Wine…Coins…and Signs

In this message covering John 2, Chuck Swindoll guides listeners through three distinct scenes in the life of Jesus, united by a singular purpose: to help us "see Jesus" and behold His glory. Swindoll opens with a reference to a plaque on the pulpit of the historic Church of the Open Door, which read, "Sir, we would see Jesus," establishing the theme that we must not become so enthralled by miracles that we miss the miracle-worker. The sermon moves through three specific incidents. First, at a wedding in Cana, Jesus turns water into wine, saving a family from social disgrace. Swindoll explains that this miracle was not merely a favor to His mother but a manifestation of His glory, leading His disciples to believe [21–22]. Second, the scene shifts to the Temple in Jerusalem, where Jesus confronts the corruption of the religious leaders. In driving out the money changers, Jesus displays His zeal for God’s holiness. Swindoll applies this boldly to the believer, noting that today, we are the temple, and Jesus still desires to drive out the habits and attitudes that turn a house of prayer into a marketplace [30–33]. Finally, Jesus predicts His resurrection by challenging the leaders to "destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." The message concludes with a powerful illustration from A.W. Tozer regarding pianos and a tuning fork. Swindoll argues that unity in the church—and stability in personal life—comes not from tuning ourselves to one another, but by focusing entirely on Jesus Christ, the standard to which every life must bow [34, 37–38].

Message Key Facts:

• The "Third Day": Swindoll clarifies the chronology of John 2:1. The "third day" refers to the third day after the first full week of ministry recorded in chapter 1. Geographically, the group moved from the uplands of Cana "down" to Capernaum (sea level), and then "up" to Jerusalem (elevation) for Passover [8–11].
• Wedding Host Liability: In the first century, running out of wine at a wedding feast—which could last up to a week—was a major social offense. Swindoll notes that ancient documents suggest a host could even be sued by the bride's family for failing to adequately provide for the guests [15–16].
• The Shift in Mary’s Role: When Mary tells Jesus, "They have no wine," Jesus responds with "Woman, what does that have to do with us?" Swindoll explains this was not impudence. Jesus was signaling a transition: He was no longer under her authority as a son in a home, but operating under the Father's authority. He would act only when His "hour" had come [17–18].
• The Magnitude of the Miracle: The six stone water jars held 20 to 30 gallons each. Swindoll calculates that Jesus created approximately 150 gallons of wine, enough for roughly 2,400 servings, and it was noted as being the "best" wine, superior to what was served first [20–21].
• Annas’ Bazaar: Swindoll describes the corruption of the High Priest, Annas, who turned the Gentile court into a "rodeo" and a bank. Pilgrims were forced to exchange foreign currency for temple money at exorbitant rates and buy approved sacrificial animals at inflated prices. This exploitation triggered Jesus’ righteous anger [28–29].
• The Believer as Sanctuary: Applying the temple cleansing, Swindoll reminds listeners that God no longer dwells in buildings but in believers. He challenges the audience to consider what "merchandise"—habits, lusts, or attitudes—they have dragged into God's sanctuary that Jesus needs to drive out [32–33].
• The Tuning Fork Illustration: Quoting A.W. Tozer, Swindoll explains that 100 pianos tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other. Similarly, true relational unity is found only when individuals are first rightly related to Christ [37–38].

Message References:

• John 2:1–25: The primary text covering the wedding at Cana, the cleansing of the temple, and the first prediction of the resurrection.
• John 12:21: The request of the Greeks, "Sir, we would see Jesus," used as the thematic goal for the study.
• John 1:14: "We beheld His glory..." referenced to explain the purpose of the miracle at Cana.
• Psalm 69:9: "Zeal for Your house will consume me," the prophecy the disciples remembered during the temple cleansing.
• 1 Corinthians 6:19–20: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit?".
• Hebrews 12:1–3: A call to "fix our eyes on Jesus".

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll