John 2:10 And said to him, Every man at the beginning does set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse… I. APPROPRIATENESS. Christ does the right thing, in the right place, at the right time. The people did not want bread, nor clothes, nor health. Had they been rich the miracle would have been unnecessary; at an earlier period it would have been premature. And in His providence over our life Christ does nothing out of place or superfluously. II. MYSTERY. Christ simply willed and the water was made wine: no one knows how. 1. So in physical life. 2. Human life. 3. Spiritual life. III. SELF-ABNEGATION. The bridegroom received the credit for Christ's act. 1. So in life the employer gets the credit for the skill and strength of the employee. 2. So in morals human cleverness and power get the credit for successes which should be given to the goodness of God. 3. So in the Church the means of grace are allowed to usurp the place of the Giver of grace. IV. PROGRESS. The best last. This is the law by which Christ governs men. 1. By His providence. 2. Through His Spirit. V. UNOSTENTATIOUS GENEROSITY. The need of which the guests were ignorant was anticipated by Christ. (J. W. Burn.) Parallel Verses KJV: And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. |
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