CELEBRATION

THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Our Premise

• Robert Capon: “John omits a number of important events in Jesus’ life, but he deals with their import or ramifications in other ways and contexts. … Accordingly, my own disposition when I find something ‘missing’ from John is to look for the place (or places) where he works it in under another guise.”• This series will look at four examples of John’s themes in

Matthew’s stories and Matthew’s themes in John’s stories.

A WEDDING FEAST

John 2:1-11• Jesus attends a wedding. Why is this important?• Jesus makes wine. Why is this important?• John calls this the first sign. Why is this important?

INVITING GUESTS

Matthew 22:1-14• v. 3, The king invites many to the feast, “but they would not

come.”• v. 5-6, The world is filled with excuses, both subtle and

obvious.• v. 7-10, The wedding feast will happen whether you are there

or not.

PREPARING GUESTS

Matthew 22:1-14• v. 11, Some may arrive at the feast unprepared.• v. 12, All are speechless before God’s judgment.• v. 13-14, Coming unprepared is just like making an excuse.• See Luke 12:35-38

INTERPRETING A WEDDING FEASTJohn 2:1-11• v. 1-2, Jesus is invited to this feast, and so he comes.• v. 3, A lack of preparation threatens to stop the feast.• v. 4-5, While acknowledging that this is not his own feast,

Jesus nonetheless consents to make it right.• v. 6-10, A feast is a time for celebration and not lack. Jesus is

the Lord of Plenty. His works lighten the heart with joy.• v. 11, This is a sign, a work to be understood as more than it

seems.

THE FEAST IN ACTION

Matthew 4:15-25• v, 15-16, The light is shining. Will we rejoice?• v. 17-22, Jesus is inviting his guests. Notice what they must

leave behind to attend the feast.• v. 23-25, The arrival of the bridegroom is celebrated with

new wine, the healing of the sick and the lifting up of the oppressed.• Are you participating in the feast of the Lamb?