Inviting Jesus: The Abundance of His Blessings
Summary
### Summary
Today, we began a new sermon series titled "Dinner with Jesus," focusing on the significant role that meals play in the life and ministry of Jesus. We explored the story of the wedding at Cana, where Jesus performed His first miracle by turning water into wine. This miracle is not just about the transformation of water into wine but symbolizes the abundant blessings that Jesus brings into our lives when we invite Him in.
The setting of the wedding at Cana is crucial. It was a significant social and religious event, and running out of wine would have been a major embarrassment for the host. Mary, Jesus' mother, played a pivotal role by bringing the issue to Jesus' attention, showing her intimate involvement and concern for the hosts. Jesus' response, though initially hesitant, resulted in an extraordinary miracle that provided not just any wine, but the best wine, symbolizing the superior blessings that Jesus offers.
Wine in Jewish culture represents God's blessing and abundance. This is evident in various scriptures, including Amos 9, which speaks of new wine dripping from the mountains as a sign of God's favor. Jesus' provision of wine at the wedding is a foreshadowing of the ultimate blessing He would bring through His sacrifice, symbolized by wine at the Last Supper.
The miracle at Cana also signifies the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and the fulfillment of God's messianic promise. It demonstrates that Jesus is not only capable of meeting our needs but exceeding them abundantly. The six stone jars filled with water turned into 150 gallons of the finest wine, enough to serve a large crowd, illustrating the overflowing nature of Jesus' blessings.
The key message is that Jesus wants to be invited into every aspect of our lives. When we invite Him in, He brings more than we can ask for or imagine. This invitation is the starting point for experiencing His abundant blessings, joy, and peace. Jesus is the ultimate bridegroom, and we, as His church, are His bride. He desires an intimate, eternal relationship with each of us, marked by His abundant provision and love.
### Key Takeaways
1. Invitation to Abundance: Jesus was invited to the wedding at Cana, and His presence brought an abundance of the finest wine. This teaches us that when we invite Jesus into our lives, He brings more than we can ask for or imagine, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. [57:30]
2. Symbolism of Wine: In Jewish culture, wine symbolizes God's blessing and abundance. Jesus' provision of wine at the wedding signifies the superior blessings He offers, foreshadowing the ultimate blessing of His sacrifice, represented by wine at the Last Supper. [44:52]
3. Jesus as the Bridegroom: The master of the banquet mistook the source of the wine, thinking it was the bridegroom. This points to Jesus as the true bridegroom who provides the best for His bride, the church. He brings the finest blessings and desires an intimate, eternal relationship with us. [50:08]
4. Abundant Provision: The miracle of turning water into wine demonstrates Jesus' ability to meet our needs abundantly. The six stone jars filled with 150 gallons of wine illustrate that Jesus' blessings are not just sufficient but overflowing, exceeding our expectations. [52:49]
5. Invitation to Relationship: Jesus' presence at the wedding and His miraculous provision began with an invitation. Similarly, He waits for us to invite Him into every aspect of our lives. When we do, He brings joy, peace, and abundant blessings, transforming our lives in ways we cannot imagine. [58:11]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[29:09] - Announcements
[31:27] - Offering and Prayer
[32:23] - Introduction to "Dinner with Jesus" Series
[34:58] - The Wedding at Cana
[39:37] - Reading John 2:1-11
[44:52] - Significance of Wine in Jewish Culture
[50:08] - Jesus as the True Bridegroom
[52:49] - Abundant Provision of Jesus
[57:30] - Invitation to Abundance
[58:11] - Invitation to Relationship
[01:00:14] - Prayer for Salvation
[01:01:23] - Baptism Ceremony
[01:05:41] - Closing Remarks and Invitation to Baptism
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- John 2:1-11 (NIV)
> On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “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.” Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. 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.
