Today’s Reading: John 2:1-11; Psalm 64

The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.” – John 2:1-3

Many of us have this natural curiosity about the relationship between Mary and Jesus. We wonder what it must have been like to be the parent of the promised Messiah. We put ourselves in this position and imagine how special Jesus must have been to Mary — how much she must have loved him. As we look at this occasion in scripture, we get a small glimpse into their relationship.

MARY WAS MADE AWARE OF A PROBLEM AND SHE LOOKED TO JESUS FOR THE SOLUTION.

I picture Mary as sympathetic towards the family, knowing how tragic it would be for them to have to face their guests and tell them that they were out of wine. Perhaps it would have brought shame on both the parents and the union of the bridal couple, a simple mistake continuing to define both families for years to come.

Mary was not only sympathetic, but she was moved to action. This was not her problem and the blame would not land in her lap, but she was willing to help find a solution. She did not just recognize the gravity of the problem; she wanted to do something to help. After all, her own family had faced the accusations and gossip of the community when she was found to be with child while engaged to Joseph. She had been a virgin and the opportunity to carry the Christ-child in her womb had been a gift, but who had believed her story? How many had treated them differently from that day on?

Perhaps Jesus responded to his mother with affection and understanding. He knew her well and understood her concern for others. Some translations say that Jesus referred to her as “woman” and some use the term “mother”, but my favorite translations describe Jesus as affectionately addressing his mother as “dear woman”.

“Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.”
But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” – John 2:4-5

MARY DISPLAYED FAITH IN WHAT JESUS WAS ABLE TO DO FOR THOSE IN NEED.

I am curious as to what happened between verses five and six. It seems like we get a peek into this mother-son relationship at this moment. Was there unspoken communication made in their eye contact? Did Mary turn and walk away, or did she wait to see what Jesus would do next.

Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions. – John 2:6-8

Let’s consider Mary again at this point in the story. Was she standing there with any level of uncertainty that Jesus knew what he was doing? Did she worry that she had just made things worse for the family and for the servants? Or was her heart ready to explode with love and pride for her son’s willingness to do something to save these families from the disgrace of running out of wine. Was she confident that everyone at the wedding was about to experience something miraculous?

When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” – John 2:9-10

Somewhere between filling the jars with water and the emcee taking the first drink, the water had turned into the best wine served so far at the wedding. The master of ceremonies was impressed and the celebration went on as expected, with only a small number of those present witnessing the miracle that had just taken place.

I love how Jesus found a way to respond to the need without drawing attention to himself. Remember that Jesus said it was not yet time. But the servants knew, and the disciples were greatly affected by what had just happened. And, of course, his mother was aware. I imagine her watching the miracle unfold with tears streaming down her face, not just proud of what her son had just done but in awe of what her Lord was willing to do.

This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him. – John 2:11

Lord, thank you for this reminder that we can take all of our problems to you. Thank you for opening our eyes to the importance of bringing the needs of others to your feet and trusting you to respond as you deem best. Lord, forgive us for the moments when we doubt, when we push, when we demand, when we blame, or when we respond emotionally to how you answer our prayers. Help us to trust you and fully submit to your beautiful and perfect ways. Amen.

O God, you are my God;
I earnestly search for you.
My soul thirsts for you;
my whole body longs for you
in this parched and weary land
where there is no water.
I have seen you in your sanctuary
and gazed upon your power and glory.
Your unfailing love is better than life itself;
how I praise you!
I will praise you as long as I live,
lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
You satisfy me more than the richest feast.
I will praise you with songs of joy.
I lie awake thinking of you,
meditating on you through the night.
Because you are my helper,
I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
I cling to you;
your strong right hand holds me securely. – Psalm 63:1-8