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1 Three days later there was a wedding in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there. 2 Jesus and his disciples were guests also. 3 When they started running low on wine at the wedding banquet, Jesus' mother told him, "They're just about out of wine." 4 Jesus said, "Is that any of our business, Mother - yours or mine? This isn't my time. Don't push me." 5 She went ahead anyway, telling the servants, "Whatever he tells you, do it." 6 Six stoneware water pots were there, used by the Jews for ritual washings. Each held twenty to thirty gallons. 7 Jesus ordered the servants, "Fill the pots with water." And they filled them to the brim. 8 "Now fill your pitchers and take them to the host," Jesus said, and they did. 9 When the host tasted the water that had become wine (he didn't know what had just happened but the servants, of course, knew), he called out to the bridegroom, 10 "Everybody I know begins with their finest wines and after the guests have had their fill brings in the cheap stuff. But you've saved the best till now!" 11 This act in Cana of Galilee was the first sign Jesus gave, the first glimpse of his glory. And his disciples believed in him. (John 2:1-11 NIV)
Dear Friend, welcome to Monday dear friend! What a week this will be if you turn it over to the Lord! God will bless you, deploy you as a blessing and win the world with you. You've got this and God will bless you in wonderful ways! Be the blessing someone needs!
Robert Fulghum wrote a couple of wonderful books, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, and It Was on Fire When I First Lay Down On It, and it was in this second book, he wrote about the MOTB. I hardily agreed with him then and now. The MOTB, case you’re wondering, is the (cue Jaws theme) Mother of the Bride. I quote him: ""The mother of the bride is the real general in the field. She mobilizes, strategizes, and commands, ensuring the mission is accomplished: a perfect wedding." Oh, how I know. I don't remember how many wedding I officiated during my active ministry, but I concur with him 100%. And don't get me started on "professional" wedding coordinators/planners, and how I could preach sermon after sermon on some wedding photographers! Sigh. Calm down, Eradio!
I know weddings were different and the MOTL was the key in this wedding, not the MOTB. Yes, Mother Of The Lord. The weddings then were usually seven days long and it was a day and night celebration that pretty much provided everything for all who attended. None of the little mints and micro cups of peanuts! This was full-on barbecues and free-flowing wine events. This would be the site of the first miracle in Jesus' ministry; the changing of water into wine.
The story of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana is not just a miracle—it's a profound revelation of who Jesus is and how He works in our lives. At first glance, it may seem like a simple act of saving a celebration from embarrassment, but when we look deeper, it reveals the abundant and transformative power of Christ. It sets the stage for decades of debate among the Baptists!
The wedding feast was a time of joy, and in that culture, running out of wine would have been a social disaster, causing embarrassment for the host. Yet, Jesus uses this moment of potential failure to demonstrate His glory. His first miracle wasn’t in the temple or before rulers—it was at a celebration, in the midst of ordinary people, quietly and humbly meeting a need. This speaks to the tender nature of Jesus’ love for us: He cares about our everyday needs, big and small.
Notice how Jesus’ mother, Mary, approached Him with faith. She didn’t give specific instructions; she simply said, “Do whatever he tells you.” This is a model for us: sometimes, in the face of life's difficulties, all we need to do is trust Jesus and be ready to obey His guidance, even if we don’t fully understand what He’s asking us to do.
Jesus’ action was not just a miracle; it was a demonstration of God’s abundant provision. The wine He created wasn’t just any wine—it was the best wine, reserved for the final part of the celebration. In the same way, God’s grace in our lives is not just sufficient, but abundant and overflowing. Jesus gives not just a solution, but the best solution, exceeding our expectations.
As we reflect on this passage, we are invited to recognize Jesus' power and willingness to intervene in our lives. He can turn our emptiness into fullness, our ordinary into extraordinary, and our lack into abundance. We are called to trust Him and obey His promptings, no matter how simple or unclear they might seem.
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for revealing Your glory at the wedding in Cana. We are grateful that You care about the details of our lives and that You bring transformation to our ordinary circumstances. Help us to trust You like Mary did—willing to follow Your lead, even when we don't understand fully. Fill our hearts with the abundant joy of Your presence. May we always look to You as our provider, knowing that You have the best plans for us. We ask for Your help in obeying Your voice and trusting You in all things. In Your strong name, we pray. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Today, take a moment to bring your ordinary concerns and needs before Jesus. Trust Him to provide, and be ready to follow whatever direction He gives, no matter how simple or unexpected it may seem. You may be surprised at the abundance He wants to pour into your life!
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
