 42)


Jesus’ resurrection power is a dividing line between those who believe and those who don’t. Those who walk the light or stumble in darkness (verses 9–10).

B. Application


The resurrection power of Jesus doesn’t end with belief, but rather those who believe are called into participation in his life-restoring mission. This resurrection community is foreshadowed in Jesus calling the people to action:

1. “Where have you laid him? . . . Lord, come and see.” (verse 34)

a. Through this question, Jesus caused Mary and the people to lead him to Lazarus.

b. How is Jesus asking us to bring him into dead situations?

2. “Take away the stone.” (verse 39)

a. Jesus commands them to do something hard that required faith. A large stone blocking a cave would have taken several people to move (physical/practical action). In addition, a decomposing dead man lies behind this rock (spiritual action).

b. It will take the community to obey God in doing “heavy” and “hard things” both physically and spiritually in order to participate in his mission.

3. “Unbind him, and let him go.” (verse 44)

a. Lazarus was alive but still bound.

b. Jesus enlisted the community to care for Lazarus by unwrapping him and by implication covering his nakedness.

c. God’s mission is reflected in care and concern for people who are dead and in desperate need of Jesus and his resurrection community. They untied him, they covered him, and they welcomed him back to life. 

Second City Church - Pastor Rollan Fisher

Miracles : “Healing the Man Born Blind”

Miracles: Let Him Be Known

“Healing the Man Born Blind”

Pastor Rollan Fisher

Notes Prepared by Danielle Burkholder

We believe that God works miracles today by the power of the Holy Spirit to bless people and advance his kingdom. In 2023, we are believing God for miracles that will testify to his power and create new opportunities for the gospel to advance. The sermon series will focus on the 7 miracles John recounts as signs pointing people to faith in Jesus as the Son of God.

Focus: God performs miracles in order to display his works which reveal his character, nature, and purpose. 

He does not perform them on the basis of the worthiness of the recipient, since none are ultimately worthy.

John 9:1–7 (ESV)

1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.

The purpose for the Gospel of John is stated in John 20:30–31 (ESV):

“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

Observations from the Previous Chapter (John 8)

• In the previous chapter, the teachers of the law and the Pharisees were wanting to stone a woman caught in adultery, but Jesus pointed out everyone’s need for forgiveness. Rather than condemn the woman, he charged her to leave her sin (verses 1–11). Jesus also taught that he could set people free from sin. Through much of chapter 8, he makes the case that a person’s behavior after hearing Jesus is more important than their history or birthright.

• Despite Jesus teaching on this truth, this chapter opens with the issue of a person’s birth, their current reality still being linked together, and the focus of attention in the mind of the disciples. 

• The contrast in how Jesus sees people versus how people see people is in full view: Jesus sees people and their potential for healing and forgiveness, but the others in the text are set on just seeing people and their sin.

Observations after These Verses (John 9)

• This text is part of a larger section and story: 

“The narrative consists of the healing of the blind man (verses 1–7), followed by a succession of scenes between the man and his neighbors (verses 8–12), the man and the Pharisees (verses 13–17), his parents and the Pharisees (verses 18–23), and again the man and the Pharisees, ending with his expulsion from the synagogue (verses 24–34), after which Jesus finds him and brings him to faith (verses 35–38)” 

-Ramsey J. Michaels 

Focus Statement: The miracles of God reveal the mission of God.


Function Statement: Salvation in Jesus is available to anyone who will believe.

A. What do they need to know?


• When Jesus sees someone, he sees their need for healing and salvation. We need to see people in the same way. The previous chapter and the rest of this story highlights how people view others through the lens of their sin. This whole story shows Jesus’ views through a different lens: the lens of salvation and healing.


• 
A great need, physically or spiritually, can present an opportunity for a great miracle. A great miracle points to our great God. His greatness is revealed first in how he sees people and then in the miracles of healing AND in the greatest miracle of all—salvation.

B. Why do they need to know it?


• Perhaps, we are blind to the reality of who God is and his mission. His desire is to heal and save no matter what conditions people are currently in. If we focus on people’s sin instead of their need for healing and salvation, it can be an obstacle to our “seeing” the healing and saving power of Jesus. This can be true in how we see ourselves or others.


• 
Like the disciples and the Pharisees in this story, we often focus on our own or other’s sin, failures, the sin patterns passed down from parents, etc., and we miss the healing and saving power of Jesus.


• The miracle of sight, in this text and later in the man’s salvation (John 9:36–28), is centered around the question of the man’s sin, yet Jesus doesn’t withhold either miracle from him. It is important for us to see that God and his mission is consistent no matter what a person’s sin history is or isn’t.

C. What do they need to do?


• They need to believe in Jesus for their own healing and salvation and believe that he can heal and save others. Boldly invite people to know Jesus, and pray for them to be healed and saved.


