John 2: 1-12

40 Days of John

Day 3: John 2:1-12

Jesus has just called His first disciples, and now He attends a wedding.  And it's at that wedding that Jesus performs his first miracle, turning water into wine.  John's Gospel is the only one of the four Gospels to tell this story.  

I think John may be pointing to Jesus and the importance of His relationships as he shares this story...  See what you think.

I am caught by surprise as I read today.   I am surprised because this is not exactly the first miracle I would expect from God's son, you know?  Honestly, my first thoughts are "Really, Jesus?  

We'll talk more about the miracle in a minute.  It's important for sure.  But, for now it's the scene that stands out to me.

We've just heard the testimonies in John 1.  Jesus is God in the flesh.  King of God's people, and He's on this HUGE and very important mission to save the world.

What is Jesus thinking in this story, I wonder?

And what does Jesus do with His first disciples and His mom?  Jesus goes to a wedding.  It's a celebration, a social occasion, a party no less.  And Jesus deliberately puts Himself there with lots and lots of people. 

Why? 

After my initial thoughts, I realized today how very important this setting is because I think it says so much about who Jesus, our Savior is. 

Jesus is a people person, but it's even more than that...

Although I would not initially think of a "wedding" as fitting into Jesus' ministry and His busy life-saving "work" schedule, its obviously at the top of His list.  It happens first in His long list of miracles and ministry.  

It seems to me, Jesus is reminding us in this story to take the time to nurture our relationships with the people in our lives.  And one important way to do that is to celebrate special occasions by being together.  

In fact, in performing the water to wine miracle in the middle of the wedding celebration, Jesus shows us that special occasions are in fact a part of His ministry.  

Even more, I think Jesus is showing us that there are no boundaries when it comes to His love and God's work in the world.

So, getting back around to the miracle.  There's a problem at the wedding.  They've run out of wine.  It's not a life threatening one, at least not on the surface.  But, Jesus is there, and reveals God's power.  No problem is too small or insignificant for God's involvement.

Notice that Jesus' presence at that celebration makes a difference... even though only a few people realize it at the time.  Jesus takes what's there and transforms it in a way we could never expect.  There's more than enough wine to go around, and it's the best wine they've tasted all night!  

"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 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.”

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."

John 2:9-11

Jesus is so good at nurturing people.  His time with others and His physical presence are both important.  Being together is important.  And where we are, God is there too.  Even in everyday life, nothing is beyond His concern.  The best things in life are with Him!

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for Jesus who came into the world to save each and every one of us from our sins and bless us with abundant life.  Thank You for being a God who forever loves His people.  Thank You for being a God full of awesome surprises and miracles.

Forgive me for all the ways I get too caught up in my own busy schedule.  Help me, Lord, to take the time to nurture the relationships and the people in my life each and every day.  I want You to be a part of all my relationships, Lord. 

I pray You will help me invest in spiritual relationships. 

________________ is weighing on my mind today.  You are the ultimate problem solver.  I pray for Your discernment and direction, and I trust Your way above my own.

You are my Lord and Savior.

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen

Blessings,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.