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In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Herbie Newell leads us through John 2:1-12, where Jesus performs His first public miracle by turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana. This miracle reveals the compassionate heart of Christ and His divine authority over creation. Herbie emphasizes how Christ cares for even the smallest, most ordinary needs and how His miracles point to a deeper faith, calling us to reflect His heart in our service to vulnerable children and families. Join us as we explore how Christ’s glory is revealed in His care for the ordinary, His sovereign authority over all creation, and the invitation to deeper worship.
LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES
LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES
The mission of Lifeline Children’s Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.
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Creators & Guests
Host
Herbie Newell
Herbie Newell serves as the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services, holds an MBA in Accounting from Samford University and brings years of experience from his work as an independent auditor at WAKM Companies, LLC. Serving as Lifeline's Executive Director since 2003, Herbie has significantly expanded international outreach, obtained licensure in 17 states, and led the establishment of the foster care arm. A passionate advocate, he co-founded (un)adopted in 2009, focusing on equipping orphaned children with life skills for community transformation. Herbie, also the author of "Image Bearers: Shifting from Pro-birth to Pro-Life," emphasizes that being pro-life extends beyond opposing abortion, urging a broader ethic that includes fighting for racial equality and embracing every individual with the love of Christ. Herbie and his wife, Ashley, reside in Birmingham, Alabama, and are the parents to three children.
What is The Defender Bible Study?
The Defender Bible Study is a weekly study of God’s Word as we seek to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to orphans and vulnerable children. This podcast is a ministry of Lifeline Children's Services.
Welcome to the defender bible study. A weekly encouragement to equip the body of Christ through the study of scripture and prayer to manifest the gospel to orphans and vulnerable children around the world. This podcast is a ministry of Lifeline Children Services where we believe that defending the fatherless begins by being rooted in God's word.
Herbie Newell:It's Monday, September 23, 2024, and I'm coming to you from Birmingham, Alabama. Well, today, we're continuing our study on the gospel of John, and we will specifically be looking at John chapter 2 verses 1 through 12. Well, as Christ followers and ministers of reconciliation, our mission is to reflect the heart of Christ both in word and deed. Corporately, we serve vulnerable children and families providing care, compassion, and practical support rooted in the gospel. As we continue our study of John, we will witness in our passage, John chapter 2 verses 1 through 2, Jesus performing his first public miracle, the turning of water into wine at a wedding in Cana.
Herbie Newell:This miracle is more than just an act of kindness. It reveals the compassionate heart of Christ and his divine authority over all creation. You see, in this passage, we will see that Christ cares deeply about even the smallest, most ordinary needs. Like the embarrassment of running out of food and drink at a wedding, Jesus cares about our ordinary, small, maybe even seemingly insignificant needs. This act of kindness saves the bridegroom family from embarrassment and honors Mary, the mother of Jesus, by helping out friends and family, and it shows those who are in charge of the reception, the power and the grace of the Messiah.
Herbie Newell:Jesus' first miracle was at a wedding in a relative private place. Very few people witnessed the miracle. The Messiah could have come with a grand entry or a huge public miracle, but instead Jesus decides to perform the first miracle in relative private for the benefit of a handful of people, servants, his mother, and the disciples. Just as Jesus met this need with abundant grace, we are called to meet the needs of children and families in our care, trusting that he is able to provide for every circumstance. Yet beyond meeting physical needs, this miracle points to something far greater, the revelation of Christ's glory.
Herbie Newell:His miracles serve as signs inviting us to a deeper faith and a deeper worship. But also, let us be reminded that Jesus is painting an example for us to follow. The things we do in relative secret for Christ on behalf of vulnerable women, children, and families are making a mighty difference in the kingdom of God. So as we explore this passage, may we be reminded that Christ cared for the vulnerable, his authority over all things, and his ultimate purpose in revealing his glory are at the core of our ministry. Like Jesus' disciples, may we believe and be transformed by the glory of our savior as we seek to bring hope, healing, and the love of Christ to those we serve.
Herbie Newell:And so it's with that background that we look at John chapter 2 starting in verse 1 verses 1 through 12. On the 3rd day, there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, they have no wine. And Jesus said to her, woman, what what does this have to do with me?
Herbie Newell:My hour has not yet come. His mother said to the servants, do whatever he tells you. Now there were 6 stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding 20 or 30 gallons. Jesus said to the servants, fill the jars with water, and they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, now drag some out and take it to the master of the feast.
