Q. What spiritual meaning is under this miracle?
A. The wine represents the Spirit, which Jesus Christ pours into the hearts of true believers; but though the comforts of the Holy Ghost, with which they are filled, are exceeding rich here, yet those in heaven will so far surpass them, that when we come there, we shall have reason to say with the Governor of the feast, “Jesus Christ has kept his good wine until now.”
13.Q. Why is it so often remarked, that Jesus went up to Jerusalem to the passover?
A. To teach us how careful he was to submit to every ordinance of God, and to set us an example to follow his steps. Never, therefore, if possible, be absent from the gospel passover, the sacrament or memorial of his own blessed body and blood.
14.Q. How came there tradesmen to be in the temple?
A. There was a command from God, that all the males should appear before him at Jerusalem three times in a year, (of which the feast of the passover was one) and that none was to appear before him empty. Now it being inconvenient to bring cattle, &c. so many miles as some of them were distant from the temple, these persons sat here with oxen, &c. to sell to those who came up to Jerusalem to worship and offer sacrifice.
Q. Was not this a plausible pretence?
A. Yes; but our blessed Lord’s resenting it in this manner, shews us how jealous he is of the honour of his house, and how he resents the least misbehaviour in the public service of the church.
Q. Was it not a bold thing of Jesus Christ to venture himself among such a company of persons?
A. No doubt of it; and therefore some have thought, that this was the greatest miracle Christ performed; and by this our Lord would shew those in power, that if they will be zealous in reforming abuses, and go out in the name and strength of God, they know not what great success they may meet with.