"Jesus did this,
the first of his signs,
in Cana of Galilee,
and revealed his glory;
and his disciples believed in him."
(from John 2:1-11)
Every young bride wants a perfect wedding.
It didn't happen for one bride. Just before the ceremony started, the groom asked the best man if he had the ring. The best man reached into his pocket, discovered it wasn't there. It was in the motel 20 miles away.
In this parable running out of wine was the end of the wedding. No wine. No wedding.
Jesus' mother pleads with him, get some wine so they can party on.
Jesus orders six jars, which hold 18-20 gallons, to be filled with water. The water is transformed into good wine, about 60 bottles worth. They now have enough good wine for the whole village not just a few guests.
The custom was to serve the good wine until the guests got drunk, then serve the lousy wine. Jesus reversed that. He served the good wine to the drunk guests.
Note the setting. Cana is in Galilee known for its thieves, rebels, and Gentiles. Meaning Jesus ministry begins where he lived among Gentiles, thieves, and rebels. These are the very people the religious establishment rejected.
Faith in Christ is the purpose of the story.
Faith in Jesus transforms human experience as the water was transformed into wine.
During times of anxiety and stress we our souls can feel empty. It's possible to feel as though we don't have the energy to face what's next.
Faith in Christ is the source for filling the emptiness of our souls. It is the good wine always available to transform the emptiness into fullness.
I recently talked with someone diagnosed with Covid-19. The person, unvaccinated, is waiting anxiously for whatever comes next.
The wedding story tells us, through faith in Christ, God will respond to the emptiness of
that soul.
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