September 24, 2023 - Good News for the Joyless & the Lonely

Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine at a wedding feast.  John calls this event a “sign”; it pointed to something greater. By making wine in jars used for purification water, Jesus was looking toward his own death, at which his shed blood would cover a deeper shame, redeem all broken, & forgive all sin. Jesus’ coming suffering & death had a greater purpose: eternal joy — for him & for us. If that's true, then even when his followers face sadness, suffering, & loneliness in life, we can remain joyful: we have greater, eternal reasons to celebrate. When we’re anxious, lonely, & joyless, we remember that Jesus too was despised & forsaken. He offers us the best wine, while he drank God’s cup of wrath. And no matter what sadness or loneliness we face, Jesus invites us to his wedding feast. 

 

Primary Text: John 2 | Slide Deck

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