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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