Set PERTOSa ee (continued)
CLASSIC SERMON OUTLINES — George Whitefield even in paradise; and therefore lawful for all Christians, even for those who are made perfect in holiness through the faith of Jesus Christ.
2. Christ should be consulted in every marriage. We may learn the rea Set PERT OS a ee
C. It Was an Unusual Marriage Feast.
1. Mary's request. The persons who called our Lord and His disciples to the marriage feast seem not to have been rich. They had an insufficient quantity of wine. It was Mary who said to the Lord, "They have no wine." Herein she set an example to rich and poor. The rich should be willing to go into the cottages of the poor and consider their needs. The poor who are disabled from helping can pray for one another.
2. Jesus' response. The Lord's answer to Mary gives us reason to think that there was something which was not right. He said to her, "Woman, what have I to do with thee?" (verse 4). Will the Lord Jesus entirely disregard His mother's request? No; He intimates that He will do at the proper time the thing she desired of Him. "Mine hour is not yet come." As though He said, "When they are come to an extremity and sensible of the need of My assistance, then I will show forth My glory."
II. THE PURPOSES OF THE MIRACLE.
A. To Prove the Deity of Christ.
One of the purposes of this miracle the evangelist mentions in the text, "to show forth His glory," or to give a proof of His eternal power and godhead. This was the chief design of our Lord's turning water into wine. However, there are more which our Lord may be supposed to have had in view, some of which I shall proceed to mention.
B. To Reward the Host.
He might do this to reward the host for ae = and His disciples to the marriage. hose who h he Lor will honor. A cup of cold water given in the name abs a astiplet shall in no wise lose its reward. Although those who abound in alms deeds out of a true faith in and a love for