~ John...Chapter 2 ~
And the third day
there was a marriage
And the third day
there was a marriage
in Cana of Galilee;
and
the mother of Jesus
was there:
the mother of Jesus
was there:
And
both Jesus was called,
and
his disciples,
both Jesus was called,
and
his disciples,
to
the marriage.
the marriage.
And
when they
wanted wine,
when they
wanted wine,
the mother of Jesus
saith unto him,
saith unto him,
They have no wine.
Jn. 2:1-3
Jn. 2:1-3
Jesus' mother brought this need to Him ... because she knew that He was the Son of God.
This situation would have been about providing physical wine for a physical wedding party ... except Mary knew who Jesus really was.
God had told her what to name the child before He was even born.
This situation would have been about providing physical wine for a physical wedding party ... except Mary knew who Jesus really was.
God had told her what to name the child before He was even born.
His name meant "Saviour" because He was the one sent from God to save His people from their sins
..."And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)
..."And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)
... Neither was this about a proud mom wanting to show the world how her son could do a miracle.
So what connection does "wine" have with saving people from their sins?
It concerns much more than providing physical wine for a physical party
... as we shall see:
... as we shall see:
Jesus saith unto her,
Woman,
what have I
to do with thee?
what have I
to do with thee?
mine hour
is not yet come.
Jn. 2:4
is not yet come.
Jn. 2:4
Is Jesus really rebuking His mother?
Is she asking Him to do something that God Himself had not already preordained because Jesus had not yet officially entered into His ministry
... or was He drawing attention to the fact that this had nothing to do with His mother's request?
... or was He drawing attention to the fact that this had nothing to do with His mother's request?
Would Jesus have noticed that they were out of wine ... if His mother had not drawn it to His attention?
Of course He would have known. He is God and knows all things, the "Alpha and Omega" from the beginning to the end.
Of course He would have known. He is God and knows all things, the "Alpha and Omega" from the beginning to the end.
Perhaps this discourse with His mother had to happen ... in part ... to draw our attention to the fact that it really did not have anything to do with
... Mary's special relationship with her Son
... or her concern regarding the wine.
... Mary's special relationship with her Son
... or her concern regarding the wine.
Jesus was not doing this to please His mother ... to please those who had invited Him to the wedding ... or to please anyone else.
Jesus did not come to interpose Himself into every situation taking place around Him at that point in history. He did not try to heal everyone ... feed everyone ... or ... replenish every supply of wine at every wedding celebration.
The miracles of Jesus had to be selective because He still was only one physical person fulfilling the will of the Father
... therefore He had to allow His time and energy to be limited by the earthly dimension in which He was living.
The miracles of Jesus had to be selective because He still was only one physical person fulfilling the will of the Father
... therefore He had to allow His time and energy to be limited by the earthly dimension in which He was living.
After the resurrection ... the Holy Spirit would come to believers and then He would be personally interacting with His people on a much larger ... simultaneous, and intimate scale.
But for now ... He responded to this specific lack of wine only because it could be used to teach a valuable eternal lesson.
But for now ... He responded to this specific lack of wine only because it could be used to teach a valuable eternal lesson.
Even though Jesus drew attention to the fact that it was not yet time to announce His ministry
... He was ... nevertheless ... compelled to become involved with this need for "wine"
... because it was an extremely important opportunity to introduce and illustrate His salvation message ... the main purpose for His very earthly existence.
... He was ... nevertheless ... compelled to become involved with this need for "wine"
... because it was an extremely important opportunity to introduce and illustrate His salvation message ... the main purpose for His very earthly existence.
This was also a perfect opportunity to impress upon His people the significance of the symbolic meaning of the word, "wine" and the unique connection it has to "the marriage" and "the wedding celebration."
This miracle was going to sum up the entire message of the entire Word of God that was designed to do one thing
... which was ... to focus on the preeminence of Jesus Christ ... the Word of God in the flesh ... the Saviour who had come to save His people from their sins and call them to Himself
... as the Groom calls the Bride to the ultimate wedding feast of all time
... when ... at His appearing ... His Voice like a trumpet ... will be heard saying, "Come up!"
... which was ... to focus on the preeminence of Jesus Christ ... the Word of God in the flesh ... the Saviour who had come to save His people from their sins and call them to Himself
... as the Groom calls the Bride to the ultimate wedding feast of all time
... when ... at His appearing ... His Voice like a trumpet ... will be heard saying, "Come up!"
If the enemies of Christ could twist these Scriptures just a little ... just enough ... to take our focus off of the most important message it is bringing
... and make us believe that this was about Jesus' relationship with His mother ... instead of the lesson He was really teaching
... it could serve as a major perpetual stumbling block to understanding the real ... eternal ... symbolic importance "wine" actually has.