• One practical application can be to invite people for prayer to be healed and saved. Another would be to ask them to pray and ask the Holy Spirit who he is working in and where they can join him by sharing Jesus and praying for healing.

D. Why do they need to do it?


• Miracles are one way to introduce people to Jesus. If we see a need, it may be an opportunity for God’s mission of healing and salvation to be seen. The miracle of this man’s sight is a precursor to the miracle of his salvation in John 9:35–38. His sin history wasn’t an obstacle to him receiving either miracle.


• We have the amazing privilege of participating in God’s work being on display even through dire circumstances. We can help others believe in Jesus and give them his words, and we can pray for healing. What starts as pain and suffering can end in glory if God is given a chance to work in and through us.

E. Some connecting thoughts and key questions: 

• Jesus sees and speaks about this man as an opportunity for the glory of God to be displayed. He isn’t so concerned about his sin or his parents’ sin being the cause, as most Jewish people would at that time, rather he invites that man into a moment to participate in the work and glory of God. His sin nor his condition did not disqualify him from the chance to receive healing and believe in Jesus.


• If Jesus doesn’t disqualify him, neither should we disqualify ourselves or others. The opportunities to participate in the works of God present themselves for a limited time. If we get the chance to encounter Jesus in his word, through people, or in a miracle, we are getting the chance to participate in the works of God in our lives and in others.



• Jesus sees the man, he sees his suffering, and he sees an opportunity for the work of God to be revealed. When we see people, or ourselves, what do we see?


• Ultimately as seen in Jesus’ answer to Nicodemus in John 3, everyone must be born again. The only thing that matters about one’s family of origin in this discussion is that all families pass sin from one generation to the next, therefore, all family members have to, and can be, born again into the family of God. In essence, everyone is “blind from birth” and must respond to Jesus for their healing and forgiveness of sin.


Do we see everyone as equally in need and capable of receiving salvation?


This whole section is a great text to see that God’s desire is to save people from their sin, not condemn them because of it. We are all born into sin and brokenness that presents itself in various forms. God desires to heal us, save us, and restore us. The miracle of healing from blindness is actually the lesser miracle. The biggest miracle is salvation. Seeing who God is here helps us understand that every encounter we have with people is an opportunity for God’s glory to be revealed physically and spiritually.


When we see need, there is an opportunity to see God’s glory revealed.

Second City Church - Pastor Rollan Fisher

Miracles : “Walking on Water”

Miracles: Let Him Be Known

“Walking on Water”

Pastor Rollan Fisher

Notes prepared by Paul Barker

We believe that God works miracles today by the power of the Holy Spirit to bless people and advance his kingdom. In 2023, we are believing God for miracles that will testify to his power and create new opportunities for the gospel to advance. The sermon series will focus on the 7 miracles John recounts as signs pointing people to faith in Jesus as the Son of God.

Focus: Jesus is sovereign and performs miracles to bring his disciples through the chaos of the current corrupted creation in order that they might fulfill his mission and eventually inherit the new creation.

John 6:16-21

16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.

Historical Context of John: 

Author: John, “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” (John 21:20)


Date: Late-first century (likely between 85–95)


Purpose: The purpose of John’s Gospel is clearly stated in John 20:30–31

“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

“. . . this brief statement can account for the primary theological features of John’s gospel. It says that the author hopes Jesus’ ‘signs,’ as they are recorded in the book, will produce or bolster the faith of its readers that Jesus is not only the ‘Messiah’ but the ‘Son of God’ and therefore lead the reader to ‘life.’”

-Frank Thielman in Theology of the New Testament 

Literary Context of John 6:16–21 

✦ Surrounding Passages

- Before: John 6:1–15


Jesus walking on water (verses 16–21) occurs immediately after the feeding of the 5,000 (verses 1–15).
 


“When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, ‘This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!’” (verse 14)
 


“Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.” (verse 15)

- After:


The crowd comes looking for him, and realizing he is no longer on that side of the sea, they head to Capernaum to seek him (verses 22–24). Jesus then teaches on the Bread of Life (verses 22–59) and Eternal Life (verses 60–71).


Many disciples couldn’t accept this teaching and walked away (verses 60, 66). Jesus asks the Twelve if they also want to walk away.


“Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.’” (verses 68–69)


Here, Peter’s response shows that he, and the other Twelve (besides Judas), had come to saving faith in Jesus as not only the “Prophet like Moses,” but as the Holy One of God. Though they don’t have the full revelation that they receive after his resurrection, here, we see they begin to understand his divinity. And so, when others stopped following, they could do nothing but continue to follow him.

✦ How does the passage fit into the broader themes of John’s Gospel?

