John 2:1 – 5 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”
“Dear woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied, “My time has not yet come.”
His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
Wow. Talk about an impressive debut. This event, when Jesus turned water into wine, marked the beginning of his public ministry. And I love the significance of this story. The idea that a wedding host would run out of wine wasn’t a life and death matter. Embarrassing? Yes. But surely, there were more important issues Jesus could have been tending to.
But this miracle shows us that Jesus cares about every aspect of our lives. He cares about whether or not we have enough to eat, that we have shelter, that we are safe. But He also cares about our feelings. He doesn’t want us to feel embarrassed or ashamed.
But to me, the most important part of this story doesn’t lie in what Jesus did. Rather, we need to pay attention to the servants. Mary told them, “Do whatever He tells you.” They did. And a miracle followed.
Friends, I doubt very seriously that I will be turning any water into wine, any time soon. As a matter of fact, I don’t think I will be performing any miracles. Ever.
But I know Someone who can – who will – perform miracles, great and small. It’s not my job to solve all the problems or impress people with my ability to do this or that. All I have to do is obey Him. He will take care of the rest.
If you read the rest of this story, you will see that Jesus told the servants to fill six huge jars with water. This wasn’t difficult work, but it did take a little time. The jars each held twenty to thirty gallons. I’m sure the servants had to make many trips to the well, in order to fill these jars. And I’m sure they were wondering, “Why does the guy want water? It’s wine we need!”
But they obeyed. Though they were probably confused, though they didn’t understand the purpose of what He asked of them, they obeyed.
Then, He told them to dip some of the water out of a jar and take it to the master of the banquet. And lo and behold! This was the best wine the man had ever tasted!
Friends, we are all in need of a miracle, every now and then. Daily, in many cases. Instead of worrying and fretting, wondering how in the world this problem or that problem will be solved, we need to do what the servants did. Obey Him. Do whatever He says.
And the miracles will follow.
Dear Jesus, Thank You for the miracles You have performed in my life. Help me to obey You in all things.
Amen
For a second cup, see: Joshua 19:28; John 4:46, 19:26, 3:25; Mark 7:3 – 4
Dear Renae,
so good that you are back in the saddle.
Funny thing..one has to do things, maybe things seeming foolish, like filling wine jars with water or walking up to the altar to receive cookie and juice..
Whenever we do his will, there’s a blessing ahead, that’s my testimony too.
From Felisol
Good point, Felisol. Obedience in the small things always leads to bigger blessings!
Excellent points, Renae…
Yes, we all need miracles now and then, and now would be a good time for one. In addition to the one we are praying for in your family, there are several situations in my circle that (to my human eye) can only be fixed by a miracle. I am fearful that I will not be listening to instructions and obeying like I should in order to see the miracles. I needed to read this today to realize the simplicity of the plan… LISTEN to what He tells me, and then DO it…
Thanks, my friend!
Hi Jeanette! I’ll be praying that the miracles start rolling your way very soon.
–r
Dearest Renae,
Another endearing passage about the relationship between Jesus and His mother. It is beautiful that though it was not yet His time, He performed this miracle because His mother asked Him to.
It is so true that Jesus cares about the smallest details of our lives: I find almost daily reminders of that. Today was an example: on my limited budget, I buy many of my clothes, purses, even shoes for pennies at garage sales.
I hope this is not inappropriate to say but I have been needing a new bra for some time and there was one brand I really wanted but it is very expensive because of its quality materials. The chance of finding such a bra at a garage sale, in my exact size, and brand new (just didn’t fit the owner when she got home) is, I’m sure, 1 in a million.
Not only that, but two such bras in the two basic colors I needed: black and white?!!!
But that’s just what happened today and I was thrilled that God cares so much about my small, insignificant needs to tailor provide for them at a fraction of the normal cost.
How can we ever doubt that He has our biggest concerns in His book also: our ailing fathers, our sons and daughters who have strayed from Him, our nation in economic crisis?!
Nothing is too big or too small for our amazing God!!!!!
Love,
Jlo
God is so good! He does the same for me all the time! Several years ago, I needed a formal gown. Of course, I wanted to look smashing, but I had a limited budget. I also wanted something very classy and stylish, young and hip looking, yet modest.
I walked into Dillard’s, and there was the perfect dress – in the perfect size – for 75% off! It was the first and only dress I tried on.
Thank you, Judi, for sharing how God met a very specific need for you in such an unexpected way. Kind of like water into wine. 😉
I love ya, Renae, and I sure wish you and I could go garage saleing together one of these days!
Jlo