When Jesus Is Guest in a Home …
by Pastor Edwin Lehmann on January 17, 2025 in John 2:1-11
Epiphany 2 (The Wedding at Cana) January 19, 2025
Text: John 2:1-11 Historic Series 25:2483
Theme: When Jesus Is Guest in a Home…
A large cruise ship, crowded with passengers, sailed its way to New York from England. In the early morning hours a violent storm arose, tossing the ship freely as though it were a piece of driftwood. Fear gripped everyone on board. Would the ship reach port safely?
While passengers and crew feared for their lives, a little girl played on deck. She began to sing as though entirely unaware of the danger around them. A surprised passenger asked, “How can you sing and play while we are in this dreadful storm? Aren’t you afraid?” “Afraid?” she replied. “Why, no! My father is here. He is steering the ship. He will help us and bring us safely home.”
Such is the confident contentment that the child of God has in the presence of the divine Savior. The Lord Jesus’ presence in our lives always make a difference, no matter the outward circumstances. His kind presence proves a comfort and blessing, even as it did at the wedding in Cana of Galilee.
There were some very distinguished guests at the wedding. There was Mary, the mother of Jesus, Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Nathanael, and other dignitaries. But the most illustrious and helpful guest present was none other than the Lord Jesus. He was invited, He came, and His presence proved a great blessing. That is always the case. When Jesus Is Guest in a Home…
I. …His kindness abounds and blesses everyone there.
It was indeed a high honor that Christ Jesus paid to married life when He attended this marriage. Along with the Father and the Holy Spirit, He had instituted marriage long before in the Garden of Eden when Eve was brought to Adam, and they were joined together as husband and wife. It was one of the first things God did at creation. Surely it is a state He loves and one that Christ honors and comforts. He shows that by His readiness to kindly supply any want that arises.
His kindness is desperately needed in marriage because nothing here on earth is perfect. Since the Fall, everything is tainted by sin and bears sin’s unsettling consequences. The young married couple in Cana soon learned that truth shortly after their happy day began. They ran into difficulties as it became evident that the provisions were lacking. They were running out of wine. Mary noticed the need
and nudged her son with the remark, “They have no wine.”
Interesting that the first one she goes to is Jesus. He had only just begun the active years of His public ministry and had not really performed any miracles or done much that revealed a lot about Him. But after many years of raising Him in her home, Mary knew and had experienced that His kindness abounds. But what did she expect of Him? He had just arrived from a long journey. How, at a moment’s notice, could He help? Surely, her remark must have been more than an ordinary appeal for help. Was this an appeal for divine help?
Such help He will give to those in need who come to Him. For when the time is right, according to the hour set by God (Ga.4:4), He will act. As God, the faithful One, who is good, He can do no other.
Jesus called for the servants to fill the waterpots with ordinary water. When completed He turned the water into wine with quantity and quality as He performed His first public miracle that revealed His divine power and glory as the Christ.
Now, tell me, dear friends, what does this, His first miracle, tell you about Him? Does it not reveal His divine love for those in need? And note the setting – within the home, the first thing He instituted in the beginning. There His kindness abounds as families look to Him.
Is this not the essence of grace, showing His love for sinners in need? But see how He waits to the very last moment. When the need is felt the sharpest, and by all who are present, He acts. When no earthly counsel or help is left, when all human resources have failed, He reveals His kindness and divine glory to those who are in need.
That kindness, love, and above all grace is not given to the one who in his own eyes has enough. It is not given to the one who has not yet felt his desperate need for the Savior in all things. For God’s grace does not feed and fill those who think they are full and satisfied in what they have done. Rather, it fills and satisfies the needs of the hungry and the empty. As Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted…. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Mt.5:3f).
Whoever still considers himself wise and strong and pious in his own right….whoever still thinks of himself as self-sufficient and able to do all things by himself….whoever does not feel his great needs of body and of soul, that one does not come to Christ, nor can he be assured of the blessings of Christ’s kindness and love, for he has no need of it. The need must first be felt to the full. As Mary indicated when she said, “They have no more wine.” When the need is felt to the full, the Savior’s kindness is revealed as He provides with quantity and quality. It is the way of His divine love.
