Jesus Changes Water Into Wine

John 2:1-11

“Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”

His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” 

They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”

What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

Woman: The Greek for Woman does not denote any disrespect.

Jesus' first miracle has a homely setting. The wedding festivities normally lasted a week, and when the wine ran out the bridegroom must have been highly embarrassed.

This is the first of seven 'signs' selected by John. All have a purpose - they actively support the claims Jesus made, and are intended to lead to/confirm faith. No lesson is drawn from this story, but the water is generally taken as a symbol of the old religious system in which Jesus transforms.

Why?

Do whatever Jesus tells you is the solution of our life. It looks impossible, but in the Lord, there is anything possible.

Jesus turn the water into wine, this is the first miracle Jesus did, and it bring joy to the people, Jesus bring the blessing to us, and erase our sins is more important than living.

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耶穌第一次行神蹟。宴席通常辨好幾天。

耶穌說婦人...馬利亞並沒有生氣，她知道耶穌要做什麼?僕人也需要完全的順服耶穌的吩咐。

耶穌為什麼說： 婦人，我與妳有什麼相干?我與妳中間的關係是什麼?除了母子關係外。本質上是神與人的關係。馬利亞不能要神做事情，因此馬利亞明白了，所以要僕人聽耶穌的吩咐！耶穌要聽的是父神的決定！當我要行神蹟的時候，我們不是母子關係，不允許有人的意思在當中。馬利亞願意順服，人不能插手，人順服後所以神行神蹟的時候到了！水本來要洗腳的，先拿給總管喝，總管也願意喝，我覺得沒有道理的也順服才是真正的順服。傭人不用負責，只要奉命行事。同樣我們確認是神要我們順服時，結果也是神負責！800多公升，顯示神給人的是何等豐盛有餘，而且質也是好的。耶穌所變出來的酒比上好的酒更好，遠超過世界的最好的還要好！無論什麼情形，神要給我們更好的，比我們擁有的更好。人謙卑下來神才會做事情，神蹟才會發生！

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How?

Jesus is the Lord, and he brings hope and joy and peace to anyone who follows Him. 

Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel

 John 1:35-51

 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”  They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”

“Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.

Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).

When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”

Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”

Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.”

The twelve disciples of Jesus. At john's words, two of his followers leave him for Jesus - Andrew, the fisherman, and an unnamed follower, possibly the apostle John. The news is too good not to share; so  Andrew brings Peter and Philip brings Nathanael.

Why?

John once again declared Jesus is the Lamb of God, and his two disciples followed Jesus. John knew Jesus doing more powerful and doing great things than he was. 

Andrew and Simon, Nathanael, John, and Philip became the disciples of Jesus.

Jesus renamed Simonvas Cephas, Peter. For Jesus knew he will be stone of the truth.

Nathanael declared that Jesus is the Son of God, the king of Israel!

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4個門徒跟從耶穌的過程。

施洗約翰帶領門徒的目的是要他們跟從耶穌，我們帶領人信主，目的是建立神國的門徒，不是單為教會的人數增加!

腓利認識耶穌，也把拿但業介紹給耶穌，拿但業起初不認同，腓利、安得烈做他們該做的，帶領人到耶穌面前。這是我們現在的工作，把人帶到主面前，讓他們遇見主，讓主對他們說話！

在我們認識耶穌前，耶穌已經認識我們。我們要把人帶到耶穌面前。耶穌知道他叫西門，要改名為磯法。名字代表人的性格，改名是期待生命的改變。

拿但業批評人，心直口快，耶穌卻把人性格的缺點、弱點變成優點，心中沒有鬼詐的人。我們可能自己覺得沒有什麼優點，長處，但是耶穌可以使用，使我們改變，如西門變磯法，而不是擺爛！

他們遇到耶穌的那一刻，就是遇見神，經歷一個神蹟，要遇見更大的事：生命的改變，找到通往天上的路！這才是最重要的，勝過醫病....。

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How?

Jesus is the lamb of God, is the Son of God, and is the king of Israel.

I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One

John 1:19-34

Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.”

Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”

 “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”

Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”

John the Baptist's dramatic preaching attracts much attention. But he directs it away from himself. He is not Messiah,. Nor will he admit to being the predicted second Elijah (Malachi 4:5: in contrast, Jesus leaves us in no doubt that this prediction was realized in John - Matthew. Nor is he the prophet like Moses, spoken of in Deuteronomy 18:15. As soon as God has shown him his 'Chosen One'. John directs people to Jesus.

Why?

John's testimony shows Jesus is the Messiah. He is even not worthy to untie Jesus's sandals.

When John baptized Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes upon Jesus as a dove and remain on him, once more time proved Jesus is God's Chosen One. 

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施洗約翰：從否認開始1)不強調身份與頭銜2)不為他的工作上誇口 3)只強調耶穌的身份與工作。

非常符合後來chap3 他必興旺、我必衰微！

施洗約翰否認他是彌賽亞、先知、一直沒有說我是誰? 馬拉基書提列將來有個以利亞來，耶穌後來說他就是馬拉基書4:5的以利亞。許多人不知不覺中重視頭銜，例如要牧者來我禱告，比傳道人、小組長禱告更好。其實神都垂聽！

不為自己的工作誇口：猶太人認為為人施洗要有身份地位！質疑他以什麼權柄來施洗?施洗約翰認為我本來就是不配的、不算什麼。我們只是神的器皿！

只強調耶穌的身份及工作：指出這位就是神的羔羊！強調耶穌的永恆性，要用聖靈給人施洗的。強調耶穌的工作是要除去世人罪孽！

當人來質問我們身份時，我們本能的會把自己身份亮出來！

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How?

