John 2

Scripture

John 2: 5-10
His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, 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.”

Observation

Jesus is celebrating a wedding at Cana when His mother informs Him that the supply of wine has run out. After reminding His mother that His displays of power and providence are determined not by circumstances but by the will and timing of God the Father, Jesus turns some water (contained in 20-30 vessels) into wine that not only saves the bride and groom from an embarrassing faux pas, but wine that is recognized by the banquet steward as being of fine, even the best, quality.

Understanding

This story reminds me of the various accounts of Jesus feeding the multitudes during the course of His ministry. In those accounts, as with this first of His miracles, the power of God to provide for those who look to Jesus to meet their needs has already taken place. At the point of Jesus turning the water into wine or multiplying the fish and the loaves, the provision is already sufficient and manifest; what is necessary is for those whom Jesus summons to be obedient to His instructions and deliver the miraculous provision to those who need it and to whom it was intended. Even though the miracle had already taken place, no one would be aware of it or benefit from it unless those whom Jesus had commanded to deliver the blessing walked in obedience and by faith.

Life Application

Unbeknownst to a lost and hurting world, the miracle that is needed for their salvation has occurred in my life and God now commands me to be obedient to the Great Commission and share the miracle of salvation with those who hunger and thirst for the hope, peace, freedom, deliverance and eternal life that Jesus miraculously provided through His death and resurrection. The miracle has already occurred and Jesus summons me to draw from the well of His grace and mercy and share it with others so that they may experience the joy of His salvation and provision. As God ordains divine appointments in my life, my obedience is required in order that the miracle of His redemption and salvation may be delivered to those for whom it is intended.

 

Romans 10:14-16
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

 

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-Gary Parker