John 2:1-5 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine."

     "Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied. "My time has not yet come."
      His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."

Now that Jesus has some followers, the first part of discipleship is just watching Jesus to know Him better. The call to follow involves the call to learn from Him by looking at His character and actions. These disciples are in for some big surprises.    

The first recorded miracle was at a special wedding celebration.  Weddings were happy, festive occasions. It was a party. The marriage feast could last a few days. The disciples are seeing Jesus in typical circumstances. They are watching and observing.       

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is at the wedding, although her role seems to be more than that of a guest. She is helping with the arrangements.  She may be a relative or have some responsibility as she seems to be one of the first to know that the wine is running out. The guests and even the steward seem unaware of what is happening. Mary informs Jesus of this embarrassing situation with the hope that He might do something.        

She knows better than anyone of the miraculous events surrounding His birth.  I don't really think she is expecting a miracle because the Bible says this is Jesus very first public miracle. John the Baptist has already designated Him as Messiah, and He already has a following of disciples.  Perhaps she thinks, maybe now he can demonstrate his identity.   

Notice the unusual response.   In the past he was Mary's son; now he is God's son. In the past she was his mother, now He will be her Savior. There are some earthly ties, but he is no longer on a family mission with family responsibilities, he is on a divine mission with divine responsibilities.  Jesus does not call her "Mary," or "mother," but "woman." This is the same term Jesus will use when He speaks to her from the cross (John 19:26.)  It is now time for our Lord to indicate to His mother that there will be a change.    

Not even his mother has a privileged claim on him. Jesus’ actions will be governed by the hour set by God and not anyone else’s time and will. And we should also note that Mary’s response reflects the humility and character that she exhibited 30 years before when first approached by the angel Gabriel and she spoke the words, “Let it be with me according to your word.” Here she says, “Do whatever he tells you.”     

Jesus is under no obligation but to His Father. But apparently the Father out of His grace also determines to meet some of our wants which is far different than our needs.    

Application:   What wants has God met in your life? He certainly doesn’t have to, but it seems like the through the ordinary circumstances God’s grace is revealed. What ought our response to be?

Prayer:  Lord, let my response to your answers to my needs and wants be love, faith and trust knowing that You are always working everything for our good.    Praise You O Lord.   

 

Dale