... and make us believe that this was about Jesus' relationship with His mother ... instead of the lesson He was really teaching
... it could serve as a major perpetual stumbling block to understanding the real ... eternal ... symbolic importance "wine" actually has.
This is the message ... hidden in the "hidden manna"
... (and the hidden meaning of the word, "wine")
... which God reveals to those ... who really want to know
... and ... who really want to follow Christ.
... (and the hidden meaning of the word, "wine")
... which God reveals to those ... who really want to know
... and ... who really want to follow Christ.
(Read more about this in the free blog book, "Hidden Manna,"... See picture link in left column.)
The truth regarding "Hidden Manna" reveals the one "buried treasure"... "pearl of great price"... found from Genesis to Revelation in everything Jesus had said and done from the very beginning.
So ... by this we know ... that it was really (God) ... the Father's idea
... before:
... before:
His mother saith
unto the servants,
Whatsoever
he saith unto you,
he saith unto you,
do it.
Jn. 2:5
Jn. 2:5
When Jesus asked His mother:
"Woman, what have I to do with thee?"
... Mary would not have ignored what He said ... if He was rebuking her
... and she would not have pressed the point to get her own way ... by telling the servants to do whatever Jesus told them to do.
... and she would not have pressed the point to get her own way ... by telling the servants to do whatever Jesus told them to do.
First of all Jesus would not have rebuked His own mother.
He wrote the eternal Word of God that tells us to "honor mother and father"
... and Mary would not have tried to influence the Son of God (contrary to what some may believe)
... because Jesus Christ is preeminent.
... Of course ... Mary already knew that Jesus had His own agenda.
He wrote the eternal Word of God that tells us to "honor mother and father"
... and Mary would not have tried to influence the Son of God (contrary to what some may believe)
... because Jesus Christ is preeminent.
... Of course ... Mary already knew that Jesus had His own agenda.
Mary was not going "above Jesus' head"
... using her position as His mother ... to do what she thought had to be done to get more wine on the table.
Actually the very opposite is true.
By saying, "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it"
... she was submitting to His preeminent spiritual authority
... following His lead
... making His agenda her agenda as well
... and
... acknowledging that Jesus had His own plan.
... using her position as His mother ... to do what she thought had to be done to get more wine on the table.
Actually the very opposite is true.
By saying, "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it"
... she was submitting to His preeminent spiritual authority
... following His lead
... making His agenda her agenda as well
... and
... acknowledging that Jesus had His own plan.
So this discourse between Mary and Jesus was not her attempt to bend His will ... but to emphasize the importance of what Jesus was about to do.
"Wine" played a vital part symbolically in the marriage and wedding celebration
... which ultimately gives us a glimpse of the marriage supper of the Lamb and the Bride (which is the True Church of Jesus Christ)
... which John later writes about in the Book of Revelation as he describes the very significant role "wine" plays in that scenario.
... which ultimately gives us a glimpse of the marriage supper of the Lamb and the Bride (which is the True Church of Jesus Christ)
... which John later writes about in the Book of Revelation as he describes the very significant role "wine" plays in that scenario.
Later Jesus clarified the type of relationship He really had with His mother in Matthew 12 when:
v.46
"While
he yet talked
to the people,
behold,
his mother
and
his brethren
stood without,
desiring to speak
with him.
v.47
Then
one said unto him,
"Behold, thy mother
and
thy brethren
stand without,
desiring to speak
with thee.
v.48
But
he answered
and
said unto him
that told him,
Who is my mother?
and
who are my brethren?
v.49
And
he stretched forth
his hand
toward his disciples,
and said,
Behold my mother
and
my brethren!
v.50
For whosoever
shall do the will
of my Father
which is in heaven,
the same
is my brother,
and
sister, and mother."
-Matthew 12:46-50
v.46
"While
he yet talked
to the people,
behold,
his mother
and
his brethren
stood without,
desiring to speak
with him.
v.47
Then
one said unto him,
"Behold, thy mother
and
thy brethren
stand without,
desiring to speak
with thee.
v.48
But
he answered
and
said unto him
that told him,
Who is my mother?
and
who are my brethren?
v.49
And
he stretched forth
his hand
toward his disciples,
and said,
Behold my mother
and
my brethren!
v.50
For whosoever
shall do the will
of my Father
which is in heaven,
the same
is my brother,
and
sister, and mother."
-Matthew 12:46-50
With this ... Jesus made it perfectly clear that members of His earthly family (including His mother)
... were not to be held in higher regard than any other believer in Christ
... and goes on to further define those who actually qualify as His real family.
... were not to be held in higher regard than any other believer in Christ
... and goes on to further define those who actually qualify as His real family.
