When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”

“Woman, why do yo involve me?,” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2:3-4)

One of the most beautiful and wonderful stories of Jesus is the story of his attendance, with all his disciples, at the wedding In Cana of Galilee. It is a happy occasion, surrounded by family, friends and neighbors; and it displays the entirely unique relationship between Mary and her son. Mary had told the angel Gabriel, “I am the handmaiden of the Lord,” (Luke 1:38 ) and as such she approached Jesus and informed the servants to follow his instructions. When they did, it produced the exclamation from the master of the banquet, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first, and then the cheaper wine. . . but you have saved the best till now!” ( John 2::10)

The best wine came from Jesus’ willingness to help, and Mary’s understanding that he could. Her message to the servants is a message to all of us: “Do whatever he tells you.” When we search the Scriptures and seek God’s will, we answer Mary’s call. When we pray, and honestly seek His will in a relationship or a situation, again we answer the call to obey Christ.

This, the first of the signs that Jesus did. . . manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him. (John 2:11) It was a miracle occurring in the ordinary lives of people in a small town. It aroused no more comment than the one made by the master of the banquet, but it signaled to Jesus and to his disciples that Jesus’ ministry as Messiah had begun. Afterward, most of Jesus’ miracles were performed in front of many witnesses., but this one was a sign to Jesus himself, his mother, and the disciples, along with the servants who had obeyed his directions. It was a confirmation for the “inner circle” of the son of God to launch him to his ministry that would last three years. It was a quiet launching with only a few who actually witnessed and understood it, but it was loaded with meaning for those witnesses; so much that today we are awed by the event. The works of God through Christ have lasted and inspired generations for at least two millennia. They are connections to us with our God and Savior. It was not ordinary wine. It was the very best wine.

Love in Him,

Prue