Search The Scriptures —Study 4 — John 2:1-22

Study 4 From the Book of John is: John 2:1-22

1. Verses 1 -11. present the first of the seven 'signs' (see introduction), which reveal the identity of Jesus and stimulate faith (verse 11). What particular aspect of Jesus's glory does this miracle display? What change in our life does turning the water into wine represent? Cf. 2 Cor. 5:17. What can we learn from Mary's response to Jesus?
2. The idea of the 'Temple' unites verses 13-17 with 18-22. How does Jesus appear in each incident? By what authority does He drive out the traders? Cf. Mal. 3:1-3. What crisis does this incident foreshadow in the mind of Jesus? What did He foresee concerning the cost and character of His mission?

Notes

1. Verse 4. The English, even in RSV, makes Jesus' words seem disrespectful, but in the Greek the form of address is perfectly courteous. Jesus makes it clear that He depends upon no human instructions, even from His mother, but only upon that which God appoints. He is awaiting His Father's instructions.
2. Verses 14-16. See TNTC. (p.61) for discussion whether there were two cleansings of the Temple, one at the beginning of Jesus' ministry, as here, and one at the end, as recorded in the Synopstics

ABBRVIATIONS:

TNTC stands for Tyndale New Testament Commentary

RSV stands for Revised Standards Version (1946-52)

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