The real family of Jesus Christ
... consists of only those who "do the will of my Father which is in heaven" ... Jesus said.
... consists of only those who "do the will of my Father which is in heaven" ... Jesus said.
We will not take the time here to list all of the verses that make salvation exclusive in this manner.
The important thing to remember is that ... while the specific works we are called to do ... serve as evidence of salvation
... we cannot earn eternal life in heaven through obedience or any works of any sort
... because salvation is really "... through faith not of works ..."
(Eph. 2:9)
However ... at the same time ... it is vital to keep in mind ... that without obedience to the specific will of God ... we are demonstrating that we actually do not know Christ or possess eternal life with Him ... at all.
Therefore ..."faith without works is dead." (James 2:20)
... So without works ... faith in this case ... does not really exist in the person's life at all.
The important thing to remember is that ... while the specific works we are called to do ... serve as evidence of salvation
... we cannot earn eternal life in heaven through obedience or any works of any sort
... because salvation is really "... through faith not of works ..."
(Eph. 2:9)
However ... at the same time ... it is vital to keep in mind ... that without obedience to the specific will of God ... we are demonstrating that we actually do not know Christ or possess eternal life with Him ... at all.
Therefore ..."faith without works is dead." (James 2:20)
... So without works ... faith in this case ... does not really exist in the person's life at all.
In other words ... we are not saved because we obey ... we obey (and desire to obey) ... because we are saved as a result of the Word and Spirit of God working in us.
Yes, we are human so we are gong to make some mistakes and "miss the mark" (sin) at times
... but this is not the basic sin of rebellion from which we are initially forgiven when Christ comes into our life (or we would have to remain in a continual state of having to be saved over and over again)
... Instead ... it is that type of sin that happens to occur ... as we are learning how to wisely function in this fallen world.
Yes, we are human so we are gong to make some mistakes and "miss the mark" (sin) at times
... but this is not the basic sin of rebellion from which we are initially forgiven when Christ comes into our life (or we would have to remain in a continual state of having to be saved over and over again)
... Instead ... it is that type of sin that happens to occur ... as we are learning how to wisely function in this fallen world.
Therefore ... this chapter is not about Jesus rebuking His mother
... but about respectfully letting everyone know the importance of the "wine"
... what it really symbolized ... and the connection it has to His Father's Word and will.
... but about respectfully letting everyone know the importance of the "wine"
... what it really symbolized ... and the connection it has to His Father's Word and will.
Jesus did not come to teach us about tricks ... magic... or mysticism through the miracles He performed.
The miracles He did were intended to reveal two things:
The miracles He did were intended to reveal two things:
1)..That He was and is God and because He had created the powerful laws of the universe ... He is therefore able to use these laws at His command.
-and-
2)..He had come to teach us how to understand the physical symbolism of His Words and actions
... as they were designed to illustrate the most important message regarding the existence of the spiritual dimension and how it affects the eternal salvation He was making available to mankind.
Jesus came to teach man that without faith via the Word of God ... it is impossible to really understand what is happening in the unseen realm in which God resides.
... as they were designed to illustrate the most important message regarding the existence of the spiritual dimension and how it affects the eternal salvation He was making available to mankind.
Jesus came to teach man that without faith via the Word of God ... it is impossible to really understand what is happening in the unseen realm in which God resides.
Later in the Gospel of John ... we can see just how Jesus explains this to Nicodemus ... in the third chapter.
Jesus had the enormous task of trying to teach people spiritual lessons when they were only familiar with a physical world.
In the beginning ... the law of Moses taught mankind how to morally function ... physically ... according to the physical ... written Word of God.
Now Jesus came to teach how to morally function ... spiritually ... through the power of the Holy Spirit ... through faith ... and Spirit of God ... that resides in the Word of God.
Now Jesus came to teach how to morally function ... spiritually ... through the power of the Holy Spirit ... through faith ... and Spirit of God ... that resides in the Word of God.
And
there were set there
six waterpots
of
stone,
there were set there
six waterpots
of
stone,
after the manner
of
the purifying
of
the purifying
[water being used in
a ritual purgation or washing]
a ritual purgation or washing]
of
the Jews,
the Jews,
containing two or three firkins apiece.
Jn. 2:6
Jn. 2:6
The (6) waterpots
[the number "6" symbolic of man and the physical world]
were there to provide physical water for "purification" before and after meals
... Here we see water ... as "water of the Word of God"... being used symbolically again to spiritually cleanse ... and purify man.
[the number "6" symbolic of man and the physical world]
were there to provide physical water for "purification" before and after meals
... Here we see water ... as "water of the Word of God"... being used symbolically again to spiritually cleanse ... and purify man.
This custom had nothing to do with cleansing the skin of germs or dirt ... as we do before meals today
... but was a (physical) religious ritual ... symbolic of washing oneself from sin under the Jewish law.