So, Christ lures our hearts to Himself, to rely on Him as ever ready to help in any matter. He is not willing to leave or forsake us, whom He has redeemed with His own blood (Hb.13:5). So then, whoever feels his utmost need and runs to the Savior in all things, to such a one the Savior reveals the way of His love. His kindness abounds. It’s what happens When Jesus Is Guest in a Home.
II. Faith Grows.
But see how Christ waits to the very last moment, when the want is felt by all and there is no counsel or help left. When the need is felt the worst, He provides. Indeed, what is even more severe is the fact that He acts like He may not even help but speaks with a measure of harshness. When Mary advises, “They have no wine,” He responds, “Woman, what is that to you and to me? My time has not yet come.” How unkindly He seems to turn her away. Now, observe the nature of faith and see how it grows.
Mary did not command nor demand Him to provide what was needed. But in a humble and polite way she made her request known with a simple statement. She merely touched upon His kindness, of which she was fully assured. It is as though she would say, “Ah, He is so good and gracious in our home. There is no need for my asking. I will only tell Him what is lacking, and He will on His own do more than any of us could ask.”
Ah, dear friends, that is the way of faith. No matter what the lack might be, faith pictures God’s goodness and kindness like Mary did, never doubting that it is so. It boldly brings its humble petition before Him and presents its need even though He seems to turn it away in an unkindly manner. See the nature of faith and how it grows.
What has her faith to rely on? Nothing, absolutely nothing! There is no hint of His provision; all seems darkness. Faith feels a need but sees help nowhere.
This is where faith stands in the heat of battle. It does not quit; it does not give up, no matter how harsh the words sound, no matter how unkind He appears. Mary did not interpret this as unkindness or unfairness in Christ towards her. Rather she firmly clings in faith to the conviction that He is good, kind, able, and will help. She does not dishonor Him nor speak against Him but readies the servants for the time when He chooses to act.
In such a way, dear friends, may our faith grow towards God in every circumstance as we abide in His Word and promises.
Therefore, always honor God as good, gracious, and kind for “He who did not spare his own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things” (Ro.8:32).
When Jesus Is Guest in a Home, He shall act when His hour comes. Meanwhile, He may seem harsh and tart with me. But He is sweet and loving. In the end He will give more abundantly and gloriously than asked. Though He delays, He cannot deny nor forsake Himself. He is God. Therefore, He is good, kind, and gracious to all who come to Him. He is steering the ship of His Church. He will help and bring us safely home. Only hold out in faith until His hour ripens for you. God grant it in our lives of faith for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Zion Lutheran Church of Springfield
4717 S Farm Rd 135 (Golden Avenue)
Church phone: 417.887.0886 Pastor’s cell phone: 417.693.3244
www.zionluthchurch.com
Second Sunday after the Epiphany January 19, 2025
He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in Him. John 2:11
Welcome: The family of Zion welcomes you as we worship the Lord today. We encourage children to worship with us. However, if you need to leave with your child, there is a nursery room to the right as you exit the sanctuary. The rest rooms are located in the hallway between the sanctuary and the fellowship hall. Visitors, please sign our guest book to the right, just outside the sanctuary. We’re glad that you are here and pray that through our worship the Lord grants you peace.
U p o n E n t e r i n g G o d’ s H o u s e
“All the earth bows down to You. They make music to You. How awesome Your deeds for all people! Shout praise to God, all the earth! Make music to the glory of His name! Say: ‘How awesome are Your deeds!’” (Psalm 66).
W h a t T h i s S u n d a y i s A b o u t
Jesus Manifests His Glory at Cana Miracles tend to impress people because of the power displayed. However, Jesus’ purpose in performing miracles was not to impress people with His ability. Rather, His purpose was to reveal His glory as God’s Son who came to earth for a greater purpose – to save the people from their sins. So, what was the purpose of His miracles?
Jesus’ miracles acted as signposts, pointing people to Him that they might believe in Him and be saved from their sins. He is our gracious Helper in all needs. There is no doubt about that. But He is more, much more. He is our divine Savior.
May we who have seen His glory in the Word, kneel in faith before Him and worship Him for the blessings of salvation and life that He brings.
To that end we pray: Almighty God, You gave Your one and only Son to be the Light of the world. Grant that Your people, illumined by Your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that He may be known, worshiped, and believed to the ends of the earth.
