John 2

With the water to wine story, we see symbolism with the ritual purification jars”living water” becoming wine like the blood of Yahshua. We know that his blood eternally purifies us. This Passover, let us break bread and drink wine daily, in remembrance of what he told us to do on that last Passover week.

The water jugs that were used were actually jars that housed used what was known to be living water used for washing rituals. The servants had gone to drawn this “living water.” The ritual washing symbolized becoming spiritually clean or holy, not physically clean. The Gospel of John records that the six stone water jars contained two or three measures each, suggesting that the six were of slightly varying size (John 2:6). The limestone jars were referred to as a krater or a kalal, an Aramaic word according to the Mishnah Parah 3:3 and Eduyot 7:5.

We can see the symbolism in the scripture below. Jesus is the living water we drink, and never thirst again.

9” Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'” But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7: 37

Jesus being a Jew, participated in Passover, as did the disciples. He went to the Temple and what he saw infuriated him. They were selling animals to be sacrificed. Poor and tired people had traveled long ways to celebrate Passover. The Temple was selling animals, probably at ridiculously high prices.

Churches are not supposed to be money making businesses. They are supposed to feed the sheep not take from them; feed them spiritually and help with physical needs. Of course there will be those financially secure, who are called to giving to fund the ministry. We see the feeding of the widows and poor being emphasized even in the first assembly in Jerusalem led by James. We also see key successful players volunteering to house disciples, feed disciples, offer work along the road and send money back to the assemblies. The focus was always on helping disadvantaged and doing what was needed to support the field workers.

Churches should be honest, giving organizations that are in the business of serving, the MAIN focus should not be on paying huge electric bills or begging for donations to support large salaries.

I think we are seeing a transformation right now, where people are coming out of bigger churches and creating home based gatherings where the remnant are: meeting, praying, praising and doing service through things like “street ministry.” Corrupt churches, lavish Preachers take advantage and do not represent what it means to follow Jesus. I am sure Jesus is still turning over tables in heaven because so many modern day churches have become “market places” or entertainment venues.

Anger in itself is not righteous, but righteous anger for injustice often brings forth change and exposes sin. We can’t sit back and say nothing. Ignoring wrong is in essence condoning. If you see injustice or sin, stand up for righteousness with boldness, just as Jesus did with the money changers at the Temple. If you are persecuted or lose something for the sake of righteousness, know that you have earned crowns in Heaven for standing up for THE WORD.

Jesus spoke of His temple, His body being destroyed and then restored, but people had spiritual blinders on. Many people still do. Our bodies are now the temple that houses the Holy Spirit, Jesus lives within the bodies of those who have surrendered all to Him.

As Jesus, we must be wise, knowing that we can’t trust everyone, we can’t get through to everyone, the Father will draw the ones He has chosen and open the eyes, ears of those drawn to the Son. Scripture tells us to be: Matthew 10: 16
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Action:

1. Read John Chapter 3. Write down scriptures that speak to you. Then write your takeaway. What did you get from it?
2. Take Communion at home. Have a quiet time alone breaking bread and drinking juice in remembrance of him. Reflect on the fact that He is the living water that nourishes, cleanses you.
3. Have you seen corruption or things that seem wrong in the church? Or non-profit or anywhere? Pray on it. What can you do to stand up for Righteousness? Speak up- even if it means you take a hit.