As some of you may know, I believe in God. I don't know many Christians, especially at school, and don't have a church community. I felt like there was a gap in my life and I really wanted at least one Christian who I could talk to and who could relate to me. I also really wanted to learn more about the bible and faith, especially from someone who knows more about it.
So I decided to set up a Christian Union at school! And we had our second session today. I found it so interesting (sadly too short), and I wrote up what I learnt. I did it by hand in a notebook because I wanted to spend less screen-time, but I've decided to share what I learnt on this website because I find it so interesting, and I'm super into it!
We looked at a passage in John, where Jesus is at a wedding in Galilee and the wine has run out. He then turns the water into wine.
I'll be honest here and write down my real thoughts and reactions. Some ideas and thoughts aren't fully developed and I don't understand a lot, but we just have to accept that.
In John 20: 30, we find out that John has 'recorded' these events- from this we can understand that these are events which he has seen/experienced, and so therefore actually happened and have truth to them. Of course there'll be bias, but that is found in any text.
- Mary his mum tells him, (verse 3), "They have no more wine". Perhaps she's acting as if he's 'normal' and expecting him to go somewhere and bring some wine back. Or she could be saying this pointedly bearing in mind his 'superpowers' and expecting him to do something miraculous.
- Jesus as a human being- not only does he do something, he goes next level with it. Not only does he bring wine when appealed to but he creates the tastiest wine, as seen when the master of the banquet says, (verse 10) ,"But you have saved the best till now". He also creates a lot- perhaps more than expected (verse 6 shows how much).
- Here is another super important point. When we started the discussion, our leader asked us what we think non-Christians might think of our faith and why they frown upon it. We said things like: they feel it's restrictive (e.g. with all the rules), they say there's no proof of God, etc etc. Now this point will tackle part of the first 'stereotype'.
So the groom is in disgrace- it was his responsibility to provide for all that was necessary. Weddings were a massive thing in first-century Palestine, even more so than now, as they marked the bride and groom's entrance as adults into their community. To have run out of drink would have been embarrassing and the guests would have looked upon them as bad hosts. This links to Isaiah 25:6-8, where it is mentioned that Jesus saves one from disgrace. Now this can be applied to the 'stereotype' we mentioned earlier. People think that the Christian faith is restrictive, and that they only have one life, so why not make the most of it and have fun? After all, in our society we are free beings and are able to do a lot of things that give us pleasure, so why ever restrict yourself? But here, the bible shows us that Jesus lifts restrictions or burdens off our shoulders. He removes feelings of disgrace, shame, regret, guilt and worry from us and helps us ease the burden. He is freeing, not restricting. This is one of the reasons I believe in Jesus. I find faith freeing as it means all the pressure is not on me, and that I can give it all to God.
- There's also the idea that this miracle is not so impressive and what is the point of it? Wine is for pleasure, and increasing someone's pleasure (especially through alcohol) does not bring them to faith.
- Idea that the disciples may still not be convinced by this miracle and are waiting for further signs.
- In John 20: 30, we are told, 'Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book.' 'signs'- what is a sign? It's symbolic of something, it can warn you of something ahead, or could be a foreshadowing. It in itself means nothing but what it reveals or represents means everything.
- Also the idea that Jesus speaks in parables and metaphors which can be quite hard to understand. Why does he do that? Yes, to make a point, and it sounds nice, but why not be clear? Why not be straightforward? Why all the faffing around? I appreciate metaphors and imagery in novels- it sounds lovely, but here- I just want the answer!
- John: 21:25, tells us that, 'Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written'. This amazes me. It fills me with wonder, and I don't even know how this could be possible, but it further makes me realise how great Jesus is.
Comments