Temptation and transfer and transformation

This week we will examine three events in the life of Jesus. 1. His temptation in the wilderness. 2. The transfer some of John’s disciples to being followers of Jesus. 3 Transformation of water into wine.

An important lesson to learn from the temptation of Jesus is the importance of an accurate understanding of scripture. In his effort to temp Jesus, satan resorted to misrepresenting scripture to justify what he was asking Jesus to do. But Jesus sees through the error in how the scripture is being distorted and quotes passages that exposes satan’s misrepresentations. Paul expresses this truth in 2 Timothy 2:15: Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that has nothing to be ashamed of, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The events in John Chapter 1 include Jesus attracting His first disciples – Andrew, Peter, Philip and Nathanael. John states (John 1:19-23) that He is not the Messiah, Elijah or THE prophet (Deut 18:15-18). He is the forerunner describe in Isaiah 40:3, announcing the presence of the Messiah. Almost immediately Jesus returns from being tempted by satan and John twice identifies Jesus as the Messiah in the presence of his disciples. Based on their interactions with Jesus, Andrew and Philip proclaimed Jesus to be the Messiah. Nathanael identified Jesus as the Son of God (John1:35-51).

The Holy Spirit that had descended on Jesus at His baptism was already at work in the hearts of the people around Jesus to bring them to an understanding of who He was. Many times the apostles are depicted as simple fisherman. Here we see that these men had left their homes and livelihoods in Galilee to follow John. Now they have transferred their allegiance from John to Jesus. They will follow Jesus back to Galilee and will soon leave behind their old way of life forever to be full-time disciples of Jesus.

The transforming of water into wine was the first miracle of Jesus ministry (John 2:1-12). It was practical, it met a genuine need of the wedding party. It was pragmatic. Jesus took the vessels that contained water for ceremonial washing (not called for in scripture) and used them to provide the needed drink for the guests. It was private. Only the men that filled the vessels with water knew what had happened but all experienced the results. Jesus was not putting Himself on display. Similarly when Jesus transforms our lives, the world will notice the difference but His work is done quietly inside us.

The Gospel is most effectively shared when people ask us what has changed us or what causes to behave differently than others. We must display the transformation of being a Christian in order to attract people to want to know the Savior for themselves. Peter stated, “…revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).