- “Throughout his gospel, John has shown that he is aware of the traditional understanding of these concepts [Messianic hopes], but he has also demonstrated that Jesus broke the boundaries of these ideas and gave new meaning to the terms ‘Messiah’ and ‘Son of God.’”

- Throughout John’s Gospel, he shows understanding of the messianic hopes of the times, and through the “signs” of Jesus, including Jesus walking on water, John reveals to his reader how Jesus as Messiah and Son of God expands those expectations.

Main Point: 


Jesus, the Lord over the storm, brings us safely through the storm while transforming us in the storm.

Text: John 6:16–21

A. Jesus left his disciples to face the storm without him (verses 16-18). 

Why did Jesus do this?  Earlier that day, Jesus performed the miracle of feeding the 5,000. Verse 14 tells us that the crowd, believing that Jesus was the Prophet they’d been anticipating, wanted to make him accept that role by force.


The disciples have also witnessed this amazing miracle. And like those in the crowd, I’m sure they had similar messianic hopes and expectations. After all, why would they have left everything to follow Jesus? Maybe they were even among the people at that moment hoping to take him by force to make him king. Expectation was high, not just for what Jesus would do but how they would benefit from it. Maybe they envisioned the hard lives of their family back home finally being made easier. Or perhaps they were looking forward to the accolades and prestige they could look forward to from being Jesus’ close companions. But Jesus perceived the crowd’s intentions and the disciples, and so he sent the disciples back to Capernaum alone, dismissed the crowd, and withdrew by himself.


And so, here are the disciples, in the middle of the Sea of Galilee without Jesus. They are likely confused, disappointed, and maybe even disillusioned. And at this moment, a storm came upon them, forcing them to row desperately. Mark 6:48 tells us that they were still rowing at the fourth watch of the night between 3:00– 6:00 a.m. So, they’ve been rowing for at least nine hours and have only made it three to four miles. They are tired, hungry, and probably wondering, “Where is Jesus? Why has he left us in a storm to fend for ourselves?  This is not what we signed up for when we decided to follow Jesus!”


Has Jesus ever seemingly left you to face a storm alone?  

Whatever your specific situation, you may have felt perplexed, not understanding what Jesus was doing, or maybe you were disappointed because you expected him to do something he didn’t do. And perhaps this has even led to anger and resentment. And as the storm goes on, this leads you to feel weary, depleted, and possibly hopeless.

B. Jesus reveals his glory to the disciples in the storm. 

In the middle of their rowing, the disciples looked up and saw Jesus walking on water, and they were frightened. Why were they frightened?


Their thoughts may have gone to Psalm 77:16–19:


When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled. The clouds poured out water; the skies gave forth thunder; your arrows flashed on every side. The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind; your lightnings lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook. Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen.


Yes, Jesus was the Messiah they’ve been anticipating, but seeing him walk on water, they realized he’s so much more. He is the one who the waters of the earth fear and submit to. He is the Holy One, the Lord of all creation.


Jesus speaks to them: “It is I; do not be afraid.”


It is I: egō eimi


In other contexts, this can be translated “I Am,” and so this may allude to Exodus 3:14:


God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”


By seeing Jesus walk on water, and by hearing Jesus’ words, they went from seeing him as the Messiah who would be Israel’s prophet and king, to the Messiah who is Israel’s God. If he hadn’t left them to face the storm, they would have never seen his glory revealed in the storm.


And just as Jesus revealed his glory to the disciples in the middle of the storm, often when we least expect it, he will reveal his glory to us in our storm. Just as the disciples had too small a view of who Jesus was and what he’d come to do, how often do we have too small of a view of him? And so, we expect him to act and behave in certain ways, and when he doesn’t, we are confused, disappointed, and maybe even resentful. But Jesus never fails to show up in our storm, and when he does, he reveals himself to us in ways that we could have never imagined if we’d stayed safely on the shore.


Charles Spurgeon, in a sermon on this passage, said,


“So be of good cheer, for Jesus Christ will come to you even when it is all dark around you. And here is another word of cheer for you, namely, that when he does come, it will be in a way that will give you a higher sense of his glory than you ever had before. You have seen him on the land, but you have never yet seen him on the water. Well, you could not see him walking on the water, unless you were on the water yourself; and you could not see Jesus Christ calming the storm unless there was a storm to be quieted; and if the wind did not blow, you could not tell whether he could control it. Trial is absolutely necessary in order to reveal to us some of the attributes of our gracious God.”

-Charles Spurgeon, from his sermon “Night, and Jesus not There!”

And when Jesus reveals himself to us in the storm, we realize he never actually left us to begin with. But in every gust and every wave, he was there.

C. 
Jesus brings them safely through the chaos of the storm, transforming them in the storm (verse 21). 

Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.


