John 2:1-5

John 2:1-5:

This passage describes the beginning of Jesus’ first public miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. 

On the third day after calling his disciples, Jesus, his mother Mary, and the disciples attend the celebration. 

When the wine runs out—an embarrassing shortage for the hosts—Mary approaches Jesus and says, “They have no wine.” 

Jesus responds, “Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come,” indicating the timing of his full revelation is not immediate. 

Undeterred, Mary turns to the servants and instructs them: “Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.” 

This sets the stage for the miracle where Jesus will command the servants to fill water jars, turning ordinary water into the finest wine, revealing his glory.

Charles H. Spurgeon, focusing on the key verse John 2:5:

“His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.” … In a word, it is to obey. You who belong to Christ, and are his disciples, take heed to this word of exhortation, ‘Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.’ … Mary does not say to these people, ‘Put down those pots, leave off carrying those dishes;’ but while they continue to do what they were doing, she says to them, ‘Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.’ … I want you to obey them [Christ’s commands]. 

That is pretty strong from John Wesley; but from our Lord Jesus Christ it comes most suitably. He does not want us to get altering, and mending, and touching up, and looking at consequences. No; do exactly what he tells you, and you have nothing to do with the consequences.”

Spurgeon emphasizes Mary’s words as a timeless call to simple, unqualified obedience to Christ’s commands, without hesitation or second-guessing.

Reflection:These verses model humble, trusting obedience in the Christian life, even when God’s timing or methods seem unclear. Mary’s faith leads her to intercede and then direct others to follow Jesus unquestioningly, while the servants’ immediate compliance becomes the means through which Christ’s glory is revealed. In our daily walk, this encourages believers to submit fully to Christ’s Word—whether in ordinary duties, trials, or service—without demanding explanations or altering instructions. Such obedience, rooted in trust that his “hour” and ways are perfect, transforms the mundane (like filling water jars) into vessels of divine blessing, abundance, and joy, deepening our faith as we experience his provision and power in unexpected ways.

John 1:47-51

John 1:47-51:

In this passage, Jesus encounters Nathanael, whom Philip has just invited to meet the Messiah. 

Jesus declares Nathanael a true Israelite without deceit, revealing divine insight by saying he saw him sitting under a fig tree before Philip called him. 

Astonished, Nathanael confesses Jesus as the Son of God and King of Israel. 

Jesus responds that Nathanael will witness even greater things: heaven opened and angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man, alluding to Jacob’s ladder and portraying Jesus as the bridge between heaven and earth.

From John Calvin’s commentary on these verses: “Behold, one truly an Israelite. It is not on Nathanael’s own account that Christ bestows on him this commendation, but under his person he holds out a general doctrine. 

For, since many who boast of being believers are very far from being actually believers, it is of great importance that some mark should be found for distinguishing the true and genuine from the false. 

We know how haughtily the Jews gloried in their father Abraham, and how presumptuously they boasted of the holiness of their descent; and yet there was scarcely one in a hundred among them who was not utterly degenerate and alienated from the faith of the Fathers. 

For this reason, Christ, in order to tear the mask from hypocrites, gives a short definition of a true Israelite, and, at the same time, removes the offense which would afterwards arise from the wicked obstinacy of the nation… 

To sum up the meaning of Christ in a few words, it ought to be observed that deceit is contrasted with uprightness and sincerity; so that he calls those persons sly and deceitful who are called in other parts of Scripture double in heart.” 

Reflection:

These verses highlight Jesus’ omniscient gaze into the human heart, calling believers to authentic faith without pretense, much like Nathanael’s guileless response. 

In the Christian life, they remind us that encountering Christ begins with simple recognition but leads to profound revelations of his divinity—positioning him as the ultimate mediator who opens heaven’s realities to us. 

This encourages perseverance in faith, anticipating “greater things” through trials and growth, where divine activity bridges our earthly struggles to eternal hope.

John 1:43-46

John 1:43-46:

The day after calling His first disciples, Jesus decides to go to Galilee and finds Philip, saying to him, “Follow me.” 

Philip, from Bethsaida (like Andrew and Peter), then seeks out Nathanael and excitedly tells him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael skeptically asks, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” to which Philip replies, “Come and see”

From John Calvin’s commentary: “How small was the measure of Philip’s faith appears from this circumstance, that he cannot utter a few words about Christ without mingling with them two gross errors… and yet, because he is sincerely desirous to do good to his brother, and to make Christ known, God approves of this instance of his diligence, and even crowns it with good success.” 

