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THE KING’S. BUSINESS
ience with Christ; and brought them to Jesus Himself. The results of this manifestation were that men bore witness to Christ as the “Lamb of God” (1:36), “Christ, Messiah” (l:41)j “Son of God,” “King of Israel” (1:49). 2 . Christ’s self-manifestation at the wed ding in Cana (The witness of nature), 2 :1-1 1. This miracle was a “sign” and in some way manifested forth Christ’s glory. How? In chapter 1 we have “glory declared;” in chapter 2, “glory manifested” (cf. 1 :3 with this “sign”). Nature is a revelation of Christ’s mind, will, and purpose. Christ is the Life, Ennobler, and Interpreter of nature—it lies plastic in His hand. Christ came to make all things new. The transforming power of Christ is set forth in 2 Corinthians 5:17. Moses’ first miracle was the turning of water into blood; Christ’s was turning water inta wine (cf. 1:17)-—curse and blessing. Jesus sanctifies marriage and festivity (cf. Matthew 11:18, 19). This was a pious home, hence no intoxication from wine. Jesus would not have graced it otherwise. No Mariolatry here. Christian’s motto: “Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it” (2:5). The Results: No opposition. The begin nings of faith. Note that this period of private manifestation closes with a “sign” ( 2 : 11 ). II. PUBLIC MANIFESTATION, 2:T2- 4:54. 1 . In Jerusalem; in the temple ( 2 : 12 - 22 ); in the city ( 2 : 23 - 3 : 21 ). The cleansing of the temple: The Pass- over, thus Jesus honored sacred institu tions even though corrupted. This (first) cleansing of the temple was a direct claim to Messiahship (cf. “my Father’s house,” with Luke 2:49 and Psalm 69:9, a Messi anic psalm, referred to again in 15:25, and 19:28). Here was a challenge to, Christ to show His authority for His action. They request
timejve are baptized by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ. Other experiences o.f the Holy Spirit may be a “filling,” an “enduement,” an “anointing,” or a “falling upon,” but are not, strictly speaking, bap tisms of the Holy Spirit. ■John recognized Jesus as the Son of God. This is God’s testimony too (Mat thew 3:17). Note the difference between John’s testimony to the priests and to the people. There is no mention of “Lamb of God” or “Son of God” to the priests; why? Compare Matthew 7 : 6 . The" results of this testimony are that some among the people believed. Jesus is pointed out as the Saviour of the race. John said to the priests, He is here, among you ; and to the people, There He is. To the priests, he knows the representative Man; to the people, he presents the Saviour of the race. (c) The Baptist’s testimony before his disciples ( 1 : 35 - 51 )- A Study in Personal W ork I (1:43-51) The teacher leads his pupils to Christ; the brother, his brother; the friend, his friend. The appeal is to experience (1:39, 46). These verses show”us how the first disciples were recruited also how the Church must grow—by personal soul-win ning. Note the soul-winners: Who they were: John, the teacher, win ning his pupil; Andrew, the brother, win ning his brother; Philip, the friend, win ning his friend; Christ, the Saviour, win ning the sinner; the pupils, Andrew and John, winning other pupils. Where they did the work: In the home; in the class; on the streets. When they did the work: As soon as they had found Jesus Christ themselves. This is an illustration of putting new con verts with “first love” in their hearts to work for Christ. Their qualifications for the work: They found Christ for themselves and were liv ing in fellowship with Him. How they did the work: They went after their men; told them of their own exper
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