### Observation Questions
1. What was the setting of Jesus' first miracle, and why was it significant? ([38:42])
2. How did Mary, Jesus' mother, play a role in the miracle at the wedding in Cana? ([43:10])
3. What was the reaction of the master of the banquet when he tasted the wine that Jesus had made? ([48:46])
4. How much wine did Jesus create from the six stone jars, and what does this signify about His provision? ([52:49])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the transformation of water into wine at the wedding in Cana symbolize about Jesus' blessings in our lives? ([44:06])
2. How does the Jewish cultural significance of wine as a symbol of God's blessing enhance our understanding of Jesus' miracle? ([44:52])
3. In what ways does Jesus being referred to as the "bridegroom" deepen our understanding of His relationship with the church? ([50:08])
4. How does the abundance of wine at the wedding reflect Jesus' ability to exceed our needs and expectations? ([52:49])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you invited Jesus into a specific area of your life. How did His presence transform that situation? ([57:30])
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of inviting Jesus into every aspect of our lives. What areas of your life have you not yet invited Jesus into, and how can you do so this week? ([58:11])
3. Jesus provided the best wine at the wedding, symbolizing His superior blessings. How can you recognize and appreciate the "best" blessings Jesus has provided in your life? ([48:46])
4. The miracle at Cana shows Jesus' abundant provision. In what ways can you trust Jesus to meet your needs abundantly, even in situations that seem impossible? ([52:49])
5. The sermon mentioned that Jesus desires an intimate, eternal relationship with us. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus in your daily life? ([50:53])
6. Think about the symbolism of wine as God's blessing. How can you celebrate and share God's blessings with others in your community? ([44:52])
7. The sermon highlighted the importance of an invitation. Who in your life can you invite to experience the blessings and love of Jesus, and how will you extend that invitation this week? ([58:11])
Devotional
Day 1: Invitation to Abundance
When Jesus was invited to the wedding at Cana, His presence brought an abundance of the finest wine. This teaches us that when we invite Jesus into our lives, He brings more than we can ask for or imagine, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. The setting of the wedding was a significant social and religious event, and running out of wine would have been a major embarrassment for the host. Mary, Jesus' mother, played a pivotal role by bringing the issue to Jesus' attention, showing her intimate involvement and concern for the hosts. Jesus' response, though initially hesitant, resulted in an extraordinary miracle that provided not just any wine, but the best wine, symbolizing the superior blessings that Jesus offers. [57:30]
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel you are lacking or in need? How can you invite Jesus into that specific area today and trust Him to bring abundance?
Day 2: Symbolism of Wine
In Jewish culture, wine symbolizes God's blessing and abundance. Jesus' provision of wine at the wedding signifies the superior blessings He offers, foreshadowing the ultimate blessing of His sacrifice, represented by wine at the Last Supper. Wine in Jewish culture represents God's blessing and abundance. This is evident in various scriptures, including Amos 9, which speaks of new wine dripping from the mountains as a sign of God's favor. Jesus' provision of wine at the wedding is a foreshadowing of the ultimate blessing He would bring through His sacrifice, symbolized by wine at the Last Supper. [44:52]
Amos 9:13 (ESV): "Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when the plowman shall overtake the reaper and the treader of grapes him who sows the seed; the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it."
Reflection: Reflect on the symbolism of wine in your life. How does understanding Jesus' provision and sacrifice change your perspective on God's blessings and abundance?
Day 3: Jesus as the Bridegroom
The master of the banquet mistook the source of the wine, thinking it was the bridegroom. This points to Jesus as the true bridegroom who provides the best for His bride, the church. He brings the finest blessings and desires an intimate, eternal relationship with us. Jesus is the ultimate bridegroom, and we, as His church, are His bride. He desires an intimate, eternal relationship with each of us, marked by His abundant provision and love. [50:08]
Revelation 19:7-8 (ESV): "Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints."
Reflection: How do you see your relationship with Jesus as a bridegroom? What steps can you take to deepen this intimate relationship with Him today?
Day 4: Abundant Provision
The miracle of turning water into wine demonstrates Jesus' ability to meet our needs abundantly. The six stone jars filled with 150 gallons of wine illustrate that Jesus' blessings are not just sufficient but overflowing, exceeding our expectations. This miracle is not just about the transformation of water into wine but symbolizes the abundant blessings that Jesus brings into our lives when we invite Him in. [52:49]
John 10:10 (ESV): "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
Reflection: Think of a time when you experienced God's abundant provision in your life. How can you share this testimony with someone who needs encouragement today?
