The Purifier: What is God like?

October 11, 2020

Series: Loved By Jesus
Speaker: Philip Miller

What is God like? It’s interesting that when God chose to reveal himself most fully, finally – unmistakably – with crystal clarity, He didn’t drop a systematic theology from Heaven, or a lot of core doctrines to memorize. No, that approach is too abstract, too impersonal. Nor did he launch a political campaign, with fundraisers and marketing to get the word out. No, that would be too self-promoting, too pushy.

When God wanted to reveal Himself to mankind, He sent his Son, Jesus in a manner of revelation that was inconspicuous and incognito. The refrain of how you would know him was "come and see" who Jesus is, what He is doing, and all that He has to offer. We have to get close and over time we will discover who He is over time.

In this passage from John 2, we look at three glimpses of who Jesus is and how we relate to him.

In the story about Jesus' first miracle, John portrays Jesus as the true and greater Bridegroom whose faithfulness is everlasting and whose wine never runs out.

When Jesus overturns the market in the temple, John is portraying Jesus as the true and greater High Priest whose holiness is unto the Lord and whose zeal enables a worship that is wholly acceptable to Him.

Finally, when Jesus foreshadows His ultimate death, John is portraying Jesus as the true and greater Temple who embodies God’s presence on earth and who enables access into His Holiness.

These three glimpses point to the ultimate reality of who Jesus is and what He has done for us: Jesus substitutes Himself for us in every way. How?

– Jesus drank the bitter cup of God’s wrath that we might forever drink the joyous cup of God’s salvation.
– Jesus took on the shame we deserve that we might receive the honor he deserves.
– Jesus was defiled so he might purify us with his blood.
– Jesus was destroyed that we might be raised up.
– Jesus was alienated from his Father, that we might be brought near.

All three of these signs, what theologians call the "eschaton", point to God's ultimate plan for the redemption of humanity and the final days. Some saw these signs and believed. Do you?

John 2:1-25

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