Do you like weddings? I do and so did Jesus. They are a great opportunity to be with friends and family, celebrating love. The passage in John 2:1-11 takes us to a wedding feast that Jesus attended where he performed His first miracle.
I enjoy reading this passage ,because it shows how much Jesus loved and honored His mother, Mary. Jesus has been invited to a wedding in Cana of Galilee. He and his disciples are enjoying the celebration when his mother discovers the wine has run out. Mary is a wise woman knowing her son’s potential. Mary tells Jesus, “They have no wine!”
A wedding was a celebration that lasted for many days. It was expected that provisions, including wine, last throughout. It would be considered a disgrace if the governor of the celebration allowed the supplies to run out. How were they going to save face? Mary had the answer, Jesus! How many times do we find ourselves in difficult situations? Let’s remember that Jesus is the answer to any lack or struggle that we might face.
We should do as Mary did. She recognized the problem and went to the solution–Jesus. Then she instructed those around her to follow Him.
In the scriptures wine speaks of the Holy Spirit. It was as if Mary was saying the people did not have the Holy Spirit. The joy that comes from the comfort of the Holy Spirit was not present. Ephesians 5:18: “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
Jesus instructs the servants to fill the purification waterpots with water. Then as the servants drew out the water it was turned to wine. It is notable that obedience is a key in this story. First, Jesus is obedient to His mother. Next, the servants are obedient to Jesus. What would have happened if Jesus would have said, “Woman it’s not my time. I’m not going to do what you ask.” His mother would have been dishonored. The party would have been disrupted. And the bride and groom would have been embarrassed. The same with the servants. Obedience is key to a life surrendered to Jesus. What has the Holy Spirit spoken to you that seems impossible, scary, beyond your ability? Stop worrying about the “What if..” just be quick to obey. It will be miraculous.
Turning water into something else was the beginning of two influential figures in the scripture. In Exodus 7:20, Moses confronts Pharaoh. It is time for Egypt to let the Hebrew slaves free. God turns the water of the Nile into blood. This is a sign that Pharaoh should listen to Moses and obey. Moses eventually leads the Hebrew people out of Egypt into the wilderness where they receive the law. In John 2, Jesus performs His first miracle by turning water into wine. This too, becomes a sign to the people. In verse 11, it says that Jesus “…manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.” Many believe when signs and wonders are done. What miracles have you seen that has stirred your faith up? It is important to remember all that God has done for us.
The comparison of Moses and Jesus’ miracles are interesting. When the Law given under Moses was given it started with turning water to blood. When the Gospel of Grace was given through Jesus it began with turning water into wine. It is the juxtaposition of law and grace. Allow Jesus to fill your cup with the wine of the Holy Spirit.
There is a song that I keep hearing as I write this blog. Here are some of the words: Fill my cup, Lord; I lift it up Lord; Come and quench this thirsting of my soul. Bread of Heaven, feed me till I want no more. Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole. Words by Jessy Dixon.
Breakfast with the King 