MIRACLES AND REVELATION

There is little ‘theological speak’ in this presentation, which is not surprising as I’m not a theologian. However, it is important to establish that what follows, falls within sound biblical principles and guidelines.

The following, from the impeccable source of Wheatons, ‘The New Bible Dictionary’, establishes that miracles are a ‘self-revelation of God.’

‘If it be granted that ‘a priori’ (i.e. ‘knowable independent of experience’) objections to miracle stories are invalid, it still remains to ask what precise function these extraordinary events perform in the total self-revelation of God in history. Orthodox theologians have been accustomed to regard them primarily as the authenticating marks of God’s prophets and apostles and supremely of his Son. More recently it has been argued by liberal critics that the miracle stories of OT and NT are of the same character as the wonder-stories told of pagan deities and their prophets. Both these views fail to do justice to the integral relationship between the miracle stories and the whole self-revelation of God. Miracles are not simply an external authentication of the revelation but an essential part of it, of which the true purpose was and is to nourish faith in the saving intervention of God towards those who believe.’

This is very much so here, as Jesus took the opportunity provided by the Wedding Feast to reveal both His nature and the purpose of His ministry through this, the very first of His miracles.

THE PRINCIPLE OF BLOOD SACRIFICE

Mankind was created perfect. Not permanently perfect, as would be the case with a robot, but with the option of remaining that way through the exercise of ‘free will’. For God wanted mankind to fellowship, to relate to Him, not through compulsion, but by choice.

To enable choice, there must be alternatives In this case, either to retain the creation relationship, or alternatively, to become independent, to walk away from God. Adam and Eve made the second choice on our behalf, resulting in us all being separated from our God, through disobedience, which is called sin. In God’s eyes, we have ‘died’ to Him through sin.

To become as one again with God (at-one-ment), God requires the sacrifice of ‘a life for a life’. Logically, life is represented by blood. For without blood, there is no life. Leviticus 17:11 states, “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.”

Under Old Testament Law, animals had to be sacrificed, their blood shed, in order for there to be forgiveness. This requirement is confirmed in the New Testament book of Hebrews. “In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”

This was hard upon the animals. For no one is perfect – then or now – we all need ongoing forgiveness through sacrifice. So Jesus came as the final sacrifice, shedding His blood for all our sins. Provided of course, we exercise our free will by personally acknowledging and accepting Him. He spilt all his blood in dying for us on the Cross. Yes today, our personal relationship with God is fully restored. And the animals love it too!

JESUS AT THE TIME

Jesus was born in 3BC and spent 30 years growing up and living as an ‘ordinary’ person, likely learning the carpentry trade (similar to today’s stonemason) from his father Joseph. We don’t know too much about his childhood. No doubt though, he went through the experiences we all face in growing up, though it’s likely he coped with them a little better than we do. But he did grow up as a boy, as boys still do today. (Without sinning of course! Now here’s a deep theological question for someone to answer!)

While we are told he was an obedient son, he did not reflect his divinity in an obvious way at the time. He lived in a normal family of the day, and it is surely significant that his siblings did not believe in him until after he died. Sibling rivalry? Perhaps, a little! But realistically, he had not revealed himself to be Lord at the time.

The only significant event we know of as he grew up (other than the initial time spent in Egypt) was one visit he made with his parents to Jerusalem, at age 12, to celebrate the Passover. Here the scribes found him to already be amazingly knowledgeable about the Scriptures. This isn’t surprising, as he is ‘the Word’ (John 1:1) It is probable that Jesus went with his parents every year, as many families did. It is his age that was significant on this occasion, for it was his last journey as a child.

At 13, he became an adult, following the formal Bar Mitzvah religious ceremony of the time. After this, he would have been expected to go out to work. The scribes would have expected him to have a good scriptural knowledge of the ‘Torah’, as did all boys before their Bar Mitzvah, but his level of understanding obviously surpassed the norm by a huge amount.

We know no more about his life until he reaches age 30, the next age of significance in Jewish religious life. For at this age, the Levites, those born into the priestly tribe of Levi, were finally able to participate in the religious ceremonies of the Tabernacle and Temple. It was generally viewed as the age of spiritual maturity. Although not a Levite, this was still the ‘right’ time for Jesus to start his ministry. Nothing is by chance in God.

It was time too, for Jesus to be baptized by his cousin, John the Baptist. While it is open to debate, (depending on how you interpret John 1:31-33) it is likely that John knew him as his cousin, but not as the Son of God. If so, this was truly remarkable in itself, for John to be prepared to accept his ‘cousi-bro’, as we would say in New Zealand, as ‘The Christ’! These sorts of things don’t happen in normal families! Never before, or since!

Over the next little while, Jesus quickly gathered together His first five disciples. So now the scene was set for his first miracle, the first ‘proof’ of His God ordained, and John confirmed role as the ‘Son of God.’

The tumultuous journey of three and a half incredible years of adulation and rejection, of miracles and skepticism, of hope and despair, of love and hate that changed the world forever, had begun. A journey that led to seeming inglorious defeat on the Cross of Calvary, but which ended three days later in truly glorious victory, as our Jesus overcame the final frontier of death.

JEWISH MARRIAGES IN JESUS’ TIME

Marriages in all societies are a reason for celebration and feasting. Then and now. However, cultural traditions vary considerably depending upon the society in which we live. So it is helpful to understand how a Jewish wedding of the time was conducted, to better understand the circumstances under which Jesus performed His first miracle.

The prospective groom’s parents usually initiated the marriage arrangements, the boy’s father first approaching the girl’s father with the proposal. The two would discuss the price to be paid for the bride, and if agreement were reached, would confirm it with a toast of wine.

The bride would then be invited in - and may, or may not be asked for her approval. Then, in the presence of at least two witnesses, she would be presented with an engagement present, usually a ring, accompanied by the words, "Behold you are consecrated unto me with this ring according to the laws of Moses and Israel."

At this time the wedding arrangements would be made, recorded in a written contract called a ‘ketubah’, including details of the time, place (his or hers) and size of the wedding, the dowry and any long-term maintenance arrangements. Another glass of wine would seal this, the ‘Shiddukhin’ or engagement. This was a considered a full commitment or ‘betrothal’.

So when Joseph suggested divorcing Mary because she was pregnant with Jesus, the ‘Code of Hammurapi’ stipulated that if the future husband broke the engagement the bride’s father retained the bride-gift; while if the father changed his mind, he repaid double the amount of the gift. A costly exercise!

The groom then went home to prepare a house for his bride, which most often, consisted of an addition built on to his father’s house.

When the wedding day came, the groom would depart from his home with the wedding party, generally in the evening. Once the torches were seen and sounds heard of the approaching procession, the bride would quickly don her wedding dress and go out to meet her husband to be.

Depending upon the arrangements, they would either go inside, or return to the groom’s home, for the wedding ceremony. Following a public ceremony, the newlyweds would enter the specially prepared bridal chamber and do what has always been done throughout history! The groom would then come out and announce to the guests that the marriage was now consummated, generally exhibiting a bloodstained cloth, or a chemise (undergarment), as proof of his bride’s virginity.

Now, having received the glad news, the celebrations would truly begin, which in the case of a virgin bride would last for at least seven days. This is why Jacob had to wait until the end of his ‘marriage week’ with Leah before he could marry Rachel. (Genesis 29:14-30)

During this time however, the groom and his bride would remain in seclusion. After the seven days, the groom would present his unveiled bride to the guests and they too would then join in the conclusion of the wedding feast.

BREAD AND WINE
REALITY AND SYMBOLISM

Both bread and wine played important parts in the life of the Jews from earliest times, as confirmed in Wheaton’s Bible Dictionary.

Naturally in a land and climate particularly suited to the cultivation of the vine, we find that wine was often associated with grain, and together they stand for a full and adequate supply of food and of the good gifts of life. They can be promised therefore as the tokens of the blessing of God (Gn. 27:28), and they are acceptable to him when offered back upon the altar (Ex. 29:40)

BREAD
Most often and desirably, wheat was used in Old Testament bread making. The grain (dagan) was ground in a mortar and pestle, or between two millstones, if being produced on a larger scale. This milling process resulted in a type of flour called ‘qemah’, which was further identified by adding the name of the grain used. A finer, higher quality grade was called ‘solet’, likely the ‘groats’ used for offerings. For the Lord must have the best – then and now!

The flour was then kneaded with water and salt in a trough. A small portion of previously fermented dough was added to provide the rising agent or leaven for general use. Leaven though, was not included for religious offerings made by fire, such as that consumed during Passover Week, or for use on the Table of Shewbread. (Showbread)

Bread was cooked over a fire, on heated stones on a griddle, or baked in an oven. The leavened version produced round, flat loaves, the unleavened dough, thin, generally oval or round, cakes.

The ‘shew-bread’, consisted of 12 flat, square or oblong loaves representing the 12 tribes of Israel. It was prepared and placed while still hot, on the Table of Shewbread every Sabbath. (Our Saturday) The previous week’s bread was then eaten by the priests, but only in the Holy Place itself. This old bread was what King David requested of Ahimelech for himself and his men. (See 1 Samuel 21:1-6)

THE TABLE OF SHEWBREAD
The Table of Shewbread was the first item of furniture within the ‘Holy Place’ (Symbolic of the Holy Spirit), the first and largest section of the ‘Tent’ erected within the Tabernacle of Moses. The Table symbolizes the deeper, underlying, ‘revelatory Word (Bread) of God’, as revealed by the Holy Spirit.

Let me explain. Before I was a Christian, the Bible was the most boring book around. I hated reading it as a child, finally decided it was not true anyway, so discarded it from my life.

When I saw the light (no pun intended) and accepted Jesus into my life, the Bible took on a new meaning. For now, I was learning about my Saviour and Lord. Suddenly, the Bible became more interesting and my mind garnered a limited, new level of understanding of it. For here I could learn about my friend Jesus, from His Word.

However it wasn’t until I entered the realm of the Holy Spirit, moving into the Holy Place where the Table of Shewbread is situated, that the deeper revelations of the underlying layers and meanings of God’s precious and beautiful Word became available to me. Including the one you are about to read! And the process is ongoing. For as I grow in obedience to His will for my life, so He reveals more about Himself to me. And to you too!

JESUS AS THE BREAD OF LIFE
Jesus was the fulfilment of what had previously been symbolic as can be see in these, His words: “Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35) He was the fulfilment of both the Grain Offering and the Table of Shewbread.

Twice, He multiplied bread in the twin miracles of feeding the 4000 and the 5000. “Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?” (Matthew 16:9-10) Jesus, the bread of life, is able to supply all our needs with plenty left over!

Finally, at the Lord’s Supper: “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” ”(1 Corinthians 11:23-4) The body of the ‘Living Word’. Jesus is the final fulfilment of the symbolism of the bread, of the good gifts of life.

WINE
Wine was produced in large quantities during Old Testament times. It is believed that during the Roman era, a Jewish family consumed an average of 350 litres per year – but they did have large families! In the time of Jesus the price of wine was about half that of olive oil and equivalent to that of meat.

Crushing grapes to release the sugar in their juice produces wine. The juice ferments naturally when yeast (from the skins) comes in contact with the sugar in the grape juice. The result is alcohol, and carbon dioxide, which being a gas, escapes into the air.

The colour in wine is obtained primarily from the skins, as all grape juice is basically white. For white wines, the skins and seeds are removed at the beginning of the process, whilst with reds, the skins are retained until after the wine is fermented.

The fermented wine is then separated from the grape solids. Today, it is transferred into a vat or casks where it is clarified, stabilized, and may be taken though other optional processes, before being bottled. In those days, it was put into wineskins.

