« | John 2 | » |
1 Three days later there was a wedding in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there.
2 Jesus and his disciples were guests also.
3 When they started running low on wine at the wedding banquet, Jesus' mother told him, "They're just about out of wine."
4 Jesus said, "Is that any of our business, Mother--yours or mine? This isn't my time. Don't push me."
5 She went ahead anyway, telling the servants, "Whatever he tells you, do it."
6 Six stoneware water pots were there, used by the Jews for ritual washings. Each held twenty to thirty gallons.
7 Jesus ordered the servants, "Fill the pots with water." And they filled them to the brim.
8 "Now fill your pitchers and take them to the host," Jesus said, and they did.
9 When the host tasted the water that had become wine (he didn't know what had just happened but the servants, of course, knew), he called out to the bridegroom,
10 "Everybody I know begins with their finest wines and after the guests have had their fill brings in the cheap stuff. But you've saved the best till now!"
11 This act in Cana of Galilee was the first sign Jesus gave, the first glimpse of his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
12 After this he went down to Capernaum along with his mother, brothers, and disciples, and stayed several days.
13 When the Passover Feast, celebrated each spring by the Jews, was about to take place, Jesus traveled up to Jerusalem.
14 He found the Temple teeming with people selling cattle and sheep and doves. The loan sharks were also there in full strength.
15 Jesus put together a whip out of strips of leather and chased them out of the Temple, stampeding the sheep and cattle, upending the tables of the loan sharks, spilling coins left and right.
16 He told the dove merchants, "Get your things out of here! Stop turning my Father's house into a shopping mall!"
17 That's when his disciples remembered the Scripture, "Zeal for your house consumes me."
18 But the Jews were upset. They asked, "What credentials can you present to justify this?"
19 Jesus answered, "Tear down this Temple and in three days I'll put it back together."
20 They were indignant: "It took forty-six years to build this Temple, and you're going to rebuild it in three days?"
21 But Jesus was talking about his body as the Temple.
22 Later, after he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered he had said this. They then put two and two together and believed both what was written in Scripture and what Jesus had said.
23 During the time he was in Jerusalem, those days of the Passover Feast, many people noticed the signs he was displaying and, seeing they pointed straight to God, entrusted their lives to him.
24 But Jesus didn't entrust his life to them. He knew them inside and out, knew how untrustworthy they were.
25 He didn't need any help in seeing right through them.
The Message (MSG)
The Message (MSG) is a contemporary, paraphrased translation of the Bible, crafted to bring the scriptures to life in modern, conversational English. Developed by pastor and scholar Eugene H. Peterson, The Message was published in segments starting in 1993, with the complete Bible released in 2002. Peterson’s aim was to make the Bible accessible and engaging for today’s readers, breaking down the barriers posed by traditional, formal language. His work sought to capture the original tone, rhythm, and intent of the biblical texts, presenting them in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences.
One of the defining characteristics of The Message is its use of dynamic equivalence, focusing on conveying the thoughts and meanings behind the original texts rather than adhering to a word-for-word translation. This approach allows for the use of idiomatic expressions and modern phrasing, making the scriptures feel more relatable and immediate. Peterson, who had a deep understanding of both the biblical languages and modern culture, aimed to bridge the gap between the ancient world of the Bible and the everyday experiences of today’s readers.
The Message has been praised for its readability and ability to convey the emotional and narrative elements of the Bible in a fresh, vivid manner. Its accessible language makes it particularly appealing to those who might find traditional translations difficult to understand or intimidating. Many readers appreciate The Message for its ability to make familiar passages feel new and impactful, often shedding light on the scriptures in ways that resonate on a personal level. It is frequently used in personal devotions, group studies, and church services where clarity and relatability are paramount.
Despite its popularity, The Message has faced criticism from some scholars and traditionalists who argue that its paraphrased nature can lead to oversimplification and loss of nuance. Critics contend that in striving for contemporary relevance, The Message sometimes departs too far from the original texts, potentially altering the intended meanings. However, supporters of The Message appreciate its ability to engage modern readers and spark interest in the Bible, seeing it as a valuable tool for evangelism and discipleship. Overall, The Message stands out as a bold and innovative translation that has made a significant impact on how many people experience and understand the Bible.