Joh 2 | MHCC | e4.org | 1-11 It is very desirable when there is a marriage, to have Christ own and bless it. Those that would have Christ with them at their marriage, must invite him by prayer, and he will come. While in this world we sometimes find ourselves in straits, even when we think ourselves in fulness. There was want at a marriage feast. Those who are come to care for the things of the world, must look for trouble, and count upon disappointment. In our addresses to Christ, we must humbly spread our case before him, and then refer ourselves to him to do as he pleases. In Christ's reply to his mother there was no disrespect. He used the same word when speaking to her with affection from the cross; yet it is a standing testimony against the idolatry of after-ages, in giving undue honours to his mother. His hour is come when we know not what to do. Delays of mercy are not denials of prayer. Those that expect Christ's favours, must observe his orders with ready obedience. The way of duty is the way to mercy; and Christ's methods must not be objected against. The beginning of Moses' miracles was turning water into blood, #Ex 7:20|; the beginning of Christ's miracles was turning water into wine; which may remind us of the difference between the law of Moses and the gospel of Christ. He showed that he improves creature-comforts to all true believers, and make them comforts indeed. And Christ's works are all for use. Has he turned thy water into wine, given thee knowledge and grace? it is to profit withal; therefore draw out now, and use it. It was the best wine. Christ's works commend themselves even to those who know not their Author. What was produced by miracles, always was the best in its kind. Though Christ hereby allows a right use of wine, he does not in the least do away his own caution, which is, that our hearts be not at any time overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, #Lu 21:34|. Though we need not scruple to feast with our friends on proper occasions, yet every social interview should be so conducted, that we might invite the Redeemer to join with us, if he were now on earth; and all levity, luxury, and excess offend him.

‏ John 2

* The miracle at Cana. (1-11) Christ casts the buyers and

sellers out of the temple. (12-22) Many believe in Christ.

(23-25)

1-11 It is very desirable when there is a marriage, to have

Christ own and bless it. Those that would have Christ with them

at their marriage, must invite him by prayer, and he will come.

While in this world we sometimes find ourselves in straits, even

when we think ourselves in fulness. There was want at a marriage

feast. Those who are come to care for the things of the world,

must look for trouble, and count upon disappointment. In our

addresses to Christ, we must humbly spread our case before him,

and then refer ourselves to him to do as he pleases. In Christ's

reply to his mother there was no disrespect. He used the same

word when speaking to her with affection from the cross; yet it

is a standing testimony against the idolatry of after-ages, in

giving undue honours to his mother. His hour is come when we

know not what to do. Delays of mercy are not denials of prayer.

Those that expect Christ's favours, must observe his orders with

ready obedience. The way of duty is the way to mercy; and

Christ's methods must not be objected against. The beginning of

Moses' miracles was turning water into blood, #Ex 7:20|; the

beginning of Christ's miracles was turning water into wine;

which may remind us of the difference between the law of Moses

and the gospel of Christ. He showed that he improves

creature-comforts to all true believers, and make them comforts

indeed. And Christ's works are all for use. Has he turned thy

water into wine, given thee knowledge and grace? it is to profit

withal; therefore draw out now, and use it. It was the best

wine. Christ's works commend themselves even to those who know

not their Author. What was produced by miracles, always was the

best in its kind. Though Christ hereby allows a right use of

wine, he does not in the least do away his own caution, which

is, that our hearts be not at any time overcharged with

surfeiting and drunkenness, #Lu 21:34|. Though we need not

scruple to feast with our friends on proper occasions, yet every

social interview should be so conducted, that we might invite

the Redeemer to join with us, if he were now on earth; and all

levity, luxury, and excess offend him. 12-22 The first public work in which we find Christ engaged,

was driving from the temple the traders whom the covetous

priests and rulers encouraged to make a market-place of its

courts. Those now make God's house a house of merchandise, whose

minds are filled with cares about worldly business when

attending religious exercises, or who perform Divine offices for

love of gain. Christ, having thus cleansed the temple, gave a

sign to those who demanded it, to prove his authority for so

doing. He foretells his death by the Jews' malice, Destroy ye

this temple; I will permit you to destroy it. He foretells his

resurrection by his own power; In three days I will raise it up.

Christ took again his own life. Men mistake by understanding

that according to the letter, which the Scripture speaks by way

of figure. When Jesus was risen from the dead, his disciples

remembered he has said this. It helps much in understanding the

Divine word, to observe the fulfilling of the Scriptures. 23-25 Our Lord knew all men, their nature, dispositions,

affections, designs, so as we do not know any man, not even

ourselves. He knows his crafty enemies, and all their secret

projects; his false friends, and their true characters. He knows

who are truly his, knows their uprightness, and knows their

weaknesses. We know what is done by men; Christ knows what is in

them, he tries the heart. Beware of a dead faith, or a formal

profession: carnal, empty professors are not to be trusted, and

however men impose on others or themselves, they cannot impose

on the heart-searching God.