Jesus was invited to a wedding. And His Disciples were too.
Cana was a small town...everyone knew everyone. Joseph, Jesus' earthly father, is never mentioned in this passage or ever again. Mary is not even named in this story---wonder why. She came to Jesus to tell Him there was no wine left. Jesus' reply to Mary appears harsh when we read it: "Woman, what does this have to do with me?" But, the language in the Greek is respectful and gentle and kind and oh-so-honoring to His mother.
And they all "believed" when they saw the miracle of changing water to wine. Yes, "many believed in His Name when they saw the signs He was doing. But, Jesus, on His Part, did not entrust Himself to them because He knew all people...He knew what was in man." Oh my!
There's a widely read author with tens of thousands of followers who believes that Jesus will not condemn man to hell if they reject Him in this life. This gentleman believes that love will win out and many will have a second chance to be saved. So, what does he do with this verse? "Jesus, on His Part, did not entrust Himself to them because He knew... ." John 2:24.
Did they believe Jesus only because of the signs, the miracles like changing water into wine? These new disciples believed because of the signs. John 20:30 says: "Jesus did many signs in the presence of the disciples...these are written so that you may believe that He is the Christ and that by believing you may have Life in His Name. Signs and miracles point to the Christ...there is much more in walking in relationship with Him. We know the ending. What saves you is not enough to keep you growing. There's More. More than miracles.
A miracle for today to have internet. I am on vacation in Paris, my husband is struggling with a bad cold. I feel like a fish out of water when I can't access my Pearl's comments. I love you all. God is graciously allowing us this time together, my husband travels about 80% of the time. It is a lonely life for both of us. But, God fills the empty places with His presence and His people. He is transforming us! All praise and honor and glory to Him.
ReplyDeleteThe Miracle Granter is not one of His sacred names. It could be, but that is not why He came. He came for Life that we may have it more abundantly. In Him is Light and that Light is the Life of man.
ReplyDeleteLife looks different than I thought it would. Plenty of dings and dents, detours and disappointments--yet in any circumstance, He is the mystery answer to abundance and joy.
Not about miracles and what He can do for me--but about authentic Life via His Indwelling Spirit.
Jan, I'm so glad you were able to join us across the world today. Paris! Wow! I picture you in a little sidewalk cafe checking in this morning. This blog is a lifeline to me, too. Spending time in communion with Him and seeing your hearts vulnerably exposed is a sweet part of my day. It's a sweet place to struggle together down the Narrow Way.
Thank you for the clarification, Bev. The tone in which I read "Woman, what does this have to do with me?" sounded like a disrespectful teenager. (Forgive me, Lord!)
ReplyDeleteWhen I read that Jesus overturned tables it made me glad. In my earthly mind I imagine Him as calm and easygoing,. I don't imagine Him as ever getting angry. Isn't that strange? I forget that He doesn't like what is going on around us. There are some things that are just plain wrong. I know He isn't surprised, but I forget that He doesn't like it any better than I do! I feel better just knowing that it's okay to be upset when I know that at the end of the day, things will all turn out. and that right is right and wrong is wrong. There is no in-between. I love it!
The perfectionist part of me is embarrassed by all of the mistakes in my comment. Thanks for loving me anyway! :)
ReplyDeletep.s. Jan, I'm SO jealous! I LOVE traveling. Even though I've never met you face to face I know you and I could have some fun together, especially in Paris! Cherish your alone time! I'll pray right now that your husband feels better soon.
The perfectionist part of me is embarrassed by all of the mistakes in my comment. Thanks for loving me anyway! :)
ReplyDeletep.s. Jan, I'm SO jealous! I LOVE traveling. Even though I've never met you face to face I know you and I could have some fun together, especially in Paris! Cherish your alone time! I'll pray right now that your husband feels better soon.
"This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory."
ReplyDeleteJust thinking...
We have empty pots meant to hold water for the purification process.
It is the third day.
Mary is the one who has faith.
There is a wedding.
What has run out?
Wine.
Do you see a pivotal moment in God's covenant with Israel moving away from the sacrifice (wine symbolizes) of animals, and moving forward to the New Covenant (wine symbolizing Christ's sacrificial blood on it's way)?
It is time for the promise to be revealed. Messiah has come to save His people.
Change the wine, Lord!
We believe you are the One we have been looking for.
The bride is ready.