Pontius Pilot understood this Jewish ceremony ... this is the reason he publically washed his hands of Jesus in an attempt to convey to the Jews that he was not going to take responsibility for (the sin of) putting an innocent man to death.
... but was a (physical) religious ritual ... symbolic of washing oneself from sin under the Jewish law.
Pontius Pilot understood this Jewish ceremony ... this is the reason he publically washed his hands of Jesus in an attempt to convey to the Jews that he was not going to take responsibility for (the sin of) putting an innocent man to death.
Could this Jewish ritual actually accomplish the spiritual task of washing away sin?
Can any physical washing or physical water used in any church ritual wash away sin today?
The ceremonies God gave to His people in the beginning were designed to teach them the symbolism of what was to come.
The sacrifice of the lamb was a foreshadow of the sacrifice of Christ, etc.
However ... even at that time ... righteousness came through faith in the known Word of God.
The ceremonies God gave to His people in the beginning were designed to teach them the symbolism of what was to come.
The sacrifice of the lamb was a foreshadow of the sacrifice of Christ, etc.
However ... even at that time ... righteousness came through faith in the known Word of God.
Abraham demonstrated this "Old Testament faith" by his willingness to obey God when He was told to sacrifice his son, Isaac.
This is an example of the righteousness that preceded faith in Christ (see the Book of Hebrews which explains this in more detail)
... and yet ... it is symbolically the same ... because Christ is the Word in the flesh and salvation is still a matter of believing the written Word as well as the living Word of God.
This is an example of the righteousness that preceded faith in Christ (see the Book of Hebrews which explains this in more detail)
... and yet ... it is symbolically the same ... because Christ is the Word in the flesh and salvation is still a matter of believing the written Word as well as the living Word of God.
For that matter ... can any physical ritual bring about any spiritual benefit at all?
If a literal church water ritual was all that was necessary to cleanse us from sin
... or ... bring about salvation
... or ... bring about the baptism of the Holy Spirit
... then we would be more dependent on the water in the church than on the Blood of Christ and the power personally found in His Word
... because ... as we have learned previously ... the Spirit resides in His Word ... not in the physical water (which is only the symbol of His Word.
(See: Ephesians, Ch. 5).
"It is the spirit
that quickeneth;
the flesh
profiteth nothing: the words
that I speak
unto you,
they are spirit,
and
they are life."
(John 6:63)
... or ... bring about salvation
... or ... bring about the baptism of the Holy Spirit
... then we would be more dependent on the water in the church than on the Blood of Christ and the power personally found in His Word
... because ... as we have learned previously ... the Spirit resides in His Word ... not in the physical water (which is only the symbol of His Word.
(See: Ephesians, Ch. 5).
"It is the spirit
that quickeneth;
the flesh
profiteth nothing: the words
that I speak
unto you,
they are spirit,
and
they are life."
(John 6:63)
When we realize this ... we discover that anyone can be baptized by any fellow believer ... anywhere there is enough water to do so.
While a fellow believer assists the person in this symbolic witness to the world that he/she has become a believer ... it does not require power from any earthly person or religious organization to do so ... because it is an act of personal obedience.
While a fellow believer assists the person in this symbolic witness to the world that he/she has become a believer ... it does not require power from any earthly person or religious organization to do so ... because it is an act of personal obedience.
It is the power of the Holy Spirit that resides in the Word of God that tells us that we are saved by the Blood of Christ.
If we did not look exclusively to this Word as preeminent and the source of saving faith
... ("faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God")
... we would be obliged instead ... to get our instructions from mere men ... leaders of some "church" or any religious organization ... that calls itself "a church."
If we did not look exclusively to this Word as preeminent and the source of saving faith
... ("faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God")
... we would be obliged instead ... to get our instructions from mere men ... leaders of some "church" or any religious organization ... that calls itself "a church."
As a result ... we would be elevating a hierarchy and the doctrines of mere men above Christ and His Word.
Such has been the case throughout history as the "church"... and certain individuals ... have been elevated to positions that belong only to Christ Himself and have made salvation impossible without the participation of their religious hierarchy in some way.
Such has been the case throughout history as the "church"... and certain individuals ... have been elevated to positions that belong only to Christ Himself and have made salvation impossible without the participation of their religious hierarchy in some way.
Throughout history ... these false churches have even sought to bring converts into their church, calling them "Christians"
... by baptizing them ... when the people being baptized did not even know Christ at all.
... by baptizing them ... when the people being baptized did not even know Christ at all.
The genuine Church of Jesus Christ does not function in this manner.
It points only to Jesus Christ and the simplicity of the Word of God.
Leaders in the Church of Jesus Christ do not get power from other men who have elected them or hired them for a "spiritual" position.
