When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, "This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!" - John 6:14 (ESV)
After Jesus feeds the 5000, he was quickly identified with being the Prophet. An interesting conclusion; I might have gone with, "This is indeed the Caterer who is to come!" or something like that. Why does this sign connect to a Prophet? Is Jesus really this prophet? And who really cares anyway?
The Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15) is predicted by Moses to be (1) like him and (2) from the people of Israel (your brothers). Moses was a prophet during the time when the manna came; Elijah was a prophet that provided cakes for the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17); Elisha was a prophet who multiplied 20 barely loaves to 100 men with leftovers (2 Kings 4). There is an association with the Prophet and one who brings food. Well, more specifically, a type of bread.
Jesus does more here than simply bring the bread (and fish) to the people. John quickly turns our attention to the next day when the people question Jesus' departure. Jesus scolds them for wanting normal bread and not wanting the bread that leads to eternal life. And then the shocker of shockers, Jesus declares that He is the Bread of Life (v 35). They must eat His flesh and drink His blood (vv 53-58); a notion that did not sit well with the crowd that had followed Him (v 66).
What do we want from Jesus? What do we expect Him to give us? We are so often encapsulated and defined by our immediate surroundings and circumstances, that our desires for God's provision reflect this. But at the heart of what Jesus offers is Himself. That is what He still offers. We can watch religious TV with all of its promises of material prosperity, buy handkerchiefs that promise healing, and get the latest self-help book that promises emotional nirvana and miss out on what God is offering to us.
During this time of giving, getting, and making a better you, my hope is that we would all find our greatest satisfaction in the what Jesus offers to us - Himself.
12/16/2007
12/12/2007
John 2 - The real bridegroom
The master of the feast called the bridegroom 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.” - John 2:9-10 (ESV)
This seems to be a case of mistaken identity, or at least a misplaced comment. What is also curious is that the comment is about social norms and the virtues of various wines. The whole thing seems a bit unnecessary. Yet here it is, taking up the better part of two verses.
(1) The comment:
Common sense tells us that the first impression is usually the lasting impression and, therefore, most people put out the best first. While the master of the feast is taking about the wine, the comment is really about Jesus. In this instance however, the best is the last. God's best - temple, high priest, prophet, king, kingdom, covenant, etc. - is now seen here in the coming of Christ.
(2) The bridegroom:
While the master of the feast congratulated the wrong person, at least he got the category right. The bridegroom was responsible. It just wasn't the guy in the tux (or black-tie robe). It was the real bridegroom, Christ. This connection is reinforced in the next chapter by John the Baptist's comment on Jesus increasing while he decreases (John 3:29-30).
This miracle concludes with two important words. The first is manifested. The point of this whole ordeal and miracle was to show people something. Some people think the point was to show Jesus' views on wine, others think it was to show that Jesus doesn't let you down during crunch time (crunch time here = not having enough for the guests). But Jesus was displaying His glory. In a big way, Jesus was showing people who He really was. Much like when Moses (after the golden calf incident) asked to see God's glory, God revealed Himself (Exodus 34).
The second important word is the word believed. The result of this manifestation was belief among the disciples. Do we see Him as a fancy bartender/vendor or do we see Him as someone that we should place our hope in? While Jesus may be handy to have around (especially if you do a bunch of catering), is He worth leaving everything behind?
This seems to be a case of mistaken identity, or at least a misplaced comment. What is also curious is that the comment is about social norms and the virtues of various wines. The whole thing seems a bit unnecessary. Yet here it is, taking up the better part of two verses.
(1) The comment:
Common sense tells us that the first impression is usually the lasting impression and, therefore, most people put out the best first. While the master of the feast is taking about the wine, the comment is really about Jesus. In this instance however, the best is the last. God's best - temple, high priest, prophet, king, kingdom, covenant, etc. - is now seen here in the coming of Christ.
(2) The bridegroom:
While the master of the feast congratulated the wrong person, at least he got the category right. The bridegroom was responsible. It just wasn't the guy in the tux (or black-tie robe). It was the real bridegroom, Christ. This connection is reinforced in the next chapter by John the Baptist's comment on Jesus increasing while he decreases (John 3:29-30).
This miracle concludes with two important words. The first is manifested. The point of this whole ordeal and miracle was to show people something. Some people think the point was to show Jesus' views on wine, others think it was to show that Jesus doesn't let you down during crunch time (crunch time here = not having enough for the guests). But Jesus was displaying His glory. In a big way, Jesus was showing people who He really was. Much like when Moses (after the golden calf incident) asked to see God's glory, God revealed Himself (Exodus 34).
The second important word is the word believed. The result of this manifestation was belief among the disciples. Do we see Him as a fancy bartender/vendor or do we see Him as someone that we should place our hope in? While Jesus may be handy to have around (especially if you do a bunch of catering), is He worth leaving everything behind?
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