John 2:1-11 Jesus Changes Water Into Wine
2 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 “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”
5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
6 Nearby 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.”
11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
Reflection
I love weddings. I love the details and the drama. I love the planning and how every wedding is unique. Although there are often similar elements, such as the vows and promises and the family and friends joining the celebration, the bride and groom bring their own personal touches to the event as well. Whether grand or simple, there is also a party, and the guests join in the celebration.
Jesus attended a wedding celebration. Traditional Jewish wedding celebrations often lasted up to a week, and they usually took place after the harvest, when there was abundance. The whole village would attend, and the party would be enjoyed by everyone. There was plenty of talking, dancing, and feasting—unless the wine ran out.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, heard that this had happened, and she knew this could lead to dishonour and disgrace for the bridegroom. She also knew her son. Jesus responded with a miracle, turning water into the best of wine. This sign pointed back to God’s promises and ahead to the great celebration of Jesus with his bride, the church, in eternity (see Isaiah 25:6; Revelation 19:9). The wedding feast continued, and all was well.
Jesus was involved in the details. He cared about the family and guests, and he provided the best. The best news is that Jesus cares about you and me and has given his very life for us—so we can have new life in abundance. Let’s celebrate!
Dear Jesus, thank you for being in the details and providing what is best. May we celebrate with you today! Amen.
Abundant Creator, you are a wonderful God, loving and kind, open-handed and generous beyond all expectation.
When we call, you listen and respond with love.
Lord Jesus, when you walked on earth, you reflected that love and generosity. As you saw need or pain, you responded beyond all expectation. When we call, you listen and respond with love.
Holy Spirit, you are here now with us, giving each one of us gifts and skills; nudging and inspiring us to use what we have generously, beyond all expectation. When we call, you listen and respond with love. Amen.
Generous God, when a newly married couple were in trouble, your Son helped them in the most amazing way. You continue to give us great gifts: we think of the amazing choice of food we have. You give us gifts and skills. Help us to discover and use them to your glory. Lord, you are the most amazing, generous God.
Amen.
I might have filled a chalice or two and felt mighty pleased with myself. I might have thought to make the wine goodish but not too good. I would have wanted everyone to know how gifted I was and how close to God and would have accepted their praise humbly, secretly beaming, smug and self assured.
But, Jesus, you show me how small I am, how proud, how mean, how half hearted. How far I am from understanding who you are, what love is, why love is.
Lord, teach me the lessons of the wedding in Cana and so shall my weakness become your strength, my limitations become your generosity, my water become your wine – overflowing to your glory. Amen.
Suggested Listening Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVhsCq8fzMI He Turned the Water into Wine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fE09xqZYBLI Take my life, and let it be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjQJ1HEZ4Wk