Wineskins were sheep or goatskins sewn together up to the neck, which served as the opening of the container. The skins were filled and the neck then sewn up. Since there was no refrigeration, the grape juice would ferment, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide as mentioned above, which would cause the skins to expand. Old skins would not work, as they had already been stretched and were no longer elastic. If grape juice was to be put in old wineskins, the expanding carbon dioxide would rupture the wineskins, the wine would be lost, and the wineskins, ruined.

There is considerable controversy as to whether Old Testament people had the technology to produce a non-alcoholic wine that would keep throughout the year. For fermentation preserves as well as intoxicates. However, it appears that there were several preservation methods known that excluded alcohol.

One involved heating wine to boil off the alcohol, which had a lower boiling point than water. (Only 78.3C) Another required the wine to be boiled, and in so doing reducing the moisture content until the sugar concentration exceeded the maximum level at which fermentation takes place. Water was then generally added back to the concentrated juice before drinking.

Therefore it seems highly likely that both alcoholic and non-alcoholic types were available in Jesus’ time.

Wine is seen in both good and bad lights in the Bible. But Jesus paid wine, however you wish to define it, the ultimate compliment, by using it as the symbol of His blood. His incredible ‘saving’ blood that cleanses us of our sins. Jesus asked us to drink wine in remembrance of His blood sacrifice until He returns. “In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” ”(1 Corinthians 11:25)

Jesus poured out His blood for us, the ultimate sacrifice that we are to remember by drinking wine. For parallel with the Grain Offering, Jesus was also the fulfilment of the Old Testament Drink Offering of wine.

THE WEDDING FEAST ITSELF

Jesus had in recent days, been acknowledged by his cousin, John the Baptist, as “the Lamb of God.”(John 1:35) The Holy Spirit had descended upon him like a dove, and the Father confirmed from heaven, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17) His short, turbulent, 3½ year earthly ministry was launched, with a heavenly display of affirmation.

Shortly afterwards, by the time of the world’s most famous wedding at Cana in Galilee, one where we don’t even know the names of the bride and the groom, Jesus had already gathered 5 of his 12 disciples to himself. They were all now at the wedding feast, likely having been there for a week, as apparently the bride and groom had returned from the marital chamber to join in the final celebrations.

Fortunately for the hosts, the costs of putting on such a feast were not too great. The guests would sit in a circle around one or more bowls set upon a mound on the dirt floor. The main dish would most likely be a lamb or kid (baby goat) stewed in rice or barley.

Before cooking, the vessels to be used were washed in water, a ritualistic ceremony to purify rather than to be wash clean. Prior to and after eating, the guests themselves poured, or rather dribbled, water from the holy ceremonial jars over their hands, in another symbol of spiritual rather than physical cleansing. Pieces of bread would be used as napkins to dry the fingers. Once used, the bread was tossed aside or thrown outside for the local dogs to come and eat. (As alluded to by Jesus when talking to the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:21-28)

When the food was served, the most honored guests sat in a circle round the mound on which the food was placed. The special guests ate first, followed by those of lesser honour, once the ‘inner circle’ had eaten their fill. They would dip their hands into the stew, or if it was too hot, use pieces of bread folded together, as spoons.

After eating, the guests, all men, for women were not allowed to attend other than to prepare the food, would get up and retire to seats placed around the walls or sit nearby, cross legged on the floor. They would talk, gossip, listen to recitals, puzzle over riddles and generally enjoy the company. One or two lanterns would provide a dim light, and if it were chilly, heat would be generated from a fire of smouldering weeds, perhaps in a brazier, but often, simply in a hole in the floor. The little smoke produced would have to find its own way out of the room.

This was the situation in which Jesus was found, when the unthinkable occurred, the wedding’s hosts ran out of wine.

So let’s have a look at what happened next and see how Jesus revealed his divinity through this, the first of His miracles…