They believed he is God, and when he gets in the boat, they were immediately brought through the chaos of the storm and are on land. Some interpret this as a second miracle, while others argue that the boat went immediately towards the shore, and it felt like no time passed at all to the joyful disciples.


On their own, the disciples were striving against the obstacles of the storm, but when God, the Holy One, the sovereign Lord of Creation, got in their boat, they were brought through the chaos of the waves and safely to shore. Whether this was immediate or a process, because Jesus was in their boat, there was an ease and gladness in the journey.


Sometimes, when Jesus reveals his glory to us in the storm, we are immediately delivered from the circumstances we’ve been facing. But other times, deliverance isn’t immediate, and we must continue to go through the storm. But when Jesus is in our boat, there is a tranquility and expectant hope that carries us through the turbulent waters.


Not only did he bring them through the chaos of the storm, but there was a transformative work in the disciples in the storm. We see this evidence of transformation later on in the chapter in John 6:66–69. After a hard teaching, many disciples were walking away from Jesus. And so Jesus asked the disciples if they will also walk away. But Peter responded, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”


When we encounter Jesus in the storm, and are carried safely through it by him, we can’t help but be changed and respond like Peter: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life . . .”

D. Gospel Reflection

We all face storms, because we are all still living in a world that experiences the effects of sin. None of us are promised a storm-free life. But we can have confidence that Jesus will carry us through the storm, while transforming us in the storm. And we have this confidence because on the cross, Jesus went through the cosmic storm of sin and death for us, and when he rose from the dead, proved that he had defeated the storm.


He will not abandon us to any storm we face, because he didn’t abandon us in that storm. And when he returns, the Lord over the storm will bring an end to all storms as he brings the full redemption to his entire creation. 

Second City Church - Pastor Rollan Fisher

Miracles : “Feeding the 5000”

Miracles: Let Him Be Known 

“Feeding the 5000”

Pastor Rollan Fisher

Notes prepared by Juray Mora

We believe that God works miracles today by the power of the Holy Spirit to bless people and advance his kingdom. In 2023, we are believing God for miracles that will testify to his power and create new opportunities for the gospel to advance. The sermon series will focus on the 7 miracles John recounts as signs pointing people to faith in Jesus as the Son of God.

Focus: God’s miraculous salvation through Jesus is sufficient to satisfy the needs of all who hunger for God and righteousness, even as his miracle of multiplied fish and bread satisfied the hungry multitude.

John 6:5–14 (ESV)

5 Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” 6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, 9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” 10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” 13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. 14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!”

The Gospel of John

✦ Written by the disciple whom Jesus loved.

✦ It is an eyewitness testimony—John appears multiple times in this gospel.

✦ This is the only miracle of Jesus recorded by all four gospels.

- Matthew 14:13–21 

- Mark 6:31–44

- Luke 9:12–17

✦ The purpose for writing is in John 20:31—

“But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

- Jesus is the Messiah, that you may believe and have eternal life. 

✦ Starts with Poetry about Jesus “The Word.”

✦ Jesus is given seven titles (Jesus is fully human and the Son of God):

- The Lamb of God 

- The Son of God 

- Rabbi

- The Son of Man

- Messiah

- King of Israel

- Jesus of Nazareth

✦ Jesus is revealed through seven signs:

- Wedding at Cana: Jesus is generous.

- Clearing the Temple: Jesus is God of the temple.

- Nicodemus: Jesus is not just a rabbi but the one who brings new birth. 

- Woman at the Well: Jesus is the Living Water.

- Healing on the Sabbath: Jesus and the Father are one.

- Feeding the 5,000: Jesus is the Bread of Life.

- Feast Stories: Jesus is the Light of the World.

- Lazarus: Jesus offers his life for the world.

Surrounding Context

✦ The narrative starts with people looking at the sign (verse 2—“And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick”).

✦ The narrative ends with people convinced with the sign (verse 14—“When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, ‘This is indeed the Prophet who is come into the world!’”).

✦ The cause for this event was people following the sign.

✦ Jesus was testing and teaching his disciples.

✦ Jesus was moved by compassion and his ministry.

* The External and Internal Problem

1. When Jesus looked out and saw that a large crowd had arrived, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread to feed these people?” (verse 5).

2. Philip answered, “Two hundred silver pieces wouldn’t be enough to buy bread for each person to get a piece” (verse 7).

3. There was no obvious, practical problem, but there was a mindset problem with Philip.

* The Generous and the Seed

1. “There’s a little boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But that’s a drop in the bucket for a crowd like this” (verse 9).

2. Generosity exemplified: a little boy and a little food.

3. The little is not enough for the need but is powerful as a seed.

4. Will you offer your “not enough” to become a powerful seed?

5. Give your bread to the Bread of Life.

* The Gratitude and Faith

1. Then Jesus took the bread and having given thanks, gave it to those who were seated. He did the same with the fish. All ate as much as they wanted (verse 11).

