Yesterday I began this series of posts by setting the back ground for Jesus first miracle: turning water into wine. If you didn’t get a chance to see it, you’ll want to take 3 minutes and review the setting of the story and the deep roots of disappointment the family must have felt. So what are some “take aways” from Jesus miracle in Cana?
The first thing I would point out is that Jesus was present in their moment of disappointment. Check this out:
“The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, ‘They have no more wine’” (John 2:1-3, NLT).
Jesus was present in the midst of their disappointment, even though they didn’t see him or recognize him as such. Just as Jesus was present then, he is present today in the disappointment that overwhelms you. You may not see him or sense him, but he is there. You are not alone.
But not only was Jesus present in their disappointment, he was at work in their disappointment. The story continues,
“’Dear woman, that’s not our problem,’ Jesus replied. ‘My time has not yet come.’ But his mother told the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ When the jars had been filled, he said, ‘Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.’ So the servants followed his instructions” (John 2:4-8, NLT).
Think about the groom and his father. They’re filled with worry, keeping one eye on the crowd and one eye on the punch bowl, paralyzed by the looming catastrophe. Their anxiety is compounded by self doubt, questions, blame, and fear. They are already rehearsing the inevitable announcement: “Ladies and gentlemen, it is with deep regret that we share with you the news that we have run out of wine.”
What we have at work is personal disappointment: my wedding celebration is ruined; and corporate disappointment: we don’t measure up to the expectations of our guests…we are not what they think we are.
But look at what is happening in the back room!
“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” (John 2:9, NLT)
Jesus was present and at work. He wasn’t absent, he was just hanging out with the servants! He revealed his work to those servants, using them to conduct a simple miracle. The hosts were panicked, but the servants were not.
Jesus is present in your disappointment, whatever it is. What’s more, is that he is already at work in the midst of your disappointment, even though you may not see it or sense it. Check back tomorrow for part 3 of this series.
