by Barbara Harrison
John 2:1-9, 11
“On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, ‘They have no more wine.’
‘Woman, why do you involve me?’ Jesus replied. ‘My hour has not yet come.’
“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…
“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.” – John 2:1-9, 11 (NIV)
Jesus’ first miracle – the transformation of water into wine happened not long after the first few disciples began following Jesus when they were at the wedding with him (as recorded by John). John refers to them as “signs” and previously Jesus had not displayed his personal, supernatural power in front of people. He tells his mother that he is not ready yet. But she knows he’s special and tells the servants to do whatever he tells them. In performing this sign, he honors his mother and the wedding ceremony.
What manifested was a strong belief in him by his disciples experiencing this miracle. When I read this passage, I think about his hesitancy… I’m not ready yet – my time hasn’t come. Do you think superpowers grow as you use them? That’s what’s conveyed in our movie world… superheroes get more powerful as they learn to use their skills. Only a few people knew of this miracle… his mother, the servants and his disciples. Was he testing the “waters” so to speak? Doesn’t Jesus often do that with us… test the waters? He comes to us quietly in thoughts and nudges and prayers. When he answers a specific prayer… it brings us closer to him personally… develops a stronger faith and belief.
I hope you’ve experienced a God-nod, often a small but unmistakable affirmation of God’s presence. God is telling you he is there using you… growing your faith. During this season of Lent, listen for that still, small voice.
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