2. Gratitude is an act of great faith.

Second City Church - Pastor Rollan Fisher

Miracles : “Healing the Paralyzed Man”

Miracles: Let Him Be Known 

“Healing the Paralyzed Man”

Pastor Rollan Fisher

Notes prepared by Jennifer Tower

We believe that God works miracles today by the power of the Holy Spirit to bless people and advance his kingdom. In 2023, we are believing God for miracles that will testify to his power and create new opportunities for the gospel to advance. The sermon series will focus on the 7 miracles John recounts as signs pointing people to faith in Jesus as the Son of God.

Focus:  God sometimes performs miracles to deliver people from the consequences of their sins. 

In essence, this is what God has done in raising Jesus from the dead.

John 5:1-15

1 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. 3 In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. 5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.

Now that day was the Sabbath. 10 So the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed.” 11 But he answered them, “The man who healed me, that man said to me, ‘Take up your bed, and walk.’” 12 They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” 13 Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well!  Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.

“John’s gospel transcends any one historical setting. While he most likely wrote this gospel from Ephesus (the most important urban center at the time), he wrote to both Jew and Gentile. John translates Aramaic into Greek (one example of this is in this pericope) showing his awareness of non-Jewish readers.

✦ John’s gospel theme is that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing in Jesus one can have eternal life (purpose statement found in John 20:3–31).

 Surrounding Context:

✦ This encounter takes place in the first half of John’s gospel. This section is referred to as the “Book of Signs.” This, along with the other miracles recorded in this section, are recorded to show that Jesus is the Messiah.

✦ This miracle is recorded in the first half of the seven signs. These miracles in particular are to show proof of Jesus’ messianic identity.

✦ This is the first recording of Jewish opposition following the operation of the miracle, and is the first one recorded by John taking place in Jerusalem.

✦ The “festival cycle” in John’s gospel begins here and continues through chapter 10.

✦ Following this encounter (John 5:16–18) the Christological question is raised, and the Jewish contention escalates to the point of the religious leaders seeking to kill him. 

Introduction—

Have you ever seen a movie where it begins with a short scene then goes back in time?  As the story continues, you work your way back to that opening scene, and you see that the detail from that scene was important to you understanding the movie as it went along.  As we look at today’s text, we are going to take that approach. We’re going to look at a key detail from the end of the story so that we can better understand what’s happening. In verse 14 when Jesus says “sin no more,” this lets us know that this man’s condition is a result of his sin. This encounter records what happens to the man yet also reveals us in this story. The three choices the man faces are three choices we face today.

B. Do you want to be healed? (verses 5–9) 

1. The Man in the Scripture 

a. It is of importance to note that even though his condition has persisted for thirty-eight years, it was not present at birth. Our “preview” from verse 14 shows us that the man’s actions precipitated his situation. As bad as his situation is, it was familiar to him. After thirty-eight years, it’s likely the only condition he remembers.

b. Jesus is fully aware of the man’s situation. He is omnipotent and yet he poses a question to the man. Does he truly want his situation to change?  The man doesn’t answer yes or no. His answer reveals his helplessness (“I have no one to put me in”) and his hopelessness (“while I am going another steps down before me”).

c. Jesus responds with a three-part directive. Would he believe for the impossible, trust Jesus, and act on it?

A. Yes - he demonstrates both faith and obedience by following.  His miracle was received through faith and walked out in obedience. Rising, picking up the mat, and walking would all be impossible for this man without this miracle.

B. The miracle was enacted immediately. 

C. It was a gift not in any way earned by the man or caused by the pool in which the man had originally put his hope.

2. Us

a. In our context, are we aware of our condition? 

Our culture has multitudes of spiritually blind, lame, and paralyzed people. It isn’t external like the multitudes of invalids by the pool, but internal infirmity is all around us. Even in the midst of it all, Jesus comes to us individually. While it is admirable that we don’t look down upon those who are “broken,” we sometimes fail to address that the situation is our own sin. We make excuses similar to the man’s, that no one will help us or that it’s someone else’s fault that we are stuck.

b. We need to truly ask ourselves if we want to be healed, and even if we do, where are we looking for it (to come from)?

Do we respond like the man and limit God’s intervention to our own understanding and knowledge?  We aren’t sitting by a pool, but we may be looking for our healing to come from therapeutic means when our healing isn’t about that. It may be about acknowledging our sin and responding in obedience. 

What are the pools that we are sitting by, or what places are we looking to for our healing when the One who heals is right in front of us?

