Scripture: John 2:1–11 Colossians 3:18–4:1
Background:
According to modern man nothing is more deadly to family peace and joy than the presence of a third party. Hence we hear so many unfair stories about the proverbial relatives (esp. mothers-in-law) who can’t let the young married alone. Newly-weds always receive much advice on this score. They are supposed to live for and with each other alone. Show how this differs from the Hebrew and Chinese views. Which is right?
The Bible tells us that without a third party no family will be truly happy. One third party, continually present with his power and prescriptions, is essential to family blessedness. He is none other than our Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ has come into the world to restore man to covenant-fellowship with God. His salvation is never purely individual and isolated. God in Christ restores and renews the whole fabric of society, including the family which is basic. Thus in our homes God demands his rightful place. In Christ Jesus he alone is our Lord. His law must be obeyed. His help must be implored. His promised presence is our only solid hope. How can Christ be daily honored as Head of our homes? In what sense is the Bible “the law” for our homes? Is it true that “families who pray together stay together?” Explain.
Outline:
1 – Christ’s presence in the home, (John 2:1–11)
a. Christ enters into man’s joy Shortly after his official appointment and preparation, our Lord chooses several disciples. Then he begins his public ministry in Galilee. He attends a wedding, Where is Cana? Why was he invited? Describe such a wedding. Why do many Christians seem to think of Christ as averse to the common joys of life? What kind of wedding feasts should we have?
b. Christ solves man’s problems The incident deals with making wine out of water. The supply had run short. This endangered both the reputation of the host and the progress of the feast. How was wine used in Palestine? Why not drink water in the towns? What is Christ’s attitude to wine, etc.? Mary is informed of the problem. Is she perhaps a relative? Explain Christ’s response to her. Was it lacking in respect?
Notice how Christ solves the problem. Nothing is too small for his attention. He demands, however, unconditional trust and obedience. Now by his power the water becomes wine. Should we make known our problems to Christ? In how far and why? Demonstrate from your experience how Christ has solved your family problems and caused. you to drink “the wine of joy” in the daily routine.
c. Christ shows man his glory This is the chief purpose of Christ’s self-manifestation. He shows his glory. What kind of glory did he have in the state of humiliation? What kind of glory can we see in our lives? Show something of his wisdom, patience, love, power, etc. in your family. This was “the beginning of his signs.” Why do you suppose he chose this one at the beginning? Is there a danger that we too much separate our Christian faith from daily living? This act produced faith in his disciples. How is faith either produced or strengthened by Christ’s presence in our homes? Link up tins passage with tile Biblical teaching of Christ as the church’s bridegroom who gives his people “the wine of eternal joy.”
2 – Christ’s pattern for the home, (Col. 3:18–4:1)
a. Christ speaks to all members in the family Here mention is made of wives and husbands; parents and children; servants and masters. Sketch the position and relationship of each to the other and to Christ. What do servants (slaves) have to do with families?
b. Christ commands all members in the family Here in Paul’s words Christ himself reveals abiding principles by which all family members must live. These are not isolated rules. Show how they give guidance for specific situations as they arise.
Notice the principles for each. What is meant by the “subjection” of the wife? Why stress “love” as the chief husbandly responsibility? Note also the fine psychological insight provided, when fathers are ca11ed upon to encourage their children. Are we too negative in training and disciplining our children? How do we often discourage our children? How do these principles give guidance for the employer-employee relationship? Can good personal relations between management and labor be cultivated in our mammoth industries? What is the Christian’s duty in such situations?
c. Christ outlines the goal for all members in the family In every relationship we must be conscious of our prior relation to God in Christ. All of life for the believer must become deeply spiritual service in faith and obedience. Show how this is sketched here.
Beautiful and telling phrases are used by the apostle. “In the Lord,” vs. 18,20. “Unto the Lord,” vs.23. “From the Lord,” vs.24. Notice how the first is basic to the rest. What does each mean for practical Christian living? The goal of all of life must be God’s praise. How can this be achieved?
Added is the blessed encouragement. No matter what others in the family do to us, we must live the Christ-controlled life. This is bound up with the inheritance of eternal life. Do our works, then, save us? In what sense is our family life to be a preparation for our eternal home? How can this be instilled in our children’s hearts? Show how this passage teaches by implication our deep and daily need for God’s grace. Notice also the dignity assigned to even the most menial tasks: “Ye serve the Lord Christ.” What do you suppose would happen. if we lived more consistently according to this word? Discuss some of your home situations in the light of this section.