WHATSOEVER HE SAITH UNTO YOU, DO IT

by Robert Meredith

Hazel, KY

The above statement was said by Mary, the mother of Jesus, as they were guests at a marriage feast (John 2:1-11). She revealed a great truth that all should follow; if Jesus commands something, then man is to obey. In the context of this statement, Jesus was asked to help with a shortage of drink. It was, in that day, a great embarrassment for a family to host a wedding feast and run out of food or drink. The Bible does not tell why there was a shortage, but one occurred and Jesus performed His first miracle on earth (John 2:11). Let us take this statement of Mary and consider it spiritually.

Mary knew that Jesus could help and told the servants to obey any instructions that her Son might give. How sad it is today that many argue that obedience is legalism. Now there are individuals in the world that approach religion with a legalistic mindset. Legalism would be works minus faith. They believe that if they do what is commanded that God owes them salvation. Their trust does not truly stem from God, but in their works. But, my friends, obedience is not legalism; it is faithfulness. The Holy Spirit had the Hebrew writer to pen, "And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him" (Hebrews 5:9). The only ones who will be saved are those who, through faith, obey the Lord (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 6:17-18; 1:5; 16:26). As stated earlier, works minus faith is legalism. Also, consider the fact that faith minus works produces a dead faith which the Holy Spirit says does not save (James 2:1-26); while faith plus works accesses God's grace (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:1-2).

For all who desire salvation, Mary's statement should always be implanted in their hearts. In every dispensation of time, God has demanded obedience. In Isaiah 8:20 one reads, "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." When one fails to obey the Bible then he is not doing whatsoever He saith unto them. As Jesus brought to a conclusion His sermon on the mount, He said, "Not everyone that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? And in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity" (Matthew 7:21-23). These lost ones were active religiously, but Jesus never approved of them because they did not do the Father's will. The Apostle Paul commands us, "Wherefore be not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:17). God's will is revealed in His written word (John 12:48; Romans 10:17; Ephesians 3:3-4).

In order to be saved by God, one must do as He commands and not simply do as mere man may dictate. Jesus said a person must believe that He is God (John 8:24), repent of his sins (Luke 13:3), confess Him to be the Son of God (Matthew 10:32-33), and be baptized for the remission of his sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). When one does this, he has been born again and the Lord adds that saved one to His church (John 3:5; Acts 2:47). After one becomes a child of God, he must continue to do whatsoever God, in His word, instructs. Remember God's commands are not optional; He desires to be obeyed. One should strive to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:18), do good to others as the opportunities come along (Galatians 6:10), use their talents as they, out of love, serve the Lord (Luke 19:12-27), and offer their whole being as a daily sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1-2; I Corinthians 6:19-20; Hebrews 13:15-16). Mary's statement; "Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it," came from a heart of complete confidence in the ability of Jesus. Do you trust Him? If so, obey Him. Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it!