John 2-4

John 2

Wedding at Cana

• Jesus attends a wedding in Cana with His disciples and His mother
  • Joseph perhaps died?
• The wine runs out
• Mary tells Jesus about the problem
• Jesus responds “My hour has not yet come.”

Water Turned to Wine

• Six stone water jars used for Jewish purification are filled
• Jesus turns water into wine
• The master of the feast:
  • is surprised by the quality
  • says the best wine was saved for last

First Sign

• This is Jesus’ first “sign”
  • σημεῖον sēmeion
• Jesus reveals His glory
• The disciples believe in Him

Jesus Drives Out Merchants

• Jesus goes to Jerusalem for Passover. He finds money changers and animal sellers
• Jesus drives them out with a whip
• He says: “Do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.”
• Disciples remember: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”
  • Psalm 69:9

“Destroy This Temple”

• Jewish leaders ask for a sign
• Jesus says: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
• They think He means Herod’s temple
• John explains Jesus meant His body
• After the resurrection disciples understand

Jesus Knows Hearts

• Many believe because of signs
• Jesus does not entrust Himself fully to them
• He knows:
  • human nature
• what is in man

John 3

Spurgeon on this chapter: “If we were asked to read to a dying man who did not know the gospel, we should probably select this chapter as the most suitable one for such an occasion; and what is good for dying men is good for us all, for that is what we are; and how soon we may be actually at the gates of death, none of us can tell.” 

Nicodemus Comes to Jesus

• Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews
• Acknowledges Jesus as teacher from God
• Jesus says: “Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
• Nicodemus misunderstands physically
• Jesus explains spiritual rebirth: born of water and Spirit
  • Compares Spirit to wind
  • πνεῦμα (pneuma) Can mean:
    • wind
    • spirit
    • breath

• Nicodemus struggles to understand
• Jesus references Moses lifting serpent in wilderness
  • Jesus predicts crucifixion: “So must the Son of Man be lifted up.”

“For God so loved the world…”

• God gives His Son
• Eternal life comes through belief in Him
• Jesus came to save, not condemn

Light and Darkness

• Belief brings life
• Unbelief brings condemnation
• People love darkness because of evil deeds
  • But truth comes into the light

John the Baptist Exalts Jesus 

• John baptizes alongside Jesus’ disciples
• Discussion arises about purification
• John says: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
• John calls himself friend of the bridegroom
  • Jesus is the bridegroom

Jesus Above All

• Jesus comes from heaven
• Whoever believes has eternal lifeWhoever rejects the Son remains under wrath

John 4

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman

• Jesus travels from Judea to Galilee, and passes through Samaria
  • Stops at Jacob’s well in Sychar
• Jesus asks a Samaritan woman for water
  • (Jews and Samaritans normally avoid each other)
• Jesus offers “living water” ὕδωρ ζῶν (hydōr zōn)
  • Literally living/running water
  • Spiritually: eternal life/ satisfaction through God
• Jesus reveals knowledge of her five husbands and partner
• Discussion shifts to worship locations (Jerusalem vs other places like this mountain)
  • Was she trying to distract?
• Jesus says: “true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.”

Jesus Reveals Himself as Messiah

• Woman mentions coming Messiah
• Jesus responds “I who speak to you am he.”
• Disciples return shocked Jesus speaks with her
• Woman leaves water jar behind and tells town about Jesus

Fields White for Harvest

• Jesus speaks about spiritual food
• Says: “the fields are white for harvest.”
  • It is time for gathering souls

Many Samaritans Believe

• Many believe because of woman’s testimony and Jesus’ words
• They declare:“This is indeed the Savior of the world.”

Healing the Official’s Son

• Royal official asks Jesus to heal dying son
  • Jesus says:“Go; your son will live.”
  • Official believes Jesus’ word.
• Servants confirm son healed at exact hour
• Official and household believe
• John calls this second sign in Galilee

Application

What a powerful few chapters! We already see Jesus’ power in transforming lives. He offers living water and new life. Like the Samaritan woman and Nicodemus, we are invited to believe in Jesus and share Him with others.