2023_09_27 Insight Post- Rusty Coram

In John’s biography of Jesus, we get a fascinating story about a wedding Jesus attended with His mother and the disciples. When the wine for the wedding ran out, Mary, who may have been part of the team managing the wedding, saw an opportunity for Jesus to show who He was publicly. “The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.” ⁴ “Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” John 2:3–4 (NLT) Mary was responding like many mothers would, wanting to help her son in His ministry. What she didn’t realize is that Jesus came not just to teach, but to sacrifice His life to pay for people’s sins. He was not ready to be seen in the public light as a man doing miracles – that would come soon and incite His enemies to have Him executed. For now, Jesus was recruiting and training His disciples and preparing them to carry on the mission after He was crucified and resurrected.

Right after Mary’s suggestion Jesus did something, not for the sake of the public, but for His disciples and the wedding servants. “Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. ⁷ Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, ⁸ he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions. ⁹ When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. ¹⁰ “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!”  John 2:6–10 (NLT)

This miracle was designed to build trust and faith, not create undue publicity. His disciples witnessed it and so did the servants. The master of ceremonies assumed the bridegroom provided the new wine, and the bridegroom probably figured it was an anonymous gift.

This story reminds me that Jesus was always aware of His mission and all He did fit in with it. He didn’t use opportunities or power to promote Himself, but always to honor His Father. I love following a leader like Him!!!