The Marriage of _Cana_.
JOHN ii. 11.
_This beginning of miracles did JESUS in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him._
I HAVE more than once had occasion to observe, that the chief end St. _John_ had in view, when he wrote his gospel, was to prove the divinity of JESUS CHRIST, [that WORD, who not only was from everlasting with GOD, but also was really GOD blessed for evermore] against those arch-heretics _Ebion_ and _Corinthus_, whose pernicious principles too many follow in these last days. For this purpose, you may take notice, that he is more particular than any other Evangelist, in relating our LORD’s divine discourses, as also the glorious miracles which he wrought, not by a power derived from another, like _Moses_, and other prophets, but from a power inherent in himself.
The words of the text have a reference to a notable miracle which CHRIST performed, and thereby gave proof of his eternal power and Godhead. “This beginning of miracles did JESUS in _Cana_ of _Galilee_, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.”
The miracle here spoken of, is that of our LORD’s turning water into wine at a marriage feast. I design, at present, by GOD’s help, to make some observations on the circumstances and certainty of the miracle, and then conclude with some practical instructions; that you, by hearing how JESUS CHRIST has shewed forth his glory, may, by the operation of GOD’s Spirit upon your hearts, with the disciples mentioned in the text, be brought to believe on him.
_First_, then, I would make some observations on the miracle itself.
Verse 1 and 2. “And the third day there was a marriage in _Cana_ of _Galilee_; and the mother of JESUS was there. And both JESUS was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.” By our LORD’s being at a feast we may learn, that feasting upon solemn occasions is not absolutely unlawful: but then we must be exceeding careful at such seasons, that the occasion be solemn, and that we go not for the sake of eating and drinking, but to edify one another in love. Feasting in any other manner, I think absolutely unlawful for the followers of JESUS CHRIST: because if we eat and drink out of any other view, it cannot be to the glory of GOD. The Son of man, we know, “came eating and drinking.” If a pharisee asked him to come to his house, our LORD went, and sat down with him. But then we find his discourse was always such as tended to the use of edifying. We may then, no doubt, go and do likewise.
We may observe farther, that if our LORD was present at a marriage feast, then, to deny marriage to any order of men, is certainly a “doctrine of devils.” “Marriage (says the Apostle) is honourable in all.” Our LORD graced a marriage feast with his first public miracle. It was an institution of GOD himself, even in paradise: and therefore, no doubt, lawful for all christians, even for those who are made perfect in holiness through the faith of JESUS CHRIST. But then, we may learn the reason why we have so many unhappy marriages in the world; it is because the parties concerned do not call JESUS CHRIST by prayer, nor ask the advice of his true disciples when they are about to marry: No; CHRIST and religion are the last things that are consulted: and no wonder then if matches of the devil’s making (as all such are, which are contracted only on account of outward beauty, or for filthy lucre’s sake) prove most miserable, and grievous to be borne.