Herbie Newell:So they took it. When the master of the feast tested the water, now become wine, and did not know where it came from, Though the servants had drawn the water knew, the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, everyone serves the good wine first. And when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now. This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
Herbie Newell:After this, he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days. Three ways that we see from this passage, the glory of Christ revealed in his first miracle. The first is Christ's compassion for ordinary needs. Again, look at verse 3. Verse 3 says that when the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, they have no wine.
Herbie Newell:Jesus cares about the daily ordinary needs of his people. Though this might seem like a trivial problem, running out of wine at a wedding, Jesus' response shows his compassion and willingness to intervene in all areas of life. In our work, in our living, we often find ourselves meeting the everyday needs of our family or of our children. Whether it's providing food, shelter, or emotional support, these tasks can sometimes feel small compared to the large systematic challenges of the world. Yet in John chapter 2 1 through 5, we see a profound truth.
Herbie Newell:Jesus cares about the ordinary. Jesus cares about the seemingly insignificant needs of his people. When the wedding ran out of wine, Jesus didn't brush off the issue as unimportant. He stepped in to help. You see, Jesus was never concerned about the size of the miracle, but only the timing.
Herbie Newell:Jesus was humble and obedient to his father even in the small things. So when he pushes back against Mary and says my time has not yet come, This was not him not wanting to meet the need. This was him wanting to make sure that he was being obedient to his father even in the remotely small things. And the question begs to be asked of us, are we obedient even in seemingly insignificant things of life? John Piper reminds us, God is not just the kind of God who stands up and does the big great things, he's also the kind of God who says, I see that, I see that little problem, I'm going to fix it.
Herbie Newell:Jesus demonstrates his compassion by meeting this basic need in a way that shows his heart for even the smallest details of our lives. Paul David Tripp says, if God does not rule your mundane, then he doesn't rule you because that's where you live. In our work, we must remember that the love of Christ is expressed not only in grand gestures, but also in the simple everyday acts of service and care. As we turn to the practical needs of the children and families we serve, we are reflecting the compassionate heart of Christ. When we are simply present for the needs of women, children, and families in their moments of pain and hopelessness, then we are displaying the love of Christ in miraculous ways.
Herbie Newell:It's like pouring pure water on dry ground. So beloved, bring your concerns to Christ. No matter how small they may seem, Christ is involved in every aspect of our lives and we can trust him to care for us even in the mundane. So the glory of Christ is revealed in this miracle through Christ's compassion for ordinary needs, but second, the authority of Christ over creation. You see, in verse 7, it says Jesus said to the servants, fill the jars with water, and they filled them up to the brim.
Herbie Newell:You see, Jesus as the creator exercises his sovereign authority over the elements. By turning water into wine, he demonstrates his divine power over creation, pointing ultimately to his identity as the son of God. In verses 6 through 8, this act reveals Jesus showing that nothing in creation is outside of his control. For us, this is a powerful reminder that the challenges we face in life, the challenges we face through work, the challenges we face in our ministry, whether they're financial constraints or legal hurdles or deep emotional pain, they're all under Christ's sovereign authority. John Piper explains the story shows that Jesus has command over everything in the universe.
Herbie Newell:Water is not something he can manipulate. It's his creation. He owns it. Jesus' authority extends over all nature, reminding us that no situation is too complex or too difficult for God to intervene. Even when we are counseling a family in a situation where adoptive or their foster child seems to be the need seem to be insurmountable, We direct our attention to the sovereign hand of God to intervene and we remind families of God's power, might, and presence, even when things seem impossible.
Herbie Newell:As RC Spruill puts it, this is a display of sovereign power that belongs only to the God of creation. When we are tempted to feel overwhelmed by the difficulties that come from serving children in crisis, we can trust that Christ's authority is greater than any obstacle we face. His power to transform, renew, and redeem is as relevant in our ministry today as it was at the wedding in Cana. Trust, beloved, in Christ's sovereign power over all of creation. In moments of difficulty, remember that Christ is able to intervene supernaturally, and he has the authority to accomplish his will in every situation.
Herbie Newell:So the glory of Christ is revealed through Christ's compassion for ordinary needs, the authority of Christ over creation, but third, the revelation of Christ's glory. John chapter 2 verse 11 says, this, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. The miracle at Cana is not just about the act of turning water into wine, but about revealing the glory of Christ as the promised messiah. This sign leads his disciples to a deeper belief in him as the son of God.