Reflection:

These verses highlight the relational nature of faith in Christian life: 

Jesus initiates the call, as with Philip, prompting believers to share discoveries enthusiastically despite imperfections, much like Philip’s invitation to Nathanael. 

They encourage overcoming prejudices through personal encounter—“come and see”—reminding Christians that evangelism often starts with simple, persistent invitations amid doubt, leading to deeper revelation and commitment.

John 1:40-42

John 1:40-42:

In these verses, Andrew—one of the two disciples who heard John the Baptist testify about Jesus and followed Him—goes to his brother Simon and declares, “We have found the Messiah” (meaning Christ). 

Andrew brings Simon to Jesus, who looks at him and says, “You are Simon son of John. 

You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter), signifying a transformative calling.

In John Calvin’s commentary: “Andrew has scarcely a spark, yet by means of it he enlightens his brother. 

Woe to our indolence, if, after having been fully enlightened, we do not endeavor to make others partakers, in some degree, of the same grace!” 

Reflection:

These verses illustrate the Christian life’s call to immediate, personal evangelism—starting with those closest to us, like Andrew sharing with his brother. 

They also highlight Jesus’ power to rename and redefine us, turning ordinary individuals into foundational figures in His mission, reminding believers that encountering Christ leads to both outward witness and inward transformation.

John 1:35-39

John 1:35-39

The next day, John the Baptist is with two of his disciples when he sees Jesus walking by and declares, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” Upon hearing this, the two disciples follow Jesus. 

Turning around, Jesus asks them, “What do you seek?” They reply, “Rabbi (which means Teacher), where are you staying?” Jesus invites them, saying, “Come and see.” They accompany Him to His lodging and remain with Him that day, as it was about the tenth hour.

From Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible (on verses 35-39): 

“Those that would find Christ must seek him, seek an acquaintance with him, seek his favour, follow on to know him.” 

Reflection:

These verses illustrate the transition from hearing about Jesus to personally following Him, emphasizing the call to seek Christ intimately and respond to His invitation for fellowship. 

In the Christian life, this relates to discipleship as a journey of curiosity turning into commitment, where believers are encouraged to “come and see” Jesus’ ways, abide in His presence through prayer and study, and experience transformative encounters that motivate sharing the faith with others, much like the disciples’ immediate response.

John 1:24-28

John 1:24-28:

In these verses, a delegation of Pharisees questions John the Baptist about his authority to baptize, given that he has already denied being the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet. 

John responds that he baptizes only with water as a symbol of repentance, but among them stands One they do not recognize—the coming Messiah, whose sandal strap John is unworthy to untie. 

This exchange takes place in Bethany (or Bethabara) beyond the Jordan River, where John was conducting his ministry.

Matthew Henry, reflects on these verses in his concise commentary: “He baptized the people with water as a profession of repentance, and as an outward sign of the spiritual blessings to be conferred on them by the Messiah, who was in the midst of them, though they knew him not, and to whom he was unworthy to render the meanest service.” 

Reflection:

These verses highlight John the Baptist’s humility and focus on Christ, modeling how Christians are called to live—not seeking personal glory but pointing others to Jesus as the true source of salvation and transformation. 

In daily life, this means embracing repentance as an ongoing posture, recognizing our own unworthiness apart from Christ, and serving in ways that prepare hearts for His work, whether through evangelism, discipleship, or simple acts of witness that exalt Him above ourselves.

John 1:19-23

John 1:19-23:

These verses record the official inquiry sent from the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to John the Baptist, asking him to identify himself. 

John firmly denies being the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet foretold by Moses. 

Instead, he quotes Isaiah 40:3, describing himself as “the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’” emphasizing his role as the forerunner preparing the people for the coming Messiah.

In his commentary on these verses, John Calvin writes: “John openly confessed for what purpose he was sent by God. 

He had already declared publicly that he was not the Christ; and now, when the priests interrogate him more closely, he tells them that he was sent as a herald to announce the coming of Christ… By quoting the prophecy, he means nothing else than that he had been appointed to discharge the office which had formerly been enjoined on the prophets; for many prophets had been formerly sent to proclaim the coming of Christ, but, as the time of the manifestation was not yet fulfilled, John occupies their place till the coming of Christ.” 

Reflection:

These verses model humility and Christ-centered purpose for the Christian life. 

Like John, believers are not the Messiah but voices preparing the way—proclaiming repentance and pointing others to Jesus amid questions or skepticism. 

This fosters a life of faithful obedience, self-denial, and joyful redirection of attention to Christ, finding true identity in serving as His herald rather than seeking personal prominence.