January 21, 2025
Water Into Wine - Part 2
John 2:3-5
01/21/2025
3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to
him, "They have no wine."
4 And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does this have
to do with me? My hour has not yet come."
5 His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he
tells you." (ESV)
Jesus, along with His disciples, was invited to a wedding
near His boyhood home of Nazareth. Because Mary was either
related to one of the families, or a very good friend, she also
was at the wedding. Indeed, Mary seems to be more than a guest,
but serving in part as a hostess.
When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him,
"They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman,
what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet
come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever
he tells you."
This startling situation was more dire than it first seems.
At that time, a Jewish wedding celebration was a week-long
festival of eating and drinking, showing the couple that God
richly provides for those who trust in Him. Wine, itself, was an
Old Testament symbol of physical and spiritual joy. By running
out of wine, the marriage would start under the specter of gloom,
and poverty. Mary turned to Jesus, who had yet to perform any
miracles, to help remedy the situation. He seemed to be
reluctant to act, but Mary, in faith, directed the servants to
listen to her Son, to do whatever He requested, even if it seemed
somewhat out of place.
Saint Paul summarized this idea, "We walk by faith, not by
sight."[1] This is the foolishness of God which is wiser than the
wisdom of men.[2] This is the faith which trusts that God
provides for both our spiritual and physical good. His ways may
not always agree with our ways, but we trust Him rather than our
own understanding. May our Lord grant that we have faith like
Mary, trusting in God to act for our eventual good. Amen.
____________________
1. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)
2. See 1 Corinthians 1:22-25