John 2:3 - Homilies By J.r. Thomson

"They have no wine."

Just as the scarcity of provisions in the wilderness gave Jesus an opportunity to supply the need of a multitude; just as it was permitted that a man should be born blind, "that the works of God should be manifest in him;" so the falling short of the supply of wine at Cans gave an opportunity for the performance by Christ of a beneficent and instructive miracle. And the lesson is one widely impressive and helpful which is thus conveyed concerning human need and Divine grace and supply.

I. GOD LETS MEN WANT . It is a paradox, but it is a truth, that it is for our good to suffer need of many kinds.

1 . Thus he teaches us how slender are our resources, and how soon exhausted.

2 . Thus it is suggested to us to look without, to look above, for the satisfaction of our desires.

3 . Thus it is arranged that, when God interposes upon our behalf, we shall welcome and value his intervention.

II. GOD SUPPLIES MEN 'S WANTS AND SATISFIES THEIR DESIRES .

1 . He does this at the right moment, when the pressure is heavy enough, but not too heavy.

2 . He does this in the exercise of his own power, that the glory may be his.

3 . He does this in a gracious and affectionate manner, displaying his sympathy as well as his authority.

III. THE PURPOSES SUBSERVED BY THE SUPPLY OF HUMAN NEED BY DIVINE BOUNTY .

1 . All blessings come thus to be regarded as the immediate bestowments of Heaven.

2 . And are seen to be the outward revelations of the attributes of the Father's heart.

3 . And are the occasion of devout acknowledgment and fervent adoration.—T.