Scripture reading: John 2:1-11, NKJV

John begins his account of Jesus’ first recorded miracle with “on the third day”, almost as though he is cueing us into some kind of resurrection story. Or was he?

Jesus, His mother, and His new disciples had been invited to a wedding feast in Cana. The next thing we read from the account is that what was meant to be the refreshment at the ceremony—the wine—runs out. This is not a good thing. Jewish weddings were a very big deal back then and could last for days. The wine was not to run out, as it symbolised joy and abundance. This was a highly embarrassing social faux pas, one that could become the subject of ridicule for years to come. Imagine the utter disgrace. The party was almost dead.

We don’t know exactly how close Mary was to the bridal party, but she notices very early that “there was no wine,” and that timely intervention was needed. She turns to Jesus. In medical terms, you could say Mary “called a code.” This often refers to initiating a rapid response to a medical emergency, like a cardiac or respiratory arrest. Urgent cardiopulmonary resuscitation was required to save what seemed to be the dying moments of this party.

Mary recognised the need to act promptly. But more importantly, she recognised that Jesus was there at the wedding feast— and that only He could bring whatever was left of it back to life.

Mary says to the servants, “Whatever He tells you, do it.” And they do.

Jesus asks the servants to fill some empty jars nearby with water. Once they are filled, He instructs them to draw some of it out and take it to the master of ceremonies. The emcee takes a sip of what is soon to be the choicest wine at the feast and cannot stop singing praises to his hosts. If only he knew that just moments earlier, it had been plain, bland water drawn from pots meant for ceremonial cleansing.

Jesus can turn your plain, bland life into a joyous spring of fine wine, so delightful that everyone who tastes it cannot get enough. But you need to give Him the chance. You need to let Him in. You need to let Him fill you.

Worn out, tired, waning? The refresh button you need is Jesus. Jesus is the new wine—you haven’t tasted better.

Let’s Pray

Pray…
For a refilling—
Where your love for God may be dwindling

Reflections

1. Who do you share your problems with? Mary shared hers with Jesus because she knew who He was and what He could do.
2. Jesus is the only answer— never mind the question.
3. The key lies in obeying His instructions: “Whatever He tells you, do it.”
4. Jesus can use whatever is available— there was no wine, but there was water. What do you need? Look at what you have.
5. When you put your trust in Jesus, it never goes to waste.
6. “Why have you saved the best for last?” (John 2:10) What Jesus gives is built to last. What they had was water for external cleansing. He gave them wine to satisfy within. The stone jars were empty— He filled them up. What they were facing was imminent death and shame… He gave them life and joy. Tired and heavy-laden? Jesus offers you rest.