The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1905-01-19
lie First Miracle
i'm Cana
Sunday School Lesson for Jan. "a. 1905
Prepared by the Highway ana
Byway" Preacher.
Copyright, 1904, by >. NJ. Edson.D

TIME-The third day after Jesus de-
parture from the Jordan for Galilee mem
toned in John 2:43.
PLACE.--Cana Of Galilee, the home of
Nathaniel.
A REMINDER.--The key text Of Johns
Gospel, and hence of every lesson taken
therefrom, Is 20:3i. John records this incl
dent as an eye witness In order that we
may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the
Son of God; and that believing ye may
have life in His name" Notice how the
Divinity of Christ is attested in each les
son thus far. First His existence traced
back to the beginning with God. Second.
Johns witness based upon the audible and
visible witness Of God. Third, the witness
of the first disciples. And the present les
sons adds its evidence of the miracle.
The Lesson Outline.
THEME.-Jesus' glory manifested.
1.-The Occasion, VS.. 1, 2.
Q) At q Wedding, v. l.
(2) Jesus Invited, v. 2.
1.-THE Opportunity, VS.. 80.
QD A Need and an Appeal. VS.. 80.
() willing Servants, v. 8.
CD Empty Jars. v. 9.
IIl-The Methods, vs.. Z. g.
"a Simple and Direct-Jesus used what
they had.
ca Transforming Obtained what they
had not.
IV.-The Results, vs. 9-ll.
% Superior Wine vs.. D.
(2) Competent Testimony, " 10.
(S) Convinced Disciples. v. IL.
Comparing Scripture with Scripture.
|. The Occasion. U At a Wedding,
v. There is no occasion or circum-
stance in life that may not be made
radiant with the manifested glory OF
Jesus. 1t is significant that the setting
of Jesus first miracle should have been
a wedding. Jesus was neither an ascetic
nor winebibber, the latter Of which his
enemies accused Him of being. Matt.
11:19.
(2) Jesus Invited, v. 1.-Two signif-
cant points: /. The desire for Jesus
presence, and Q, His willingness to come.
II Jesus were at more weddings to-day,
there would be less marriages which
prove failures and fewer divorces.
II. The Opportunity. O A Need and
an Appeal, VS.. 3, 4.-The glory of Jesus
always shines forth where there Is q
need to supply and turning to Him in
faith for help. Comp. Phil. 4:19 with
Phil. 4:6. The wine of the world is sure
to fail sooner or later and then we must
turn to Jesus to obtain the wine which
can satisfy.
co Willing Servants, v. 5.-A wom-
an with faith could inspire the servants
with willing spirit to do the Masters
will. Faith wins cooperation, always.
And cooperation Is needed that Jesus
power and glory may be manifested.
(3) Empty Jars, v. Cit is the emp
A., ,,o.,oI xr,biob Jaonc uopto ~,
that He may fill 1t. Note all through
this incident how dependent Gods pow
er Is upon human agencies: The human
need, the appeal of faith, the willing
servants, and then even the empty jars.
ILL., The Methods. % Simple and
Direct, v. 7.-Jesus began with what
they had Here is a wonderful lesson
for every one who would render helpful
ministry to others. 1t was the rod I'm
Moses hand and the sling In David's
hand which God was pleased to use.
Gen. Az; / Sam. 17:40 Jesus asks us
to do seemingly foolish things some
times, but II we obey it brings its re-
ward, and its glory. In Jesus response
to the appeal we have revealed the spirit
1t was that He might serve others and
witness to the truth. What an example
for us. / Cor. 10:31; Col. 3.17.
(2) Transforming, v. S.-Beginning
with what they had Jesus gave them
what they had not Water-and yet as
they obediently poured out and bore TO
the governor Of the feast, the water was
transformed. The commonest things of
life when poured out in service for
others are transformed. Self given I'm
living sacrifice to God is transformed
into the likeness of Christ's perfect char
acter. Rom. 1871, /, g. Jesus glory ia
manifested thus.
Nv. The Results. "a Superior Wine,
v. 9.-Permh no discussion of the non
senslcal question as to whether the wine
was alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Surely.
He from Whom every good and perfect
gift" comes would not supply that which
would harm or destroy Gods Word
cries out In no uncertain terms against
strong drink.
(2 Competent Testimony, v. 1O-
Ignorant Of the origin of this wine, the
governor appreciates its high quality.
This Is conclusive evidence of the
miracle which Jesus had wrought.
(3) Convinced Disciples, v. 11.-No
mention is made of the others in attend
ance on the feast as to the effect of this
miracle upon them. Surely, had they
believed on Jesus, Scripture would have
so recorded. They could receive this
wine from His hand. but they could not
receive the Christ. All, how true this is
Of people to-dayI Willing to take all
that God has to give, but unwilling to
believe in His only begotten Son. In
which group would you have been, with
the few disciples or the unbelieving
guests. had you been there? Where do
you stand to-day?
The Golden Text.
Whatsoever He saith unto you, do
it"-What different world this would
be II this Injunction were obeyed! How
speedily the world would be brought to
Christ did every Christian obey the voice
Of Jesus! Whatsoever" includes all
the range OF human need and service.
DO It," Though you understand not;
though 1t may bring ridicule, or perse-
cution, or suffering, or toss. "Do It'll"
and you will have: Peace and Joy with
In, and success and blessing without.
Self is an unsafe master. Whatsoever
self saith unto you, do 1t not. But
whatsoever Jesus saith to you, do it."