The apostle John, in his writings about the life of Jesus, presented some interesting insights into Jesus' life. He wrote about things Jesus did that other writers didn't comment about.

In the second chapter of the gospel of John, we see Jesus working in two very different settings. In the first story, we see Jesus at a wedding feast. The refreshments run short, and Jesus turns water into wine so that the revelry may continue.

The second story that we see takes place in the temple in Jerusalem. There Jesus disrupts the status quo, driving the merchants out of the temple courts, accusing them of turning God's house into a market.

We're not surprised to see a holy man in the temple. We're a bit surprised to see him at a party.

But that was a mark of Jesus' ministry. He often ate with people that the religious leaders of his day considered to be sinners. (The same religious leaders, of course, tolerated the merchants in the temple.) Jesus made such a habit of eating with these people that some called him a glutton, a drunkard, and a "friend of sinners" (Matthew 11:19).

All through the Bible, God shows that he loves a good party. Much of the worship in the Old Testament involved feasting. When people were especially thankful to God, they showed that by gathering to celebrate with food and drink.

The Bible also describes ungodly parties, feasts full of gluttony, drunkenness, and immorality. These aren't pleasing to God. His people are told to avoid such events.

But when people come together to enjoy God's blessings and celebrate God's goodness, God not only approves; he comes to be a part. It's common for the Bible to talk about eating, drinking, and rejoicing in the presence of the Lord (see Deuteronomy 14:22-27, for example).

When the prophet Isaiah described God's Kingdom, he spoke of a great feast prepared by God himself (Isaiah 25:6). The last book of the Bible, Revelation, describes the end as a great triumphal banquet… a wedding party (Revelation 19:7-9).

One day, there will be a party to end all parties
So one day, there will be a party to end all parties. God's people will gather from all nations, all languages, and even all times to celebrate the final victory over sin and death.

That's a party that I want to go to. How about you?

If you don't know how to be a part of that great celebration, write to me at tarcher@heraldoftruth.org , and I'll try to help you see what the Bible says. Or join us on our HopeForLife.org website.

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