wine at a wedding

Yesterday I met up with my little bible study and we opened the Word to John 2:1-12: the wedding at Cana. I have to admit that my pride was fully puffed up as we sat on my carpet to read, discuss, and munch on carrot sticks. " I know all about this story. God's provision, wedding rituals, Jesus' first miracle. How many times have I read this?" my inner voice flooded my head. But then the grace of God appeared to me yet again, and the Spirit prompted me to ask for his new revelation as we read. So I did. I asked and I honestly did not expect anything in return, and that was a mistake.

Thanks to that simple request and the Lord's provision through our discussion I was struck by the beauty and simplicity of this, the first time when Jeus the savior "manifested his glory" (v.11). Have you ever thought before about how the witnesses to this pivotal moment were just the servants at the feast? I hadn't. Jesus, in all his glory, comes to display his awesome power and messianic signs to...the servants? Yes indeed. The bridegroom and the master of the banquet honestly seem like they have absolutely no idea where this good wine came from. And yet, the servants know. They brought the giant jars meant for washing and they were the ones to fill the, with water. They were a part of this momentous event even while those with societal power and influence quibbled over the fact that this wine was too good for so late in the feast. But the servants know where this excellent wine came from. They know alright.

Here is Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who can do literally anything, and his very first sign that demonstrates that he is the messiah is an act that meets a social need in front of some servants. He later heals the blind and mute, drives out demons, calms raging storms and raises from the dead. But here we see him provide wine for a celebration. This humility, compassion, and attention to detail only make me fall in love with him more.

"This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in  him." Do you believe in him today, disciple?