Hear us for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
T h e W o r d o f G o d f o r T o d a y
The Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 61:1-6
The Spirit of God will rest upon the Christ when He comes. The Spirit will equip Him for His work. With the Spirit upon Him, Christ will use His divine gifts for the eternal welfare of His people.
The Epistle Lesson: Romans 12:6-16
God bestows different gifts upon His Church to be used for the good of all. The believer’s Christian love is shown to be sincere as he follows in the footsteps of the Savior, using his or her gifts for the advancement of His Kingdom.
The Gospel Lesson: John 2:1-11
Jesus takes up His work as He begins the time of His public ministry among the people. He reveals His glory in His first miracle at Cana’s wedding, changing the water into wine and manifesting Himself as the Christ, come to help His people.
O u r P r a c t i c e o f H o l y C o m m u n i o n
Out of deep love for the truth of God’s Word and precious souls, we follow the practice of Close Communion in our congregation. This has been the practice of Christians for centuries and reflects the Bible’s teaching on unity of faith in the reception of the Supper (1 Cor.10:17). It does not judge a person’s heart but anticipates agreement in that which God says. Since we do not wish to put anyone in the position of declaring such agreement with us before study in the Word is possible, we ask that only those who are communicant members of this or another Wisconsin Synod or ELS congregation come to receive the Sacrament.
The Organist: Jane Rips The Preacher: Pastor Edwin Lehmann
Point to Ponder: “Whenever the need is felt, the Lord does not at once hasten and bestow what is needed and desired. Often He delays and tests our trust in Him….This is the way of faith. It pictures God’s goodness in this manner….He will reach out in His time and way to help.” — Martin Luther
Outline of Our Worship
The Preparation
Opening Thoughts on Today’s Worship
The Entrance Hymn: #496
Order of Worship: The Service: Setting Two with Holy Communion: page 172-180
Prayer of the Day
The Ministry of the Word
Isaiah 61:1-6
Romans 12:6-16
Gospel Acclamation: Epiphany pg.179
John 2:1-11
Sermon Hymn: #374
Sermon: John 2:1-11 When Jesus Is Guest in a Home…
The Nicene Creed pg.180
Our Response to the Word
Prayer of the Church: pg.182
The Offering
The Lord Blesses Us
Preparation for Holy Communion Hymnal page 182-187
(Visitors: Please read the box above regarding Holy Communion)
Consecration and Distribution
Distribution Hymns: #669 & 386
Thanksgiving & Blessing Hymnal: middle of page 187
Closing Hymn: #760 st.1,2,5
Silent Prayer
The Second Sunday after the Epiphany – Historic Series
Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 61:1-6 The Spirit Rests on the Servant
1The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the afflicted. He sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release for those who are bound, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance for our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 to provide for those who mourn in Zion, to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, a cloak of praise instead of a faint spirit, so that they will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord to display his beauty.
4 They will rebuild ancient ruins. They will raise up what was formerly devastated; they will renew ruined cities, which have been devastated for generations. 5 Strangers will stand and shepherd your flock, and foreigners will be your farmers and vinedressers. 6 You will be called the Lord’s priests. You will be named ministers of God. You will eat the wealth of nations, and you will boast about their riches.
Epistle Lesson: Romans 12:6-16 Using the Gifts God Has Given You
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace God has given us. If the gift is prophecy, do it in complete agreement with the faith. 7 If it is serving, then serve. If it is teaching, then teach. 8 If it is encouraging, then encourage. If it is contributing, be generous. If it is leadership, be diligent. If it is showing mercy, do it cheerfully.
9 Do not just pretend to love others. Hate what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another with brotherly love. Think of others as deserving more honor than yourselves. 11 Do not be lagging behind in zeal, but be fervent in spirit, as you continue to serve the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope. Endure trials patiently. Persist in prayer. 13 Share with the saints who are in need. Be quick to welcome strangers as guests.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless, and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who are rejoicing; weep with those who are weeping. 16 Have the same respect for one another. Do not be arrogant but associate with the humble. Do not think too highly of yourselves.