Day 5: Invitation to Relationship
Jesus' presence at the wedding and His miraculous provision began with an invitation. Similarly, He waits for us to invite Him into every aspect of our lives. When we do, He brings joy, peace, and abundant blessings, transforming our lives in ways we cannot imagine. The key message is that Jesus wants to be invited into every aspect of our lives. When we invite Him in, He brings more than we can ask for or imagine. This invitation is the starting point for experiencing His abundant blessings, joy, and peace. [58:11]
Revelation 3:20 (ESV): "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have not yet invited Jesus in? What steps can you take today to open that door and allow Him to bring His transformative blessings?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Invite him into the weddings. Invite him into the parties. Invite him into your relationships. Invite him into everything. Invite him in. Invite Jesus in. Jesus just wants the invitation. He's there waiting. He's absolutely there waiting for you. He's there waiting for the invitation. He's already invited you. We call it provenient grace. He's already invited you to his party. He just wants the reciprocal. Invite him to your party." [58:11] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When you seek him out, when you seek him out and you look for him, he's going to provide abundantly for you. And he will provide choiceness for you. Not just what you ask for, but more and better. When you come to God and you pray to him and you ask for provision, do you think he just gives you a little? No, he gives you abundantly. When you pray and ask God if you seek happiness, you know he doesn't give you happiness. He gives you unending joy." [56:20] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus is waiting in your life for you to invite him to your feast. He wants you to invite him to every aspect of your life. Invite him into the weddings. Invite him into the parties. Invite him into your relationships. Invite him into everything. Invite him in. Invite Jesus in. Jesus just wants the invitation. He's there waiting. He's absolutely there waiting for you. He's there waiting for the invitation." [57:30] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Do you know there's only two things required for salvation? Do you know that? It's not a prayer. You don't have to go through a whole bunch of tasks to make it into heaven. That's not what you have to do. No, there's two things. You have to have faith. You have to invite Jesus in. You have to have faith in who he is. The invitation is important. And you have to accept his blessing. You have to be repentant of your sin. You have to accept his blessing. Accept his ultimate blessing." [59:14] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It doesn't matter where you are in your relationship with him. It doesn't matter what you've done in the past. It doesn't matter how incredibly horrible you have been. It doesn't matter the things you have done, how many times you have disappointed the loved ones around you. It doesn't matter whether you have disappointed God. He wants to have this intimate relationship with you as paralleled to the wedding. A bride and a groom. That kind of relationship. That kind of intimacy is what God wants to have with you." [55:32] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Jesus was invited to the wedding party. Jesus and his disciples, they were invited to the wedding party. It says his mom was there. But Jesus was invited to the wedding party. His mom must have been some kind of important person in relationship to the wedding party. Because it says she was there. She wasn't an invitee. She was there. You know, in fact, most. If you are a guest at that wedding and they had run out of wine. That's probably a signal that, hey, the party is winding down. It's time to go home." [42:17] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus provides better than what was originally there. I love this truth. He doesn't come up with the cheap stuff. He comes up with the good stuff. It says the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned to wine. He didn't know where it came from, though the servants did. He calls the bridegroom over. He says, hey, come on over here a second. Everybody else starts out with the good wine until people get to have enough. Then you can slip in the cheap stuff. But that's not what you did. You brought in the good stuff." [47:56] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The miracle of turning this wine into water. Is showing. Showing us that Jesus is not only able to meet our needs. He is able to abundantly exceed our desires. He has poured out abundance. He is able to take what was ordinary and make it extraordinary. The wine. Choicest of wines in abundantly. I love the description here. 6 jars. 20 to 30 gallons. Full of choice wine. That is 150 gallons of wine. Do you realize that is enough for people. For 1,200 people at a party." [52:49] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus is the bridegroom. Make no mistake about that. He is the bridegroom. And he wants us to be his bride. and he is coming for his bride. He is coming in thunder. He is coming in power. He is coming in might. And this is going to be a marriage that is eternal. It's an eternal covenant relationship. This is the kind of relationship that God wants to have with each and every one of you." [54:37] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The important thing to know is it is the custom of the day to celebrate with food and wine as a symbol, as a significance of the blessing that God has given you. The wine represents God's blessing to that family. And that family alone. That's why when Jesus uses the wine in the Last Supper, his disciples would have connected to that. Saying, oh, that's a blessing. He's talking about the blessing that we are going to receive. And he's saying this wine represents the ultimate blessing. The ultimate blessing that I am bringing to you." [47:12] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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