Faith, Obedience, and the Miracle of Joy
John 2:1-12
In today's passage we see a clear example of how to respond to Jesus and His miracles. Before we explore this we need to understnad some of the cultural historical background on this passage.
Running out of wine at a wedding had many meanings both culturally and biblically. For the host family, running out of wine showed that they had lack , didn't plan sufficiently or both. It could also be a bad omen since wine represented joy and blessing. Running out of wine during the several day wedding might suggest the marriage would be limited in joy and blessing.
When we pray, God might not answer our prayers immediately or the way we want. God might say, "wait!" This answer does not mean it is, "No." Just like Jesus' mother, we need to keep asking with the expectation that God will provide what we need.
Jesus has a love for us, and thus love brought Jesus here to Earth. Jesus has good intentions for us. However, we need to obey Jesus commands.
John 2:6-8 ESV
[6] Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. [7] Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. [8] And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it.
The water had not been turned to wine until after the servants had drawn it out. Before the servants were asked to do some heavy labor of lifting the 150 kg plus ceremonial jars of water and even then Jesus had not told them exactly what would happen. The servants had faith and obeyed Jesus first, then the miracle happened.
Even today, God wants to perform miracles through us, but we need to have faith and be obedient. God's good and perfect works happen after acts of faith and obedience. Even then, it is not us that performs the miracles, it is God giving us the chance to witness His miraculous greatness.
If you want to see joy in your life, you need to step forward with faith and obedience. Waiting to see to the miracles you expect might be bring frustration and disappointment whereas acting in faith will bring joy and awe when God fulfils His promises and exceeds your expectations.
The joy for the guests, bride's family and groom's family were restored by Jesus miracle even though they did not know Jesus. The wine had run out which was shameful for the familes and dissapointing for the guests. A tragically short wedding was extended into a more meanigful celebration because some unnamed servants obeyed Jesus and Jesus mother had the faith that her son would solve the problem although she did not know how.
John 2:9 ESV
[9] When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom
The master of the feast did not know where the wine came from or the miracle associated with the miracle. The servants and his disciples knew what had happened. For his disciples this was the first of many signs showing Jesus was the messiah.
John 2:11 ESV
[11] This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
Let us look for ways to serve Jesus and allow for God to do great things. Let us continue to pray with the belief that Jesus will act in the best way while letting the Holy Spirit guide us in our prayers. Let us follow Jesus with the understanding that more signs and miracles will come our way.
