The Beginning of Miracles
Saving the best till last.
Jesus’s First Miracle: A Testament to Faith and Obedience
Jesus's first miracle, as described in John chapter two, was orchestrated by a woman who wouldn't take 'no' for an answer.
Jesus and his disciples were invited to a wedding. Upon arrival, Mary, Jesus's mother, noticed the wine had run out. She turned to Jesus and said, "They have no wine."
Jesus responded, "Why are you telling me this? My time has not yet come."
Mary's response to this situation was telling; she had learned who to approach with problems. She turned to the servants standing nearby and said, "Do whatever he tells you."
I can imagine her walking away, leaving Jesus with these men, their faces silently asking, "What do you want us to do?"
Jesus noticed six large vessels used for ceremonial washing, which were now empty. He instructed the servants, "Fill them to the brim."
Based on my study, each vessel held about thirty gallons. With six vessels, that's 180 gallons.
How long would it take to "fill them to the brim"? Even with a modern hose, this would take over twenty minutes. They then had to transport water weighing over two hundred and fifty pounds per vessel. I estimate this whole process took about an hour— an hour without wine. However, Mary wasn't worried; she had handed the problem over to Jesus, confident in His resolution.
With the vessels filled, the sun likely reflected off them like silver platters. The servants then asked Jesus,
"We've done as you asked, now what?"
"Go and get approval from the governor," Jesus instructed.
They did so, and the governor, tasting the wine, was amazed. He called for the groom, who, despite being busy, came running. With a look of astonishment, the governor exclaimed, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine, but you have saved the best till last!"
The scripture records, "This, the first of his miracles, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him."
All of this happened because one woman, having been around Jesus long enough, knew exactly what to do when she heard about a problem. Even when Jesus seemed to say no, she left the problem with Him. The answer wasn't instantaneous, but Jesus worked through the servants to produce a solution.
There were many ways Jesus could have performed this miracle. He could have filled empty cups or miraculously refilled wine barrels. Instead, He used willing servants and available vessels.
How far did they have to go for water? How long did it take? How heavy was the burden? It didn't matter because these servants were obedient to Jesus's command.
Jesus said to fill them and they filled them to the brim, to the very tippy-top.
I suggest that miracles still happen today when servants are ready to go any distance, take any amount of time, and bear any burden to follow Jesus's commands.
In those days, under those conditions, Jesus showed His glory.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!
Who are you in this story?
Those with a problem.
Mary, who heard about the problem.
The clean, empty vessels available.
The servants given a hard, time-consuming, and heavy burden to bear.
Jesus,
Speak to me today and in the coming days about how I can be part of the miracle. To see Your glory,
In Him, By Him, Through Him,
Scott A. Phillips
John 2
1And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
Amen