We were blessed to hear from missionary Jason Ritchie during our Missions Conference Week. With heartfelt gratitude for the church’s support, Brother Ritchie shared his journey of serving in Mongolia, overcoming personal trials, and now aiding new missionaries as the Pre-field Ministries Director at Baptist International Missions. Drawing from John 2:1-11, he unpacked the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine, illustrating how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes in missions. This sermon encourages us to trust in Christ’s sufficiency, make ourselves available, and witness His transformative power as we step into the Great Commission.
Obvious Complication
In John 2:1-11, we read of a wedding in Cana where a significant problem arose: the hosts ran out of wine. “And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine” (John 2:1-3, KJV). This shortage was more than an inconvenience; it threatened the couple’s social standing and could have marred their celebration. Brother Ritchie emphasized that Jesus cared deeply about their needs, not just their sustenance, but their social and spiritual well-being. This miracle wasn’t performed for public spectacle but for the servants and disciples, revealing Christ’s glory and building their faith. Similarly, in missions, we face an obvious complication: the world’s spiritual need is vast, and our resources seem insufficient. Yet, Jesus sees people as sheep without a shepherd, moving Him with compassion (Mark 6:34). As we consider the Great Commission “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15, KJV) we recognize our inadequacy. The gap between the need and our supply is wide, but Christ Himself is the possibility that bridges it.
Ordinary Contribution
Despite the shortage at Cana, there were resources at hand, six stone waterpots and willing servants. Jesus instructed, “Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim” (John 2:7, KJV). Brother Ritchie likened these waterpots to believers, emphasizing three qualities: presence, purity, and purpose. The pots were present, available for use. Likewise, God calls us to be available, offering ourselves fully to Him, as the Macedonian church did (2 Corinthians 8:5). Their purity, used for Jewish ceremonial cleansing, reminds us to be holy, separated from the world and unto God. Finally, their purpose was simple yet God used them to hold His miracle. As Brother Ritchie noted, “We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7, KJV). Our contributions may seem ordinary, like the boy’s five loaves and two fishes, but when given to Jesus, they become sufficient. Whether it’s greeting at the church door or giving to missions, God uses our willingness to meet needs far beyond our capacity.
Outstanding Creation
Jesus transformed the water into wine, creating something extraordinary from the ordinary. The governor of the feast marvelled, saying, “Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now” (John 2:10, KJV). This wine was superior, the best the governor had tasted, symbolizing the surpassing provision of Christ. Brother Ritchie highlighted that God’s work through us is always greater than what we can do alone. “He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings” (Psalm 107:35, KJV). This miracle deepened the disciples’ faith, preparing them for ministry, as John 2:11 states, “This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.” Likewise, our involvement in missions (through praying, giving, or going) strengthens our faith and glorifies God. As we offer our ordinary contributions, Jesus creates outstanding outcomes, using us to bring the water of life to a thirsty world.
Conclusion
Brother Ritchie closed by encouraging us to embrace our role in the Great Commission, whether through a faith promise commitment or personal service. The need is great, and our resources are limited, but Jesus is our sufficiency. By making ourselves available, keeping our hearts pure, and trusting Him to work through us, we participate in His miraculous provision for missions. As we reflect on this message, let’s pray and seek what God would have us do. “Heavenly Father, we praise You for involving us in Your Great Commission. Help us to offer our ordinary contributions, trusting You to create outstanding results for Your glory. Use Faithway Baptist Church to reach the world with Your gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
