Thursday, May 2

THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

 

They did so, 9 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 10 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.”

 

11 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.

 

12 After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples. There they stayed for a few days.

 

(John 2:8b-12)

 

 

Today, we read of Jesus’s first miracle, the turning of water into wine at the wedding of Cana.  This miracle appears fairly unique in its scope and audience.  In many of Jesus’s miracles, he brings healing or fulfills a “need.”  This miracle, however, concentrates on bringing joy to this wedding party -- and helping the hosts to avoid the embarrassment of missing the mark on the typical social standard for weddings.  It is possible that wedding feasts might have proceeded for several days, perhaps lasting up to a week.

 

Jesus’s approach to the miracle indicates that He doesn’t wish to attract attention to Himself, but rather to bless this assembled group of common people.  When His mother recognizes the problem and suggests that He become involved, He tells her:  “My hour has not yet come.”  Later, He involves the servants in the miracle by asking them to fill the jars with water -- tying somewhat to the disciples’ contributions at the feeding of the Five Thousand.  The miracle points to God’s desire to bless and use His children that are willing to surrender what little we have in order that the blessing might overflow through His multiplication.

 

The “master of the banquet” likely came as a guest but bore some responsibilities as a master of ceremonies (“emcee”).  When he tastes the wine, he calls the bridegroom aside and celebrates the goodness of the wine:  “... but you have saved the best till last.”  Putting ourselves in the bridegroom’s shoes, he had faced embarrassment at not providing enough at the wedding, only to have this miraculous turn of events.  We can imagine that He praised God for this great provision.

 

John refers to this miracle as a “sign” and notes that Jesus “revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.”  A commentator explains that, while the present circumstances are indeed miraculous, the sign points beyond just Cana to fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 35:1,2; Joel 3:18; and Amos 9:13).  From those passages, we understand that Messiah would bring salvation and redemption even to creation.  In the place of creation’s distress, they would find wine of joy flowing fully.  This first miraculous sign suggests the beginning of that fulfillment.

 

How may we celebrate the “God sightings” that we witness each day or week?  How do we think about them?  Talk about them?  Whenever we find ourselves able to see God’s glory and goodness, we may deepen our joy and bless others by noting them with gratitude and an eagerness to share about the blessing.  We may rejoice in how God cares for us, common people, and desires to include us in His Kingdom and the story of redemption.

 

 

Lord God, thank You for Your many miracles and signs.  Help us to embrace Your work in our lives and in this world.  Encourage us through revealing Your glory and goodness.  We give thanks to You today, knowing that You are the giver of all good gifts.  We love You and honor You.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.