C. Who is he? (verses 10-14)

1. The Man in the Scripture 

a. At the time of his healing, the man is unaware of Jesus’ identity. When he first speaks to Jesus, he calls him “Sir.” When asked by the Jewish religious leaders who commanded him to get up and walk, it’s recorded that the man doesn’t know who healed him. What the man does know is that he was told, then was able, to pick up his bed and walk. He would have known his healing came from obedience to the One giving him direction and not from getting himself to the pool. Jesus comes to us even before we know it’s him.

b. The man’s revelation happens in verse 14 when they reconnect in the temple. Jesus reveals himself to the man, knowing the man’s prior sin. Jesus’ proclaims, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” Jesus is not only the man’s healer who makes him well and whole. He’s also the way to abundant life if the man would obey his commands.

2. Us

a. If you were asked, how would you answer these questions? Is Jesus “Sir” or “homeboy”? Is he man or Messiah? Is he someone you will listen to and follow his directions?

b. Is Jesus the one we turn to when we sin or when we are in need?  We can’t lose the facets of our miracle-working Savior just because there are other means available to us.  This should build our faith and root our perspective.  It’s Jesus’ presence and his word that perform our miracles.  He is not only our Savior; he must also be our Lord.

D. Who will we tell?  (verse15) 

1. The Man in the Scripture 

a. Unlike other encounters where the receiver of a miracle goes to tell their fellow villagers, this man goes to the Jews to declare “it was Jesus who healed him.” Was this to report Jesus and absolve the man of the Jewish dissonance, or was this to enlighten them and offer the knowledge of Jesus to them?  We don’t know. But we do know he had the courage and immediate response to ascribe what happened to the correct person. It may have been easier to tell his friends, but this man is even willing to proclaim Jesus to those who oppose him.

2. Us

a. Who will we tell and how will we tell our story?

E. Conclusion - 

Our answer to these questions reveal the end to our story. The most important of these being, Where will our story end?  Will it end with eternal life?  Will it unfold with life abundant?  Our answers are important. This story is good news. It’s too good not to share. We can’t help but make God known when we receive this miracle.

Second City Church - Pastor Rollan Fisher

Miracles : Healing the Official’s Son

Miracles : Let Him Be Known

“Healing the Official’s Son”

Pastor Rollan Fisher

Focus:  God’s miracles are important for spreading the gospel, since some people will not believe in Jesus unless they see signs and wonders.

John 4:46–54 (ESV)

46 So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Capernaum there was an official whose son was ill. 47 When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 So Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” 49 The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. 51 As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was recovering. 52 So he asked them the hour when he began to get better, and they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” 53 The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” And he himself believed, and all his household. 54 This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee.

“The gospel according to John is said to have been one of the early written accounts of the life of Jesus. It was written by John, who is a disciple of Jesus, and at times refers to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” John writes his gospel to a blended audience of both Jews and Gentiles with a particular intent of revealing Jesus as the Son of God. John’s gospel is not a synoptic gospel, so some of his content is not recorded in the other gospels, namely, Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

John also seems rather fascinated with the number “seven” in his gospel—consider the following:

✦ Seven “I Am” Statements

- Bread of Life (John 6:35)

- Light of the World (John 8:12) 

- Gate for the Sheep (John 10:7)

- Good Shepherd (John 10:11)

- Resurrection (John 11:25)

- The Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6) 

- True Vine (John 15:1)

✦ Seven Signs

- Water to wine

- Healing of the sick child

- Healing of the paralyzed man

- Feeding the 5,000

- Healing the blind man

- Raising Lazarus

- Resurrection of Jesus

✦ Seven Discourses Post Every Sign

John particularly, in comparison to the other gospels, uses the word “signs” over the word “miracles” because he is pointing everyone to who Jesus is.

The Purpose of the Book

John takes the tone of an evangelist in his gospel. John’s purpose in writing this gospel is so that Greek minds and Hebrew minds might read and understand salvation. This is why it reads so differently than the synoptics. John wants them to believe.

“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30–31, ESV)”

-Siviwe Notshe

The first miracle Jesus performed was turning water into wine foreshadowing how God can miraculously make us a new creation in Christ.  

Jesus’ second miracle would show Christ as the great physician with the miraculous power to heal broken lives lurking at death's door. 

In this Scripture, Jesus makes a return to Cana in Galilee, the location of the wedding in Chapter 2 and where testimony about his first miracle would undoubtedly have started to spread.  

It is important to testify to what Jesus has done for you - the official came to Jesus asking for help because he heard what Christ had done for others.

Can you clearly articulate your two minute miracle?

At his core, Jesus is the great redeemer who turns us from sin and performs supernatural miracles to heal us mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.  

There are times that we come to Jesus for healing for ourselves - there are other times that we come to Jesus on behalf of others.  

