In John 2, Jesus began his public ministry with two incidents that started the countdown toward what he called “my hour.” Turning water into wine and driving out the marketers from the Temple courts seemed like two unrelated incidents. However, they both indicated that Jesus came to replace religious activities that could never take away sins. Also, these signs pointed forward to the way that he would take away sins: his death and resurrection. (Here are Larry’s complete sermon notes.)
Even though it was hard for the Hebrew slaves to see it, and hard for us sometimes, God does care.
Although Christians will grieve the loss of loved ones, we have two solid reasons for hope.
With the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, we arrive at the end of Old Testament history with the Jews back in their land after...