February 22 | John 2:1-11

Elaine Pierce
Feb 22
3 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Do Whatever He Says

By Elaine Pierce

Our youngest son got married about 8 years ago. My husband and I hosted the rehearsal dinner, and we had an open bar as part of the festivities. After dinner was over, my soon-to-be-daughter-in-law pointed out that some of the guests were perhaps taking advantage of the 'free' drinks, and she encouraged me to close the bar before things got out of hand. I took her advice, and the party concluded on a happy (mostly sober) note.

Weddings in Jesus' times were very different from weddings today. They were extravagant, 5-7 day affairs, filled with festivities: speeches, prayers, dancing, skipping, and of course food and drink. The entire village would be invited to dinners and parties that lasted well into the night. To run out of wine would have been a serious social faux pas, and Mary was well aware of how embarrassing this would be for the parents. Jesus has not performed a miracle yet, but Mary knows he is special. He tells her "My time has not yet come," which must have been a puzzling response to her request that he somehow helps procure more wine. But what faith Mary has! She simply tells the servants "Do whatever he tells you."

And we all know the story: Jesus tells the servants to fill 6 stone water jars with water. When the master of the banquet tasted the water, he was amazed: this wine was better than any that had been served that evening! The servants and Mary knew what had happened. This simple act, turning water into wine, was Jesus' first miracle.

It seems like such a small thing to our modern ears: making sure that the wedding hosts continued to provide wine for their guests. Why would this be Jesus' first miracle? Perhaps Jesus is asking us to trust him with 'small' things like this - saving the hosts from social embarrassment. The word must have spread from Mary and the servants: Jesus turned water into wine! We filled the jars with water, and when we tasted it, it had become the best wine we've ever had! Look at verse 11:

He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.

Is there any area of your life that seems too small to give to Jesus? He cares about every aspect of our lives. He made sure that there was enough wine for a wedding! He wants to celebrate, to be part of our lives. Invite him in, and put your faith in him. Yes, He is worthy

PRAYER

Dear Lord, thank you for how much you love me. You knit me together in my mother's womb, and I am fearfully and wonderfully made. You care deeply about me, and you long to bless me. Nothing is too small to bring to you. Help me each day to sit at your feet, and to share my sorrows and joys with you. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!