It points only to Jesus Christ and the simplicity of the Word of God.
Leaders in the Church of Jesus Christ do not get power from other men who have elected them or hired them for a "spiritual" position.
Leaders in the Church of Jesus Christ are first of all servants of Christ called by Him to minister to His people.
Their appointment to the position they hold ... is specifically prescribed and documented in the Word of God ... and has always been a matter of prayer ... and seeking God's will as they consider the spiritual quality of the relationship the candidate has with Jesus Christ ... and the person's devotion to the Word of God.
Such is the case with the Apostle, Stephen, when he was selected to minister to the widows.
(See: Acts, Ch. 6)
Such is the case with the Apostle, Stephen, when he was selected to minister to the widows.
(See: Acts, Ch. 6)
Even then leaders in the true Church of Jesus Christ must submit to the preeminence of Christ
... and then one to another under the authority of the written Word of God.
... and then one to another under the authority of the written Word of God.
***Part 2***
Water into Wine
~ John...Chapter 2 ~
Jesus saith unto them,
Fill the waterpots
with water.
with water.
And
they filled them up
to the brim.
Jn. 2:7
they filled them up
to the brim.
Jn. 2:7
Now Jesus gets ready to do His first miracle. He gives the instructions to the stewards and the water in these six physical waterpots [i.e. vessels] is going to be transformed by Jesus into "wine,"
... representing the intimate spiritual relationship we can have with Christ through His Blood Sacrifice.
... representing the intimate spiritual relationship we can have with Christ through His Blood Sacrifice.
Two things we must keep in mind:
1)..The "wine" was first "water" before being transformed (by Christ alone) into wine.
2).."Wine" is symbolic of the Blood of Christ throughout the Word of God.
2).."Wine" is symbolic of the Blood of Christ throughout the Word of God.
WATER
The first mention of the word, "water," in the New Testament is found in Matthew 3:11, when John the Baptist said:
"I indeed
baptize you
with water
unto repentance,
but he that
cometh after me
is mightier than I,
whose shoes
I am not worthy
to bear:
he shall
baptize you with
the Holy Ghost,
and
with fire:
"I indeed
baptize you
with water
unto repentance,
but he that
cometh after me
is mightier than I,
whose shoes
I am not worthy
to bear:
he shall
baptize you with
the Holy Ghost,
and
with fire:
If we look at this verse from the perspective of the preeminence of the Word of God
..."water" is the substance God uses in baptism
... to symbolize that we have been cleansed from sin.
The literal physical water of baptism ... really contains no power of itself to literally cleanse us from sin ... but is only a symbol of cleansing.
..."water" is the substance God uses in baptism
... to symbolize that we have been cleansed from sin.
The literal physical water of baptism ... really contains no power of itself to literally cleanse us from sin ... but is only a symbol of cleansing.
It is the Blood of Jesus alone (symbolized by the wine) that has the exclusive power to cleanse us from sin.
As the song goes:
"What can make us white as snow?
... Nothing but the Blood of Jesus."
As the song goes:
"What can make us white as snow?
... Nothing but the Blood of Jesus."
Therefore ... Jesus must turn the water into wine which represents this Blood Sacrifice.
This is a miracle that only He, Himself, can do.
This is a miracle that only He, Himself, can do.
We will eventually see how God has used this miracle
... to specifically give us the "water" that is symbolically turned into "wine"
... so the Blood Sacrifice can be effectively appropriated today ... and ... we can be cleansed from sin today.
John the Baptist at the same time tells us one other very important thing.
... Jesus is also coming with a different type of baptism
... the baptism of the Holy Spirit ... and ... with (Holy Spirit) "fire"
... which brings the power
... to be cleansed from sin
... as well as providing the means by which we can access the power we need to do God's will.
... to specifically give us the "water" that is symbolically turned into "wine"
... so the Blood Sacrifice can be effectively appropriated today ... and ... we can be cleansed from sin today.
John the Baptist at the same time tells us one other very important thing.
... Jesus is also coming with a different type of baptism
... the baptism of the Holy Spirit ... and ... with (Holy Spirit) "fire"
... which brings the power
... to be cleansed from sin
... as well as providing the means by which we can access the power we need to do God's will.
Matthew 3:16 tells us that Jesus was in the "water"
... when He was baptized and the Spirit of God came to Him like a dove:
"And Jesus,
when he was baptized,
went up straightway
out of the water:
and,
lo, the heavens
were opened unto him,
and
he saw
the Spirit of God
descending like a dove,
and
lighting upon him:"
It is significant that Jesus was in the "water" when the Spirit of God came to Him.
At that point:
... the Water/Word
... Jesus/the Word in flesh
... and ...
