John 2
Weddings are such important events, and
not just for the couple getting married! They begin a new life together as
husband and wife, knit together to be one flesh, and start a new family. But
for the family and friends of the bride and groom there are many important
social and cultural traditions that are involved. In today’s modern U.S.
American culture a lot of those old traditions are looked on as fun but not
necessary, but in other cultures great offense can be given/taken if all the
customs are not observed. (And there are plenty of opportunities to offend
guests in our less rigid culture as well!)
At Jesus’ time, the celebration after
the wedding was, as it is today, a very important time for family and friends
to come together and rejoice in God’s work in the couple’s life. Whether or not
they had a band, I don’t know, but a feast that could last days was part of
their custom. And so was wine. To run out of wine would be not just socially
awkward: it would be downright embarrassing and shameful!
Jesus’ intervention on behalf of the
couple shows us a thing or three about our Savior.
First – He cares about people. All
things being equal, it sure sounds like Jesus didn’t want to get involved, but
His mother’s request and his care for the couple moves Him to perform His first
miracle – or as John terms it, “sign.” We are reminded that God is love.
Second – He is generous. John tells us
that each jar held twenty-to-thirty gallons of water – and since there were six
of them, we’re talking about at least one-hundred-and-twenty gallons of wine.
That’s a lot! But not only was the quantity great, the quality was, too. He is
generous with us, too, as He gives His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation.
Third – He is God. As mentioned above,
this was Jesus’ first sign. Sign is a good word because it indicates that this
is a proof or validation of Jesus as the savior. It has been said that the water
blushed to hear it’s Maker’s voice. What is clear is that when it was served
the water had become wine – very good wine. Jesus has given us a sign of His
love, too. It is the cross, and it is there that we see him redeeming us from
sin and death, which is something only God can do.
Jesus, my Lord and God, thank You for Your
gifts and love for me. Amen.
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