What Does Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Teach About Receiving Christ's Fullness?

What is the main purpose of the miracle at Cana according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the miracle at Cana was not merely a historical event or demonstration of power, but served as a parable to teach us about receiving Christ's fullness. He states: "A miracle is not something in and of itself... a miracle over and above that is a parable it is meant to teach us." The specific purpose was "to bring us to a realization of what has been made possible for us in and through our Lord and savior" and to help us understand "the nature of that fullness and as to how we can partake of it."

What key verse does Lloyd-Jones identify as central to John's Gospel?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies John 1:16 as the key verse of the entire Gospel: "And of his fullness of all we received and grace upon grace." He states that "the whole object of the entire gospel in a sense, is to bring us to realize the nature of that fullness and as to how we can partake of it, receive of it."

What mistake did Mary make at the wedding feast, and what lesson does Lloyd-Jones draw from it?

Lloyd-Jones explains that Mary blundered by trying to dictate to Jesus. She came to him saying "they have no wine" expecting him to act immediately and in her way. Jesus reprimanded her with "Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come." The lesson Lloyd-Jones draws is that we must recognize Christ's sovereignty and timing, not demanding things on our terms. He states: "We have to start by a realization of his sovereignty. You don't demand, you don't insist. You humble yourself. You realize you are utterly dependent upon his Grace."

What did Mary advise the servants to do, and why is this significant for Christians seeking spiritual fullness?

Mary advised the servants: "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it." Lloyd-Jones sees this as the fundamental approach to receiving Christ's fullness. It acknowledges both Christ's authority to command and our responsibility to obey. This balance prevents both over-activity (trying to earn blessings) and passivity (doing nothing). Lloyd-Jones calls it "activity under his control" or "his activity through us."

How does Lloyd-Jones explain what "filling the water pots" represents spiritually?

Lloyd-Jones explains that "filling the water pots" represents obedience along the line of ordinary duty. Rather than expecting dramatic spiritual experiences, we often find blessing in mundane obedience. He states: "These blessings come in the christian life along the line of ordinary duty." It illustrates how God often works through simple faithfulness rather than spectacular events, comparing it to God speaking to Elijah not in the wind, earthquake or fire, but in the "still, small voice."

What specific "commandments" does Lloyd-Jones say Christians must keep to experience God's fullness?

Lloyd-Jones identifies several specific commandments Christians must keep: 1. Reading and studying the Bible thoroughly and prayerfully 2. Regular, frequent prayer - "Keep short accounts with God" 3. Participating in fellowship with other believers 4. Maintaining ethical conduct in daily life (home, office, etc.) 5. Living with a "pure conscience" as Paul described to Timothy

What does Lloyd-Jones say about the relationship between obedience and experiencing God's presence?

Lloyd-Jones quotes Jesus from John 14:21-23 to show the direct relationship between obedience and experiencing God's presence: "He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me, and he that loveth me shall be loved of my father, and I will love him and will manifest myself to him." This manifestation is what Christians seek - the Father and Son making their "abode" with believers. He emphasizes that this deeper communion is impossible without obedience: "You cannot walk with him in the light and have fellowship with him in the light and be walking in darkness at the same time."

What is the final step in experiencing Christ's fullness according to Lloyd-Jones?

The final step is "drawing the wine" - stepping out in faith when God commands something that seems impossible. Just as Jesus told the servants to draw wine when they had only put in water, or told the man with the withered hand to stretch it forth, God often commands us to do what seems impossible. Lloyd-Jones explains: "He tells him to do what is impossible to him. But the men stretched forth his hand. He commends. He gives the power." This requires venturing on Christ in trust and obedience.

How does Lloyd-Jones address the expectation of dramatic spiritual experiences?

Lloyd-Jones warns against expecting dramatic spiritual experiences, noting that many Christians wrongly expect blessings to come "in some direct and immediate and marvelous and spectacular manner." Instead, he teaches that fullness often comes through ordinary obedience: "Fill the water pots. There's nothing more ordinary than that." He advises believers to "abandon all presuppositions" about how God will work, and not to "bring carnal thinking into this realm."