Pastor Jimmy
Dec 15, 2025
At Beloved New York, we continue our journey through the Gospel of John with a clear desire: that our church would be known for how deeply we love Jesus and how beautiful we find Him. That is why we return to this book again and again. While repetition can feel tiring, it is intentional. We want our hearts to be shaped by a growing revelation of who Jesus truly is.
John offers a different perspective than the other Gospels. Matthew, Mark, and Luke often recount the life of Jesus from a third-person viewpoint, but John writes as someone who knew Jesus intimately. As part of Jesus’ inner circle alongside Peter and James, John witnessed moments of prayer, vulnerability, and glory. Because of this closeness, the Gospel of John gives us a deeply personal picture of Jesus.
One of the unique features of John’s Gospel is that Jesus does not teach primarily through parables. Instead, He reveals the kingdom through His life. There are seven major signs in the book of John, and these signs function as lived-out teachings. Jesus does not say, “The kingdom of God is like.” He says, “I am.” His miracles reveal spiritual realities through action.
The First Sign at the Wedding in Cana
In John 2:1 to 12, we encounter Jesus’ first sign, turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana. This moment is significant because first signs matter. In ancient storytelling and mythology, the first miracle of a god revealed what kind of god they were. Jesus’ first miracle reveals His heart.
At this wedding, the hosts run out of wine. In an honor-based society, this was deeply shameful. Weddings often lasted for days, and wine was not only for celebration but also a necessity. To run out was embarrassing and dishonoring.
Mary notices the problem and brings it to Jesus. Jesus responds by saying that His hour has not yet come, a phrase that points to His death and resurrection. Yet even after saying this, He responds. Mary turns to the servants and says, “Do whatever He tells you.”
From this moment, three truths about Jesus become clear.
Jesus Listens
The first truth revealed is that Jesus listens.
Despite the voices of culture that suggest prayer does not work or that God is distant, this passage shows a Jesus who hears. Mary’s request matters. Her desperation matters. Even when Jesus acknowledges that the timing is not ideal, He still acts.
Prayer moves the heart of God. There is a real pressure in the world to believe that prayer is ineffective, that no one is listening, or that faith is simply wishful thinking. Yet this moment shows us that God hears the cries of His people.
There are times when prayer feels unanswered. There are moments when it seems like God is silent or absent. Yet with time and perspective, it becomes clear that God’s ways are larger than our immediate understanding. God always comes through, even if the answer does not arrive in the way or timeline we expect.
Rather than making accommodations for God or lowering our expectations, this passage invites us to believe again and to pray boldly.
Jesus Covers
The second truth revealed is that Jesus covers shame.
Running out of wine would have brought deep embarrassment to the wedding hosts, yet Jesus does not confront them with correction or advice. He does not explain what they should have done differently. He simply meets the need and removes the shame.
Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus is repeatedly moved by compassion. Whether it is hunger, grief, or embarrassment, He responds not with judgment but with provision.
This reveals something important about God’s heart. Jesus does not meet us in our moments of shame with criticism. He meets us by covering us. He cares deeply about the details of our lives. If Jesus cared enough to intervene in a moment of social embarrassment at a wedding, then no part of our lives is too small or insignificant for His care.
Jesus Fills
The final truth is that Jesus fills to the brim.
Jesus uses ceremonial water jars associated with Old Testament ritual washing and transforms them into vessels filled with wine. Throughout the Old Testament, wine is a symbol of joy. Jesus takes what was connected to ritual and turns it into abundance and celebration.
He does not create a small amount of wine. He creates far more than what was needed, and it is the best wine. This is intentional. Jesus is not the God who brings people from not enough to just enough. He is the God who brings people from lack to abundance.
Following Jesus does not mean leaving joy behind. It means discovering where true joy is found. Jesus does not lead people away from celebration. He reveals Himself as the source of it.
Why This Matters
This is why Beloved New York centers its attention on the Gospel of John. Transformation does not come from being told to try harder, perform better, or carry more religious burden. That approach leads to burnout and exhaustion.
Real change happens when we see Jesus clearly. When His kindness, compassion, and generosity are revealed, obedience becomes a response of love rather than pressure.
Jesus listens.
Jesus covers.
Jesus fills.
And this is the Jesus we are invited to follow.
