. Ver. 11.-" This beginning of his signs." All that a man does may be regarded as significant of his character and aims in life. How far more obviously and instructively is this the case with the actions of the Son of God! Yet, though whatever Jesus did may be regarded thus, there are certain works of his which the evangelist notes especialJy as being signs. Of these works, the deed performed at Cana is remarked to be the first in point of time. , L WHAT THESE SIGNS WERE IN TIIEMSELVES. 1. They were worlcs, and mighty works; such as implied great power on the pa.rt of the Worker; such as were not wrought by ordinary men. 2. '!'hey were wonders, or miracles, fitted to a1Test the attention, awaken the inquiry, excite the surprise, of beholders. 3. As in this instance, they were deeds authoritative over nature, its elements, processes, and laws. , IL OF WllAT THESE SIGNS WEnE SIGNIFICANT. That they did speak to the minds and hearts of those who beheld them, is clear; they compelled the inquiry, "What manner of man is this?" The works led the witnesses to ask concerning the Worker, for they testified of him. 1. Of a Dinine presence and power among men. The signs were as the cry of a herald, as a trumpet-call summoning the attention of all who wero capable of understanding. They spake in plainest language, and their voice and utter- ance was this: "The King of nature and the Lord of man is here I " 2. Of Divine compassion and mercy. Observe the contrast between the mediators of the old covenant and the new. '!'he first sign which Moses wrought was to turn water into blood ; the first which Jesus presented to men was to turn water into wine. We see pity in its varying grades excited by human want and misery, manifesting itself in the exercise of authority prompted and guided by love. 3. Of Divine adaptation to special needs of men. '!'here was vast variety in the miraculous ministrations of Immanuel. '!'he first sign proves that the same Lord who supplies the most urgent wants fa not unmindful of the social pleasures and comforts of men. There is delicate dillcrimination and thoughtful adaptation and suitability in the marvels which Jesus wrought. Bread for the hungry, healing for the sick; yet also wine for the joyful and the festive .. III. To WHOM THESE SIGNS APPEALED. 1. Not primarily to unbelievers. Whethe~ ihere were any such in the happy circle in whose midst and for whose bene1H the first of the signs was exhibited, we do not know; probably all were friendly and receptive, a!ld none more than partially enlightened. Jesus did not go into public o.nd perform e. wonder too.maze a multitude. 2. But to his disciples. There was no sign from heaven for the unspirituo.1, but for the believing and affectionate there were proofs given tho.t their confidence and love were not misplaced. "His disciples believed on him," i.e. o.11 the more as they saw more of the might of his word and the tenderness of his heart.-T. Ver. 11.-"Jesw . . . manifested forth Ms glory." Does it seem to the reader of this simple narrative that this language is somewhat strained-is pitched rather too high? A:ll obscure village, a homely festival, a peasants' party ;-are these suggestive of, harmonious with, this great word "glory"? Ah! let us not be deceived by outward on. 11. 1-25.J THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN. 103
appearnncos; bu~ rather remember that, as the world judge~, there was no aJory in Josue nny moro thnn in his surroundings, his Msociates. Be it ours to form';;, wiser, juster, truer judgment. I. Gr,ORY WAS MANIFESTED JN CIJRIST's COMMAND AND COJITROL OF NATURF:. II, GLORY WAB SHOWN FORTil IN THE REVELATION OF CHRIST'S OWN LOVE AND GBAO~. To the purged vision of evangelists and a-postlcs there was a higher glory in the pity of tho Redeemer than could have been d1spla.yed by any sim 0 from heaven. "They beheld hie glory . . . full of grace and truth." III, GLORY WAS REFLECTED UPON TIIE COU}l'TENANCF.B AND THE HEARTS OF THB ASSEMBLED COMPANY, The master of the feast, the bride and the bridegroom, may little have known who and what manner of person they had invited and w~re enter- taining in J csus of Naznreth. But henceforth !-surely henceforth he must nave been to them the Divine Friend and Lord. Whosoever will welcome Jesus to his home and to his heart shall learn the mystery alike of his majesty and of his love. IV. GLORY WAS REVEALED TO CHnrsT's OWN DL~CIPLES. These five newly foun<l companions and pupils were soon privileged with intimations of the unique character and power of their Master. It was a lesson memorable and precious as being the first among many. They who learn from Jesus lessons of love and pity, lessons of wisdom and power, learn at the same time a lesson or moral splendour and majesty which shall prepare them for renewed manifestatious in a long, an infinite series. V. GLORY WAS, THROUGH THIS RECORD, RADIATED TO ALL TIME Als"'D TO THE WHOLE UNIVERSE, REVEALING THE CHABAOTEB AND THE MINISTRY OF b!l!.!NUEL.-'1'.
Ver. 11.-" His disciples believed on Mm." There is singula.r simplicity and beauty in this statement, coming where it does at the close of this narrntive. I. OF WHOM IS THIS DELIEF ASSERTED? Not, as might perhaps have been expected, of strangers, who witnessed the mighty.work and sign, bnt of five men here named "the disciples" of Jesus. II. WHAT WAS THEIR PREPARATION FOB THIS BELIEF? Undoubtedly their admira- tion and affection for Jesus, who had sought them or welcomed them, and shown them the friendliness of his heart. III. WHAT WAS THE OCCASION OF Tms BELIEF? It was the" sign" they witnessed, the moral glory which they discerned in the Master's sympathetic and gracious action. Coming to hearts so prepared, tbc wonder did its work effectually. IV. WuAT WERE THE RESULTS OF THIS BELIEF? 1. The satisfaction, rest, s.nd joy of their own minds. 2. The resolve and ability to publish the Saviour's fame, and. bring men to behold his glory.-T.