Jesus is the son of the Lord in the flesh who came to this world, in order to save us from sins. Jesus is the lamb to erase our sins. This is the way only to save us. But most people do not accept Him.

The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us

 John 1:14-18

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

(John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

Why?

The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. Show the love and glory to us, let us know that God’s love and grace come to us.

We can’t see the image of the Lord, but Jesus became flesh to show the love and mercy of the Lord to us.

The Law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. So the love of Jesus Chris is equally important to the Law. Both are the word of the Lord.

More important is the sin of all human beings have to erase through blood of Jesus, by believe Jesus is the Lord. It is turn our mind and heart. If you believe you will be a son of the Lord. It is easy but it is difficult for most people.

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昨天光照在黑暗裏

神成為肉身，經歷人成長的過程，經歷居無定所，流離顛沛，與一起生活、受苦，把真理真光帶給人。因此必須指出人的錯誤，這樣人多受不了。神接納人，安慰人，有恩典也有真理，不是爛好人，不是只定人的罪！這就是道成肉身！

神把好處給我們還考慮到我們如何會接受。

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How?

Be humble and have faith in Jesus Christ, Jesus is my way, my salvation and my hope!

John 1:01-13 All who believed in his name, he gave there right to become children of God

John 1:1-13

 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it

There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.He was in the world, and though the world was made through him,the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 

Matthew and Luke begin their story at the time of Jesus' birth. Mark at the start of his ministry. John's introduction goes right back to the very beginning. The story of Jesus does not begin with a human birth: this Gospel concerns 'the Word', one who shares God's own nature, who was God's executive in creation. When God spoke, his Word brought life itself into existence.

Now comes the stupendous truth: this same Word became a human being in the person of Jesus. He lived among us. John says. 'We saw his glory.' His life shone out against the darkness of a world which largely failed to recognize him - even his own people. But those who did receive him are blessed with God's loving forgiveness. They are accepted and welcomed into God's family his adopted children.

Why?

Jesus is the light who is with the Lord in the beginning.

The word of the Lord is from the beginning, through the word of God made the world and all mankind. 

Without the Jesus there is darkness for Jesus is the light.

Jesus bring the life and hope and light to mankind, anyone can receive him as children of the Lord, but this world reject Him. But accepted Him are welcomed into God’s family.

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耶穌基督是道：是道、是神。道成了肉身、是神的兒子。耶穌基督的超越性，是創造者，我們是被造的。超越時間，即在時間以外的那一位！超過一切自然規律。

耶穌基督是真光： 要照在黑暗裏，使在黑暗中的人得到光。但是世界卻不接受光！黑暗中的人反而習慣的避開光，人的羞恥會被顯出來。光照的目的是不是羞辱人而是除去人的羞辱。接受真光的人是神生的，有神的性情，生命！不是神收養的。

信：不僅是承認，而且是接待真光，使我們一切羞恥都被除去！讓我們謙卑降服接受真光！

耶穌基督是神的獨生子

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How?

Jesus is the Lord in the beginning, Jesus is the light to shine on this darkness world.

James 5:7-20 Be patient and stand firm

 James 5:7-20

You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oilin the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

James continues the thought of the day of God's coming. Christians need patience in the waiting time, the patience of the farmer, the patient endurance of suffering that we see in the prophet and Job. All was well for Job in the ned, and so it will be for us.

Are you in trouble? Pray, then. Are you happy? Praise God. Are you ill? God heals in response to trusting prayer. Elijah is no different from us. Think of the power of his prayer, and be encouraged.

James's final word, perhaps still in the context of prayer, concerns the backslider. When one of the fellowships turns away from God, another must go and bring them back. That return means a soul saved and sings forgiven.

Why?

Christian were suffering trouble and oppression in that time, so Jame encouraged them with faith and pray.

Do no swear, just say Yes or No, with integrity.

All of us have in trouble in our daily life, Yes, let’s pray and when we are happy sing songs of praise. And confess our sins. For all of us are sinners, when we turns from the error of our way will be saved.

Do not grumble, no one like listen grumble!

How?

The real joy and happy is in Jesus Chris and blessing in the Lord!

But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

 James 4:11-5:6

But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.

Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.

Don't criticize and judge others: judgment is God's business. Don't assume you have total control of your life; there is in God's hands too.

There is a special danger in wealth. It wraps people up in false security. They are so well-insulated that they cease to feel for those who are cold and hungry. This life is so pleasant that they forget the day of reckoning. But God sees and hears all.

Why?

We have no right to judge others, it is the right of the Lord.

Our life, our way is in hands of the Lord, we can plan our goal, but God leads us the way in our life. So do not boast what I have don't, but because of the mercy of the Lord, so we may be blessing and living.

To be a rich man is not a fault, but we should treat others fairly and with mercy and love, they are working for us so we should pay them back for their efforts.

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人想做審判官，定善惡。

論斷弟兄就是不認同律法、批評律法，無論口中無論如何說遵行律法。不是不分別是非，而是先除掉我們眼中的樑木，認清我也有過失，我也沒有多好，存謙卑的心、愛心來看別人。

自以為可以掌握一切的人：許多事情卻是我們無法掌握。我們可以規劃，但是我們生命必須符合神的心意！

指出為富不仁的人的不是。財務多到一個程度，享受不到，長銹、被蟲咬，最後在審判的時候等待被宰殺。義人不反抗這些人的逼迫，似乎他們得意，審判已經臨到！

保守我們沾染配合，心裏柔和謙卑！

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How?

Be humble, no matter what I am doing, good or bad result, it is in hands of the Lord, what I can say is submit to the Lord, for God is my shepher.