Gospel Lesson: John 2:1-11 Jesus’ First Miracle – Wine out of Water
1Three days later, there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there. 2 Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My time has not come yet.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
6 Six stone water jars, which the Jews used for ceremonial cleansing, were standing there, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. 8 Then he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” And they did. 9 When the master of the banquet tasted the water that had now become wine, he did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew). The master of the banquet called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have had plenty to drink, then the cheaper wine. You saved the good wine until now!”
11 This, the beginning of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him. The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) copyright © 2019
Calendar & Announcements for Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
| Today
Jan.19 |
Mon.
Jan.20 |
Tues.
Jan.21 |
Wed.
Jan.22 |
Thurs.
Jan.23 |
Fri.
Jan.24 |
Sat.
Jan.25 |
Next Sun.
Jan.26 |
| 9:00 am
Divine Worship Service with Holy Communion online -Facebook 10:15 am Fellowship & Bible Study Door Offering for WELS Christian Aid & Relief Epiphany 2 |
|
6 pm
Elders, Trustees, Church Council Monthly Meeting |
9:00 am
Divine Worship Service online -Facebook 10:15 am Fellowship and Annual Voters’ Meeting
Epiphany 3 |
A Brief Bible Study on God’s Word for Today
“Grace” is a beautiful biblical word. Grace is God’s undeserved love. It suggests the idea of giving a gift without a sense of obligation. If there is an obligation involved in the giving of a gift, it is no longer a gift. Jesus loves us not because He is obligated. He didn’t die for us out of a sense of guilt. He didn’t owe us. Everything Jesus does for us is done for one reason only: He is gracious. He does it because He wants to, freely! Yes, Jesus is our gracious Savior.
The Gospel Lesson: John 2:1-11 (the answers are found on the back side)
- What problem arose at the wedding in Cana to which Jesus and His disciples were invited?
- How did Jesus react when Mary told Him that they had run out of wine? Why did He react this way?
- What did Jesus do to resolve the problem?
Those We Remember In Our Prayers: Greg Miller; William & Laurie Moon; Libya, (Jodi Milam’s granddaughter); Barbara Long; Liz Lisenby; Pastor Roger Neumann from Oskaloosa, IA; Dee Bruck, following knee surgery; Angela Bruck, hospitalized this past week at Cox South
Thank You to all who were able to help serving the suppertime meal this past Friday at the Ronald McDonald House on the southside of Springfield, near Cox South Hospital. Your help was greatly appreciated.
Divine Call Sent At the last call meeting, Pastor Kurt Uhlenbrauck was selected to whom our ninth call was sent. He is 62 years old and presently serves St. Jacob Lutheran Church, Grass Lake, MI. He and wife Karen have 2 adult children. Please keep them in your prayers as he prayerfully considers the call. More information may be found in the hallway.
Looking Ahead
Tuesday, January 21, 6 pm – Elders, Trustees, Church Council Meeting
Thursday, January 23 – Outreach Planning Committee – 4 pm door hangers; 6 pm meeting
Sunday, January 26 – Annual Voters Meeting following the worship service
February 4, 6 pm – Situational Awareness Class
February 22 – Firearm Safety Training
Pastor Lehmann will be teaching in the Far East with New Life Academy at the end of January into February.
He will leave on January 28 and return on February 19. Pastor Witt will be filling in Sundays, Feb.2&9.
In case of need, Pastor Witt can be reached at 314.501.4924.
The Week in Review
Last Sunday Worship: ; Communed: ; Bible Study: ; Offerings: $.
Next Sunday’s Lessons:
Epiphany 3: 2 Kings 5:1-19; Romans 12:17-21; Matthew 8:1-13 (Historic Pericope Series)
Answers to Today’s Gospel Lesson Brief Study:
- They had run out of wine. It was customary in Jesus’ day for weddings to be celebrated for several days. It seems clear that the wedding hosts had not adequately prepared.
- Jesus asked why Mary involved Him, stating, “My time has not yet come.” Jesus seems to be suggesting that it wasn’t yet time for Him to publicly reveal Himself as the promised Savior through His miracles. It seems that the forthcoming miracle was performed quietly. At least we are only told that because of the miracle the disciples believed in Him.
- He changed water into wine. Although His disciples put their faith in Him, it seems His miracle went otherwise unnoticed.
This week I am praying for……