... the Holy Spirit
... all symbolically became one.
... when He was baptized and the Spirit of God came to Him like a dove:
"And Jesus,
when he was baptized,
went up straightway
out of the water:
and,
lo, the heavens
were opened unto him,
and
he saw
the Spirit of God
descending like a dove,
and
lighting upon him:"
It is significant that Jesus was in the "water" when the Spirit of God came to Him.
At that point:
... the Water/Word
... Jesus/the Word in flesh
... and ...
... the Holy Spirit
... all symbolically became one.
The initial baptism ... of John the Baptist ... was a baptism testifying to repentance from sin.
However ... when Jesus is baptized ... He uses the "water" to bring about a different type of baptism.
What we are seeing here are two different baptisms:
1)..John the Baptist's "baptism unto repentance"
2)..Jesus' "baptism of the Holy Spirit"
The baptism of John was a testimony of repentance and belief in Christ:
"Then Peter
said unto them,
Repent,
and
be baptized
every one of you
in the name of
Jesus Christ
for the remission
of sins,
and
ye shall receive
the gift of
the Holy Ghost."
-Acts 2:38
Jesus' baptism was not like the baptism of John ... because Jesus was not testifying that He had become a believer and that His sins were forgiven ... because He did not have any sin.
His example in baptism is meant to be an illustration ... giving us a clue to the second baptism which demonstrates how we access the Holy Spirit once we experience the "water."
The Holy Spirit came to Jesus "like a dove" from heaven.
The baptism of John was a testimony of repentance and belief in Christ:
"Then Peter
said unto them,
Repent,
and
be baptized
every one of you
in the name of
Jesus Christ
for the remission
of sins,
and
ye shall receive
the gift of
the Holy Ghost."
-Acts 2:38
Jesus' baptism was not like the baptism of John ... because Jesus was not testifying that He had become a believer and that His sins were forgiven ... because He did not have any sin.
His example in baptism is meant to be an illustration ... giving us a clue to the second baptism which demonstrates how we access the Holy Spirit once we experience the "water."
The Holy Spirit came to Jesus "like a dove" from heaven.
When we see ... what water really symbolizes ... we can understand both types of baptisms
... how one testifies to our new life in Christ
... and the other brings the Holy Spirit to us as well.
In the Gospel of John ... Jesus used the word ... "water" many times in reference to Himself and the Word of God:
... how one testifies to our new life in Christ
... and the other brings the Holy Spirit to us as well.
In the Gospel of John ... Jesus used the word ... "water" many times in reference to Himself and the Word of God:
Ephesians, Chapter 5
... holds the key to understanding what "water" actually represents:
v.25
"Husbands,
love your wives,
even as Christ
also
loved the church,
and
gave himself for it;
v.26
That he might
sanctify
and
cleanse it
with the
washing of water
by the word,
v.27
That he might
present it to himself
a glorious church,
not having spot,
or wrinkle,
or any such thing;
but that
it should be holy
and
without blemish."
-Ephesians 5:25-27
First of all this cleansing process is linked to a picture of marriage.
Christ demonstrates His love for His True Church
... His people who are the Church and Bride of Christ wherever they reside in the world
... by purifying His people through the water of His Word.
... holds the key to understanding what "water" actually represents:
v.25
"Husbands,
love your wives,
even as Christ
also
loved the church,
and
gave himself for it;
v.26
That he might
sanctify
and
cleanse it
with the
washing of water
by the word,
v.27
That he might
present it to himself
a glorious church,
not having spot,
or wrinkle,
or any such thing;
but that
it should be holy
and
without blemish."
-Ephesians 5:25-27
First of all this cleansing process is linked to a picture of marriage.
Christ demonstrates His love for His True Church
... His people who are the Church and Bride of Christ wherever they reside in the world
... by purifying His people through the water of His Word.
In this verse we see that the Word of God functions like water to cleanse us spiritually
... to purify the Bride on a daily basis before He returns
... so she can be presented to Him pure and undefiled at His coming.
This picture is also found within the context of the marriage celebration
... where the water was turned into wine.
It is the Word of God that will first prepare the Bride by bringing the Truth to her
... regarding the saving power of the Blood of Christ
... and then ... continue to purify the Bride by the Spirit of God that resides in His Word ... and in her heart
... making her ready to be counted worthy to escape and prepared for the marriage supper of the Lamb.
... to purify the Bride on a daily basis before He returns
... so she can be presented to Him pure and undefiled at His coming.
This picture is also found within the context of the marriage celebration
... where the water was turned into wine.
It is the Word of God that will first prepare the Bride by bringing the Truth to her
... regarding the saving power of the Blood of Christ
... and then ... continue to purify the Bride by the Spirit of God that resides in His Word ... and in her heart
... making her ready to be counted worthy to escape and prepared for the marriage supper of the Lamb.
