John 2:1-10
Jesus Changes Water to Wine
1 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine." 4 "Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied."My time has not yet come." 5 His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." 6Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim. 8 Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet." They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now."
Want to be my "plus one?" Let's spend today at the wedding in Cana. Let's really take it in--the sights and sounds and smells of a wedding feast those thousands of years ago. The music and revelry. The abundant food and wine and outpouring of love. What joy!
Our Jesus is there. He was invited. Did you see that in verse two? Invited. He's all about relationships. Jesus was celebrating friends! With his family and friends! It's ordinary and extraordinary all at once, isn't it?
That same Jesus, our same Jesus, is with us this morning. Because he's all about relationships. As you spend a bit of time with him, ask him to reveal himself to you--to fill you in new and wonderful ways--to fill you to the brim.
Jot down a few ideas that he brings to mind as you settle into today's reading. What pops out at you? Do you see any symbolism? What about this miracle points to a spiritual truth that resonates with you? What about this passage thrills you?
I can't wait to hear . . .
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ReplyDeleteJill, I spent all of last spring marveling over what you commented! If only I can "do what he tells me!" Thank you for your encouragement.
DeleteThis passage really is so rich…that Jesus--fully God and fully human--would be obedient to his mother's request at this wedding celebration…that he transformed water into incredible wine for the guests, despite saying "My time has not yet come." But God knew, and it was in HIS time that this miracle occurred… I love the reminder that I need to be patient and wait on the Lord to do his transforming work… Also a good reminder to have faith that God will equip me to do things he has in store for me, whether or not I think I'm ready & able!
ReplyDeleteLauren, I am humbled to glean from what you experienced in this passage. I couldn't agree more! Why is waiting on Him so difficult!? I am so thankful for HIS patience--and that, yes, He equips us when He calls us!
DeleteLauren- I thought about the same thing- Jesus being fully God and fully human. I wonder how he was feeling when his mom asked him to perform the miracle. Was he feeling "put on the spot?" Embarrassed? Mad? I wonder if he had played out in his mind how his first public miracle would take place and wonder if he was thinning- "No! This isn't the way its supposed to go down!" At a social gathering with all our friends around! I know I think about how I want to serve/witness and the way I envision it in my mind is often so different from the reality. I have been put "on the spot" countless times and feel so many times I've fumbled my way through the exchange and look back and wish I had handled the situation so differently! Of course, Jesus is fully God as well as fully human so he handled it perfectly! I think my big take away- rely on God in all situations and not on myself!!
ReplyDeleteAndi, a resounding yes! I l-o-v-e how you jumped into the wedding story! Relying on Him is the most beautiful take-away. Praise God, He goes before us and follows after us! XO!
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