“We are like common clay jars that carry this glorious treasure within, so that this immeasurable power will be seen as God’s, not ours.”
2 Corinthians 4:7 TPT
Six clay jars used for ceremonially cleansing filled with water became the focal point of a wedding in Cana. These ordinary jars would have otherwise been hidden in the background of the celebration. What brought them to the center of attention was the miracle that occurred within them. Jesus turned the water into wine! (John 2)
I can’t help but notice a few specific details that leave me just a little bit curious. Was there another message here? While reading the story of the wedding I’m reminded of 2 Cor. 4:7 when Paul uses the term “jars of clay” when speaking of a believers life. Metaphors like “jars of clay” aren’t part of our modern-day vernacular. It’s not customary for a household of our day to have these jars of clay laying around for our everyday use. These were common items that were made of the most basic material—earth. They were easily broken so it was common to see pieces of these jars buried beneath the soil even decades later. Also, these clay jars were always made by hand. Interestingly, looking back at the wedding taking place in Cana the number of jars is six. Six is the number of man, for man was made on the sixth day. Needless to say, much can be said about these jars.
However fascinating it may be to look at the details concerning the jars there is even a greater focus we need to see. Jesus changed the water within them to wine. The water was for outward cleansing. The wine was meant to be received. Was He in fact declaring that He is turning the water of the Word into the wine of the Spirit? Was Jesus making an announcement that true spiritual life would be as a result of being filled rather than just trusting on outward religious traditions to cleans and make one whole? I believe so.
We are earthen vessels. Our Father is the potter. The power of Jesus that resurrected him from the grave is the treasure that we hold. The focus isn’t the vessel it’s the treasure.
As believers under the new covenant, we have something believers of the Old Testament longed for and dreamt of. They heard about the one who was to come, who would wipe away their sins and fulfill the law they were so desperately trying to keep. By the time we arrive at the wedding in Cana, most being unaware of who now stands amongst them, a miracle sets the stage and unbeknownst to all Jesus declares His purpose with the first miracle.
Lastly, I find John 20:21-22 absolutely powerful! The first thing Jesus does after the Crucifixion and before ascending to the Father was to release the Holy Spirit. In all of Jesus’ ministry this wasn’t done. It wasn’t done because until the crucifixion it wasn’t possible to be filled!! Jesus has made it possible for our earthen vessels to be filled with new wine!
“Jesus repeated his greeting, “Peace to you!” And he told them, “Just as the Father has sent me, I’m now sending you.” Then, taking a deep breath, he blew on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
John 20:21-22 TPT
QUESTIONS:
1. What’s your background? Have you ever trusted in tradition or religion to make you right with the Lord?
2. When was the first time you heard about being filled with Holy Spirit?
3. What are some evidences that you have been filled?
