Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Sunday, July 31, 2016
We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.
Today’s Scripture Focus: “And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.” (John 2:10–11).
It was now time for Jesus to move from a common life of obscurity, to a spectacular ministry for all who would accept Him. And, this transition would happen at, of all places, a wedding.
Weddings are among the most memorable occasions in an adult’s life. The planning and attention to detail are staggering. Let’s not forget the numbers of well-wishers and party-crashers who will be present. Add to this, the custom of Jesus’ day, to have celebrations for many days. Everybody was happy to celebrate the bride, groom, and their new lives together.
Jesus Goes Public
Jesus went to a wedding for someone whom the Scriptures did not name. While He enjoyed the festivities with the other guests, His mother became aware that the wine had all but run out. As many other moms who have confidence in their sons, she took the problem to Christ. It almost seemed that He wanted to remain incognito as He responded to her. But, she hurried to the men and told them to do whatever her Son, Jesus commanded.
Then it happened! Jesus showed his love for the people, respect for His mother, and approval of marriage. “Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,” (John 2:7–9).
Then, the Bible says that the governor of the feast commended the groom for being an incredible host by bringing the freshest, tastiest juice toward the end of the feast. Hosts were not normally that gracious.
Truth in the transformation
What can we glean from this, the first miracle in Jesus’ ministry? What can these lessons teach us in context of victory over temptation? First, Jesus demonstrated His creative power to transform ordinary water, which people so easily had taken for granted, into nutritive, delicious grape juice (wine). He who created the land and the seas, and caused the earth to bring forth her fruit in season, also commanded that the molecules of water be transformed into the blessed fruit that would represent His blood. The taste was so exquisite that everyone took notice. This wine was better than that which the hosts had purchased or prepared, and it tasted better than the water. Besides, nobody celebrates with water, regardless of how refreshing it is!
Can Jesus transform our lives in such a marked manner that everybody who experiences us notices the difference immediately? Is it possible to transform us in such a way that warrants celebration? The guests all knew that something remarkable happened at the wedding feast, because they could taste it. Our lives are to be special indicators of God’s grace. Our lives should shout, “O taste and see that the Lord is good: Blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” (Psalm 34:8). “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7).
The resulting miracle of belief
The miracle of turning water to wine also teaches us that incredible transformations for the better inspire people to believe in Him. Is this not what our theme text said? This miracle manifested His glory and as a result, the disciples believed on Him. Therefore, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16). For this, dear friends, were we created. “Even every one that is called by my name: For I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.” (Isaiah 43:7).