In this case, the official was coming on behalf of his son, but would be healed from his skeptism as Jesus graciously performed a miracle on his family’s behalf.   

In what way do you or those you know and love need healing today?

Jesus’ miracles are able to stop death in its tracks. 

Never say that it is too late for Jesus to perform a miracle.  

The power of the gospel is that whether now or at the resurrection, Jesus gives the miracle of eternal life to all who would believe in him as the unique Son of God.  

The importance of miracles is articulated by Jesus when he communicates to the official that without them, this particular individual would not believe.  

You do not have to be perfect or a spiritual elite to see Jesus perform miracles - you only have to be humble and hungry enough to come to him.  

Jesus did not condemn the condition of his heart, but had compassion on the hurting official and was moved to intervene on his behalf.  

We will not see miracles if we are finding the reasons why God will not intervene.  

This passage teaches us the importance of a vibrant faith versus a dead religion.  

We must have a dynamic, not a static relationship with the living God.  

When we pray, Jesus responds - in one way or another. 

We all have ideas in our minds of how we think God can and should move.  

Though the official wanted Jesus to come to his home to heal his son, Jesus had a different plan.  

In this moment, Jesus would reveal that the literal power of life over death was found in the authority of his Word.  

Jesus was revealing his divinity, pronouncing the official’s son cured at his word - teaching the official to trust Christ as the author, sustainer and ultimate reviver of all life.  

Because the official was desperate enough to ask, God was kind enough to move on his behalf.  

The power of God’s word is what brought the known universe into existence and what sustains it to this day (Genesis 1; John 1; Hebrews 1). 

God releases miracles when we align ourselves in trust with the authority and power of his word.  

Jesus moves in miracle power on behalf of those who seek him.  

There are many types of prayer, but one purpose of petitioning prayer is for us to align our hearts with God’s will as we believe God to speak life transforming Words that glorify his Son as both Lord and Savior.   

Jesus told the official to go believing (trusting) his word and found that his son had been healed at the very hour Jesus had spoken!

Because of this miracle, the skeptical official who was pressed into desperate circumstances, was able to believe - and not only him, but his whole household!

This is a reminder to us that we should pray for God’s mercy and miracles, even for the skeptical, that they might come to believe that Jesus is the promised, prophesied Messiah - the Savior of the world!  

King Solomon, the third king of Israel articulated it this way in a prayer of dedication of the temple of the Lord:

‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭8‬:‭41‬-‭43‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“"Likewise, when a foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, comes from a far country for your name's sake (for they shall hear of your great name and your mighty hand, and of your outstretched arm), when he comes and prays toward this house, hear in heaven your dwelling place and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to you, in order that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel, and that they may know that this house that I have built is called by your name.”

May we have eyes to see our and others’ desperate circumstances as an opportunity for Jesus to work miracles that lead to belief!

May we testify and pray fervently for Jesus to move in miraculous ways on people’s behalf!

Do you believe that what Jesus’ word says, he has the power to do?

Will you come to him on behalf of yourself and others to see him release his miracles?  

The greatest miracle and healing come when we trust God’s word, turn from our prideful rebellion and put our trust in Jesus’ atoning work at the cross for the forgiveness of our sins.  

In this way, though we were all at death’s door, dead in our transgressions and sins, Jesus is able to usher us into the power of his resurrection and the promise of eternal life!

Will you come to Jesus and trust his word today?  

Second City Church - Pastor Rollan Fisher

Miracles: “Turning Water Into Wine”

Miracles: Let him Be Known

“Turning Water Into Wine”

Pastor Rollan Fisher

We believe that God works miracles today by the power of the Holy Spirit to bless people and advance his kingdom. In 2023, we are believing God for miracles that will testify to his power and create new opportunities for the gospel to advance. The sermon series will focus on the 7 miracles John recounts as signs pointing people to faith in Jesus as the Son of God.

Notes prepared by Pastor Brian Taylor 

Big Idea

The ultimate purpose of God’s miracles among us is to reveal the glory of the Son of God, yet a concomitant secondary purpose is to bless people.

Focus: Our greatest problems can become our greatest opportunities to deepen our faith.


Function: To reframe the way we see problems, and more importantly, seek God in our problems.

Future: To become a community of people who operate with a lens of faith in every problem we encounter.
 


Primary Text: 

John 2:1–11

1 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

6 Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. 9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” 11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

Setup:


The gospel of John contains several signs that Jesus performed: from feeding the 5,000 to healing the blind to raising the dead, and many others. When I think about miracles, and the type of situations that necessitate a miracle, running out of wine does not fall on the list of priorities. If I’m holding out for a miracle, I think I would save them for something a little more dire than the situation we see in John 2. Yet this passage gives us the very first public miracle Jesus performs. There is something about this story that we learn, not only about miracles but also about what God does in our hearts when miracles take place.

