Saying Jesus is special now is a bit like saying Monday comes after Sunday. It’s a bit obvious.
Although it’s obvious, it is not something you overlook. Reading chapter 1 gave an introduction to Jesus and how some of His disciples started following Him. Chapter 2, however sees He’s in action in two episodes that mark out how this guy is different.
He’s different at the wedding. Not only does He resolve a party problem, He raises the stakes by giving it new wine. Hmmmmmmm … I wonder if that’s a theme that will come up again? Maybe He knows something about how to really get a party started.
The episode in the temple at the Passover is even more outstanding. It sets Him up already against the status quo. It also marks Him out as someone who doesn’t speak straight.
Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” (John 2:19, 30)
If someone had said to you “Destroy this temple and in three days I’ll bring it back.” You too would perhaps think the dude is a cherry short of a full Bakewell Tart.
So here He is the man to make a difference – showing He is the difference. He shows His capacity to bring new life to the party. He shows His commitment to keeping His Father’s House pure for the purpose it’s laid out for. There is grace, there is truth. He will not compromise and He will show compassion.
This guy is different. And the difference He makes in me is for a difference He looks to make to the world.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 