North Park union., 1905-01-13

l. The Scene. A Wedding at Cana.
US. i. 3. On the Way. /. And the
third day" reckoning from the last
day mentioned (John 1: 43), when
Jesus started for Galilee. and found
Nathaniel In the way.
80 far the disciples had believed on
Jesus. because OF the prophecies and
the testimony Of Jesus, and their ex-
perience with him as a teacher. But
their faith would soon be tested by
the contrast between a humble teach
er and the glorious King they had ex-
pected. 1t was necessary. therefore.
that In some way they should have re-
vealed to them his true nature, his
real grace and glory ". ~
The Wedding. There was mar
riage." Including the marriage feast,
which was frequently celebrated for
several days (Gen. 30: % H.; Judges
IA: 12. Samson's wedding feasD.'-
Cook. Among all Orientals. mar
riages were occasions of much cere-
mony. and of unbounded feasting. =
Tristram. Cana of Galilee." tSee
"place.D
The Guests. "And the mother of
Jesus was there" Already present as
a friend. possibly relative.
2. "And both Jesus was called I'm
vitedD and his disciples" the five or
six who accompanied him.
Jesus and the Home. The fact that
Jesus necessarily. as the Son OF God,
remained unmarried has led many to
imagine that celibacy was the highest
and purest mode of life. Hence. in
part, monks and nuns. The Bible
view is Just the opposite. Marriage
was ordained In Eden. and was sane
tilted by Jesus first miracle; for true,
unselfish love is the way back to Para
disc. Jesus renews the heart. and fills
1t with love, and in his love the high
est earthly love is possible.
Mrs. Hunt says that the Star OF
Bethlehem for temperance stands
over the schoolholse. The Star OF
Bethlehem for morals and religion
stands over the home. 1t is we'll to
note Jesus own conduct in the home
when he was boy and young man. as
described in Luke 2: 40, 81. 81. his
obedience to parents. his development.
his gracious character and piety.
Then. too. he frequented several
homes, especially that OF Mary.
Martha, and Lazarus. He loved little
children. Three times he uttered
parallels concerning the marriage
feast. and often in the Bible 1t sym.
bolizes the union of God with his peo-
pie lisa. 81: 10; 81: s.; Hos. Q: 10;
Matt. 8: Is; John 3: 20; Eph. s.: 81,
32).
Jenrs and the Social Life. 1t is one
of the most interesting things in the
life Of Jesus, that he began his min
istry, and first showed forth his glory.
amid the domestic festivities Of a
home. Jesus presence recognizes the
value Of social pleasures. Of joyous
ness, Of the satisfaction Of common
desires, of the feast OF reason and
flow Of SOUL" Of the fact that life is
not all a grinding at the MILL" time
of toll end sacrifice, but also Of spir-
itual refreshments. Of Joys unspeak-
able, of exquisite satisfaction and
rest. Even the hard duties are pleas
ant because inspired by love; they are
the alabaster boxes Of precious oint-
ment poured out upon the Lived one.
II. The Opportunity. iha Failure
OF Supplies.-Vs. 3-5. 3. AID whom
they wanted Qacked, came short of
wine" The supply of wine having
failed. Probably the family Of Cana
was In humble circumstances, and
hence their supply was limited. THE
mother of Jesus saith unto him, They
have no wine" 1t is plain. ~ that
she was on terms of intimacy with the
family: (2) that she knew Of the fail
ure of the wine t3) that she may have
felt measure of responsibility on ac-
count of the unexpected coming Of her
son and his followers; az that she
looked to Jesus for relief.
4. Jesus saith unto her, Woman"
The impression is more correct when
ne translate woman" with the Cam
Ni!,ge Bible, lady" What have I
IL DO with thee?' I'VE stand on this
matter on different grounds" There
Is mo disrespect. but very distinct
refusal to admit her to dictatorship
or partnership in his action; and the
assertion that he must await another
call than hers. and an hour" that is
all his own."-Chadwick. Mine hour
is not yet come" Jesus thus does not
deny her request. but implies that he
will relieve the want at the best time.
8. His mother saith" This i'm
plies that she understood Jesus as
really granting her request. Unto
tho servants" Who might not other
wise obey one who was only a guest.
Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it."
Tbs. the Golden Text" of the lesson,
Is noble motto for every life. What
JetIs bids you do by his word or by
his life, is always the best and high
est you can do. Obedience to this in
junction will keep you from every err
ror, and guide you to the best possible
life both In this world and the world
to come.
III. The Deed that Was Both Wit.
ness and q Sign.-Vs. 6-1O. 6. Six
waterpots Of stone" No well has yet
been discovered among the ruins of
Kana-el-Jelil. and the surface water
was probably collected in cisterns.
Hence the need for SO many large
jars of water for the purpose Of wash
ing the hands and feet of the dust