As we continue in the Gospel of John ... we see specifically how the "bread" and the "wine" also symbolize the "water"
... which ultimately represents the Word of God that has this power to nourish and cleanse.
... which ultimately represents the Word of God that has this power to nourish and cleanse.
Jesus told the woman at the well that He was the "Living Water". . .
"But whosoever
drink of the water
that I shall give him
shall never thirst;
but
the water
that I shall give him
shall be in him
a well of water
springing up
into everlasting life."
-John 4:14
What was this "Living Water" Jesus promised to give us?
Was it not His own life and Spirit given through His literal and physical Blood Sacrifice
... as well as His living Word in which His Spirit would continue to reside
... and continue to provide the power necessary to cleanse and appropriate everlasting life?
"But whosoever
drink of the water
that I shall give him
shall never thirst;
but
the water
that I shall give him
shall be in him
a well of water
springing up
into everlasting life."
-John 4:14
What was this "Living Water" Jesus promised to give us?
Was it not His own life and Spirit given through His literal and physical Blood Sacrifice
... as well as His living Word in which His Spirit would continue to reside
... and continue to provide the power necessary to cleanse and appropriate everlasting life?
Peter was able to walk
... on the "water"...
v.28
"And
Peter answered him
and said,
Lord, if it be thou,
bid me
come unto thee
on the water.
v.29
And
he said, Come.
And
when Peter
was come down
out of the ship,
he walked
on the water,
to go to Jesus."
-Matthew 14:28-29
Because Psalms tells us that the Word is "a lamp unto my feet"
... and the "water" was also under Peter's feet
... we see that symbolically ... the "water"/Word of God can give us the support/spiritual strength we need to ultimately be united with Jesus at His appearing.
However ... one other thing is necessary in this scenario.
We must be able to successfully put all of our focus on Jesus
... and not become distracted by the world ... and the external circumstances around us.
... on the "water"...
v.28
"And
Peter answered him
and said,
Lord, if it be thou,
bid me
come unto thee
on the water.
v.29
And
he said, Come.
And
when Peter
was come down
out of the ship,
he walked
on the water,
to go to Jesus."
-Matthew 14:28-29
Because Psalms tells us that the Word is "a lamp unto my feet"
... and the "water" was also under Peter's feet
... we see that symbolically ... the "water"/Word of God can give us the support/spiritual strength we need to ultimately be united with Jesus at His appearing.
However ... one other thing is necessary in this scenario.
We must be able to successfully put all of our focus on Jesus
... and not become distracted by the world ... and the external circumstances around us.
Remember when Peter took his eyes off of Jesus ... and he began to sink?
"But
when he saw
the wind boisterous,
he was afraid;
and
beginning to sink,
he cried, saying,
Lord, save me."
-Matthew 14:30
When the world steals our attention away from Christ ... and we start to get into trouble ... and become afraid ... how does Christ encourage us and give us the strength to go on?
Doesn't He adjust our focus
... and restore our trust in Him through the water of His Word?
"But
when he saw
the wind boisterous,
he was afraid;
and
beginning to sink,
he cried, saying,
Lord, save me."
-Matthew 14:30
When the world steals our attention away from Christ ... and we start to get into trouble ... and become afraid ... how does Christ encourage us and give us the strength to go on?
Doesn't He adjust our focus
... and restore our trust in Him through the water of His Word?
(Back to the wedding feast in John 2...)
And
he saith unto them,
he saith unto them,
Draw out now
[the wine],
[the wine],
and
bear unto
the governor
of the feast.
bear unto
the governor
of the feast.
And
they bare it.
they bare it.
When the ruler
of the feast
had tasted
the water
the water
that was
made wine,
made wine,
and
knew not
whence it was:
knew not
whence it was:
(but the servants
which drew the water knew;)
which drew the water knew;)
the governor
of the feast
of the feast
called
the bridegroom.
Jn. 2:8-9
the bridegroom.
Jn. 2:8-9
Jesus ... Himself ... is the only one who can turn the water into wine.
When we understand that "water" symbolizes the Word of God ... and that it has been turned into "wine"... that symbolizes the Blood sacrifice of Christ
... we can then realize how Christ's provision is meant to nourish those who will be attending the marriage of the Lamb
... when the Lord, Jesus Christ, returns for His Bride.
Through the wine /Blood Sacrifice of Christ we are cleansed from the basic rebellious, idolatrous sin of making ourselves god and going our own way
... and we continue to be cleansed on a daily basis as we drink from the water/Word of God.
When we understand that "water" symbolizes the Word of God ... and that it has been turned into "wine"... that symbolizes the Blood sacrifice of Christ
... we can then realize how Christ's provision is meant to nourish those who will be attending the marriage of the Lamb
... when the Lord, Jesus Christ, returns for His Bride.