Herbie Newell:The purpose of Christ's miracles is to reveal his divine glory, leading us to faith and ultimately to worship. Just as the disciples believed, so we must grow in our faith as we believe Christ's glory revealed in his word and works. John Stott explains, the miracles of Jesus were signs pointing beyond themselves to the reality of who he is. They were designed to evoke faith in those who witnessed them, revealing his glory and bringing about relief. For us, the daily acts of love and care on behalf of the fatherless and the gospel driven justice we are called to on behalf of vulnerable women and children are not just in themselves.
Herbie Newell:Like the miracle of Cana, they point to something greater, the glory of Christ and the gospel of Christ. Colossians 127 through 29, to them, god chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of his glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all of this energy that he powerfully works within me. You see, beloved, we do not do anything in a vacuum, but everything we do should show the glory of the one we serve, Christ Jesus.
Herbie Newell:Paul David Tripp emphasizes this point when he says, the purpose of every miracle is to show the world the stunning beauty of Jesus. Each act of power points to his nature, his authority, and the glory he deserves. So as we serve the vulnerable, our ultimate goal is not just to meet physical or emotional needs, but to reveal the beauty and the glory of Christ through our actions. Every time we provide care, every time we advocate for a child, when we show up on behalf of women, or we see a family restored, we are pointing to the one who transforms lives, Jesus the Christ. The miracle at Cana not only meets the immediate needs of the wedding guest, but it points to a deeper spiritual reality, Christ's power, authority, and glory.
Herbie Newell:As believers, we are called to recognize Christ's compassionate care, trust in his sovereign power, and worship him as the glorious son of God who meets both our physical and spiritual needs. May we reflect on how Christ is revealing his glory in our own life. Let this passage encourage us to trust him in all things and worship him as the sovereign and compassionate savior. Well, thanks for joining us for the Defender Bible Study. This week, we are praying for our leadership team.
Herbie Newell:We're praying for wisdom as our leaders make decisions for Lifeline, especially those decisions that are are so paramount to the future of this ministry. So let's pray. Father god, I do pray for those that you've called to lead the ministry of Lifeline. I pray that you would give them wisdom. Pray that you give us wisdom as we execute the decisions and and and bring the vision of what is needed throughout the Ministry of Lifeline.
Herbie Newell:Father, even this last year, a lot of that leadership has been directed towards a strategic planning process. And I pray that you would give us great wisdom and great grace as we continue to roll out this plan and work towards the goals that have been set for the next 3 to 5 years. And, lord, I pray that these goals would not just be goals that were reduced to paper or or goals that were from the hearts and thoughts of men, but, lord, that these goals would be goals that would would bring you much glory just like our passage that we studied today in Luke chapter 2. I pray that these goals would be goals that would bring glory to your name. Even in some of the most insignificant ways, I pray that you would work in those ways.
Herbie Newell:And ultimately, lord, I pray that you would be exalted. Father, we pray that you would give clarity to opportunities as we seek to step in the gap for vulnerable women, children, and families. There's so many different opportunities, lord. Help us to have wisdom of when to say yes and when to say no. Lord, help us to to do what you would have us to do.
Herbie Newell:Help us to follow your will and to move where you would have us to move. Father, we pray that we will remain faithful to our mission and vision amidst cultural pressures. Lord, the the culture is is so post Christian. It's so, much going in a a secular way. And as we begin to be lights in the secular culture, help us to be faithful, to never compromise for numbers or for prestige, but to be about your name and your gospel.
Herbie Newell:And, lord, I pray for unity among our team and our divided culture. Father, I just pray that you would help us not to be divided over petty things. Help us not to be divided over insignificant things, but help us to be united over the banner of the gospel of Christ Jesus. Lord, help us to to be united in making the gospel known and manifesting the gospel to orphans, to vulnerable children, and to vulnerable women. Oh god, may we be united ultimately so that when men, women, boys, and girls are ministered to by Lifeline, they don't see the men and the women who serve here.
Herbie Newell:They see the god who lives within us. Oh, lord, we ask all these things in your great name, the name of Jesus. Amen.
Herbie Newell:Thanks again for joining us for the Defender Bible Study. If you enjoy making this podcast a part of your weekly routine, we'd love for you to take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review the Defender Bible study to make it easier for more people to find. For more resources and information on how you and your church can partner with Lifeline, please visit us at lifelinechilddot org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter by searching for Lifeline Child. You can email us directly at info at lifelinechild.org.
Herbie Newell:We look forward to seeing you again next week for the defender bible study.