This story takes place early in the public ministry of Jesus. Verse 1 refers to this being the third day. This could refer to the third day since the ministry started or the third day since talking with Nathanael. Either way, we know it is early on, and Jesus goes to a wedding in a small town about eight miles from Nazareth called Cana. The mother of Jesus was there, and Jesus shows up with his disciples. You know when Jesus shows up, other people show up with him.

Everything seems to be going fine until verse 3 reveals a problem: the wine ran out. It’s interesting that this would be presented as a problem from a biblical perspective. It would make sense for this to seem like a problem in a frat house on campus or a party at a club, but why would this be an issue presented as something for Jesus to fix? Weddings in those days would typically last for an entire week, and each day new guests would arrive. When guests showed up, they came hungry and thirsty. It was expected of the host to make sure food and wine were provided. Imagine the social and financial pressure in hosting a wedding. To not have wine available would be disastrous. One commentator said it would be a “social catastrophe.”

Perhaps this helps us understand why the mother of Jesus would bring this up to him. Maybe this was a close family friend and Mary wanted to help them avoid the embarrassment. Maybe she just knew that her Son could do something to help. Either way, the problem is brought to Jesus. Let’s read Jesus’ response: read verse 4.

Have you ever had things that you did not think were worth bothering Jesus with? This seemed like one of those things Jesus did not want to be bothered with. Jesus tells his mother that this has nothing to do with them and that his hour had not yet come (reference notes about significance of hour). Jesus did not deny it was a problem, but the issue was about the timing of Jesus revealing his glory.

His mother went on to tell them to do whatever he says. The best thing you could ever do, especially when you need a miracle, is listen to Jesus and obey him. 

Here’s what Jesus instructs them to do: read verses 6–7. They not only did what Jesus said, they filled them to the brim. This is not just obedience; this is extreme obedience. At this point they probably do not know what is going to happen. They did not have the luxury of turning to a later verse to see how water was going to turn into wine. They simply did what Jesus told them to do.

In verse 8, we see Jesus commanding them to draw the water out and give it to the headwaiter. The interesting part is that only the servants and the disciples with Jesus really knew what was going on. The rest of the wedding party does not even acknowledge that Jesus saved the day. Read verses 9–10.

The result was not only that the party was able to continue but this did something in the heart of the disciples. Read verse 11. This theme of believing in Jesus is seen all throughout John, even as the ultimate purpose of the book: John 20:31, “But these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in his name.” This seems to ask the reader, are these miracles enough to convince you to believe as well?

Remember, this is the beginning of the signs Jesus would perform. There’s a tone that is set that helps us to understand how Jesus works miraculously in different situations. What can we learn about miracles?

1. The problem was brought to Jesus: Everyone loves miracles, but not everyone loves being put in situations where miracles are needed. What we do find is that at some point the problem is brought to Jesus. We see throughout John that the methods of performing the signs and the types of miracles change, but they all begin with a problem coming to Jesus. I find it intriguing that the first miracle Jesus performs is not at the request of the person needing the miracle. It was not the bridegroom that asked for the miracle; it was the mother of Jesus. Perhaps Mary understood something about Jesus that the others had yet to discover: Jesus is a miracle worker! Do we know where to go with problems when they arise?

2. The problem required obedience: Mary tells the servants to do whatever he says. They don’t know he is the Messiah at this point, and since this is the first of his signs, they did not have a built-in expectation that a miracle was going to happen. They simply acted in the posture of submission. Sometimes we must obey before we understand. Where is God calling for obedience in your life?

3. The problem invited participation: Jesus was the one performing the miracle, however, the servants were part of the process. The servants had to fill the waterpots with water. Why didn’t Jesus just fill the pots with wine? Why was water even needed? We don’t have the answers to those questions, but we do know that Jesus chose to perform this sign using the things that were there and using the people that were there. How is Jesus inviting you to participate in his work today?

4. The problem led to belief: When reading verse 11 we see something happened as a result of this sign: the disciples believed. The question is, how is it that when the miracle took place the disciples believed? They were already disciples. I imagine that for them to follow Jesus up to that point they had to believe at least a little. However, it seems there were levels of belief that they had not reached at this point. Is it possible to be around Jesus, and even a follower of Jesus, and still not fully believe him? It may be that the very problems we want to avoid are the ones God uses to deepen our faith in Jesus. In what ways is God teaching you to trust him more?

Application:


The miracle here is not just turning water to wine but turning hearts that doubt to hearts that believe. What if we began to see our problems differently? What if our greatest problems were our greatest opportunities to deepen our faith?

Conclusion:


What is a problem you are facing that only Jesus can fix? 

Second City Church - Pastor Rollan Fisher