Questions and Answers from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on John 2:3-5

What is the main theme of the Gospel of John according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?

The main theme of the Gospel of John, as emphasized by Dr. Lloyd-Jones, is "life that it is possible for us to receive through his name." He explains that this theme runs throughout the entire gospel, most gloriously stated in Jesus' own words: "I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly." Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that John's purpose is to show us this "abounding life" made possible through Christ's coming into the world.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say is the primary focus of Christianity?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that Christianity is not merely "a collection of teachings" but "primarily and essentially a relationship to a person." He warns against the current tendency to focus on "Christian attitudes" toward various issues while forgetting the person of Christ. He states, "The vital question is he himself and our relationship to him... that's the thing that matters above everything else."

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones define a miracle in this sermon?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones defines a miracle as "a supernatural action" that is "above nature." He explains that a miracle doesn't break the laws of nature but acts in a realm above them. Using the example of the wine miracle, he describes it as God speeding up or bypassing the normal process of wine production, with an added element of creation since Jesus started with water only. He calls it "the act of God... supernatural, creative."

According to the sermon, what was Mary's error at the wedding in Cana?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, Mary's error was presumption. He explains that while Mary had knowledge of Jesus' power and confidence in his ability, she overstepped by trying to order him, command him, and tell him what to do and when to do it. Lloyd-Jones states that Mary was "trying to commend him" and "taking it upon herself" to direct his actions, which is why Jesus rebuked her with "Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come."

What lesson does Dr. Lloyd-Jones want believers to learn from Jesus' response to Mary?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones wants believers to learn to avoid the sin of presumption in their own relationship with Christ. He warns against "dictating to him," "demanding things," or "claiming things" on our own timetable. Instead, he emphasizes that Jesus is "a sovereign lord" who "decides when to act and how to act" and "knows what is best for us." The proper attitude is summarized in Isaiah 30:18: "Blessed are all they that wait for him." Lloyd-Jones concludes we should "stop grumbling, stop nagging, stop complaining... wait patiently for him."

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones teach about Mary's role in relation to Christ's saving work?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that while Mary deserves "all honor as the one to whom the high privilege was given of being the earthly mother of Jesus," she has "no unique position as regards his saving, mediatorial work." He strongly refutes the idea that believers should pray to Mary to influence Christ, calling such teaching "a blank contradiction" of scripture and "a blasphemous teaching" that "derogates from his heart of love" and "detracts from the glory of his divine and his perfect saviorhood." He emphasizes that Christ "doesn't need intermediaries."

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones relate the miracles of Jesus to our contemporary needs?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that the miracles of Jesus aren't merely historical events but ongoing demonstrations of Christ's character and power. He states that "what he did on earth, he merely began to do" and is "continuing to act." He applies this specifically to the congregation, saying, "as he came to that first marriage in Cana of Galilee and transformed the whole situation, he is here this morning and he is here to do for us something infinitely bigger and greater than what he did there." He describes the biblical accounts as "parables" showing what Christ "can do for you" and "is ready to do for you."

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasize about Christ's knowledge of us?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that Christ has an intimate and complete knowledge of us. He points out that Jesus knew exactly what Mary was thinking when she came to him about the wine: "He read her mind. He knew exactly what she was thinking." Lloyd-Jones extends this to all believers, saying Christ "knows all about us, our very thoughts, desires and imaginations" and "our fears, our cares, our problems, our anxieties, our difficulties, everything that passes within us." He describes this knowledge as both "terrifying" and "most comforting, most soothing, most consoling."

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones teach about the purpose of Jesus's corrective actions toward believers?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that Jesus corrects believers out of concern for their ultimate good. He says, "He corrected his mother, and he corrects us. He's always watching and he rebukes, he corrects, and we often stand in need of that. But he does it for our good." He explains that Christ's ultimate purpose is "to present us faultless before the presence of God's glory with exceeding joy," reminding listeners that "whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth and scourgeth every son whom he calleth."

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones suggest we should view harvest thanksgiving in light of spiritual realities?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that while we should be thankful for physical blessings like the harvest, these are ultimately just "pale adumbrations" (foreshadowings) of greater spiritual realities. He states, "The heavens declare the glory of God. The harvest declares the glory of God. Yes, but not merely in and of itself... all these are ultimately just pictures and suggestions of what he does for us in the realm of the soul and of the spirit." He emphasizes that we should thank God for blessings of the body, soul, and especially spirit, since man was "created for these" and "meant to enjoy God" and "share the life of God."