Through the wine /Blood Sacrifice of Christ we are cleansed from the basic rebellious, idolatrous sin of making ourselves god and going our own way
... and we continue to be cleansed on a daily basis as we drink from the water/Word of God.
But this is only half of the picture ... because finding life in Christ is about more than drinking the wine /Blood of Christ.
Jesus is also the "Bread of Life"... and we must therefore be nourished by this Bread, as well as the Wine.
The Bread symbolizes
... the flesh of Jesus
... and ...
the Wine symbolizes
... the Blood of Jesus.
Jesus is also the "Bread of Life"... and we must therefore be nourished by this Bread, as well as the Wine.
The Bread symbolizes
... the flesh of Jesus
... and ...
the Wine symbolizes
... the Blood of Jesus.
There is much to be said regarding the symbolism involved in eating the Bread and drinking the Wine ... which will be studied in detail in John, Chapter 6.
But for now ... we will just introduce this topic with one verse from Chapter 6:
"Then Jesus said
unto them,
Verily, verily,
I say unto you,
Except ye
eat the flesh
of the Son of man,
and
drink his blood,
ye have no life
in you."
-John 6:53
This verse is important because it is making eternal life very exclusive.
"Then Jesus said
unto them,
Verily, verily,
I say unto you,
Except ye
eat the flesh
of the Son of man,
and
drink his blood,
ye have no life
in you."
-John 6:53
This verse is important because it is making eternal life very exclusive.
Unless we eat the flesh of Jesus
... and drink His blood
... we are unable to access the life He came to give us.
Therefore it is extremely important to understnd ... what He meant ... when He told us ... to eat His Flesh and drink His Blood.
Again we must ask ourselves:
..."Is this referring to a physical religious church ritual
... or is this spiritually symbolic of something we will be doing
... if we really belong to Jesus Christ?"
..."Is this referring to a physical religious church ritual
... or is this spiritually symbolic of something we will be doing
... if we really belong to Jesus Christ?"
One thing we know is that we are not called by God to become cannibals.
Confusion and misunderstanding regarding this ... caused many to stop following Jesus when they heard Him say this.
Confusion and misunderstanding regarding this ... caused many to stop following Jesus when they heard Him say this.
Even today most churches do not really understand what Jesus was telling us about eating His Flesh and drinking His Blood.
They are having a difficult time avoiding the idolatry of church ritual and really embracing this most important instruction given to us by Christ.
It has to be the most important instruction
... because without understanding ... and following His specific direction
... we are told in John 6
... that we will not have eternal life.
They are having a difficult time avoiding the idolatry of church ritual and really embracing this most important instruction given to us by Christ.
It has to be the most important instruction
... because without understanding ... and following His specific direction
... we are told in John 6
... that we will not have eternal life.
And
saith unto him,
Every man
at the beginning
at the beginning
doth set forth
good wine;
good wine;
and
when men
have well drunk,
when men
have well drunk,
then
that which is worse:
that which is worse:
but
thou hast kept
the good wine
until now.
thou hast kept
the good wine
until now.
This beginning
of miracles
did Jesus
in
Cana of Galilee,
in
Cana of Galilee,
and
manifested forth
his glory;
manifested forth
his glory;
and
his disciples
believed on him.
Jn. 2:10-11
his disciples
believed on him.
Jn. 2:10-11
Jesus always keeps the best for last ... and has kept the best wine until last
... even until the end of days.
... even until the end of days.
Why will the wine
be better
in
End Times?
be better
in
End Times?
. . .Because. . .
the wine/Blood of Jesus
abundantly ... freely flows
from the Truth
of the
Water of the Word
the wine/Blood of Jesus
abundantly ... freely flows
from the Truth
of the
Water of the Word
found in
the totality of
the totality of
the
Word of God
(Holy Bible)
Word of God
(Holy Bible)
providing
the
instruction
and
power
... to believe ...
instruction
and
power
... to believe ...
... to overcome ...
... to be purified ...
... to be purified ...
and
... ready to meet Jesus ...
... ready to meet Jesus ...
at
His appearing
... for the marriage ...
of
the Lamb
who was slain
for
. . .The Bride. . .
His appearing
... for the marriage ...
of
the Lamb
who was slain
for
. . .The Bride. . .
**Drink Now**
from
His Cup
and
Find Assurance
of
Eternal life
by
Scrolling
to
the top
of
this page
and
Click on the gift
wrapped in gold.
♡♡♡
from
His Cup
and
Find Assurance
of
Eternal life
by
Scrolling
to
the top
of
this page
and
Click on the gift
wrapped in gold.
♡♡♡
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