John 2:1-12 tells us the story of Jesus’ first miracle.  It took place at a wedding celebration He, Mary, and His disciples had been invited to. In Biblical times (specifically in the time period our scripture was written), the wedding celebrations lasted up to a week. Knowing the background of Mary and Jesus, this wedding would most likely have been for someone of the same social class (most likely peasants) they had a pre-existing relationship with. At one point in the celebration, Mary (who seems invested in the success of this particular celebration) approaches her son, Jesus, and informs Him they had run out of wine. Jesus response in John 2:4 is, “Dear woman, that’s not our problem. My time has not yet come.” Without missing a beat, Mary turns to the servants and instructs them, “Do whatever he tells you.” (Don’t mess with Momma–she ain’t gonna tell you twice because you heard what she said the first time 😊) Even though his time has not yet come, Jesus knew better than to disobey His mother. He instructs the servants to take the 6 stone water jars (that had always been used for Jewish ceremonial purposes) and fill them with water. Each jar could hold anywhere from 20-30 gallons of fluid (an estimated 250lbs each—not to mention they were stone jars). The servants followed Jesus precise directions and the water is turned to wine. As instructed, the servant takes a cup of the new wine to the master of the ceremonies who states (not knowing the liquid had been water moments earlier) the wine he was drinking was better than what had originally been presented. There are some very important lessons to be learned here.

First, it’s interesting that Jesus chose to use ceremonial jars. His actions are a non-verbal representation that things are changing. His appearance on the scene was to teach them about the more personal relationship with God His sacrifice would offer rather than one based on traditions and laws that the Jewish people had come to know. Secondly, by using the servants, He allowed them to shoulder the burden and share in the blessing of what He had done. The servants could have chosen to do things halfway and they would have only experienced HALF the blessing. By following His instructions, they maximized their own blessing. Jesus commands probably didn’t make sense to these servants, but their submission provided a blessing for everyone around them. Thirdly, this scripture is a reminder to us, when God does something, He never goes halfway. He can and WILL do “…exceeding abundantly above what we can ask or think.” (Eph 3:20-21). This was the first of many signs that proved Jesus was the Son of God.

Closing remarks and encouragement: Jesus could have chosen to use ANYTHING as a container for the wine, but He chose to use something He had on hand. When Jesus fed the 5000, He could have used ANYTHING to feed them, but he chose to use a little boy’s lunch. We like to complain when we feel we don’t have enough. We gripe endlessly when we run out. Is it possible, the answer to our prayers has been staring us in the face all along? What are we doing with what we already have….what God has already given us? The miracle can be found in God using the little to create much. It’s also possible that God will sometimes allow us to run out of what we have because He has something BETTER for us?  He is the God of MORE THAN ENOUGH!  We must be wise in how we use what we’ve already been given. For example, are you having financial problems? Stay away from those $6 cups of coffee and $200 home satellite packages. Be wise in how you use what God has already blessed you with. What are you doing with what you already have?

Have a blessed week, my friends!!

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash