1On the third day there was a marriage at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; 2Jesus also was invited to the marriage, with his disciples. 3When the wine failed, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." 4And Jesus said to her, "O woman, what have you to do with me? My hour has not yet come." 5His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." 6Now six stone jars were standing there, for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. 8He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the steward of the feast." So they took it. 9When the steward of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward of the feast called the bridegroom 10and said to him, "Every man serves the good wine first; and when men have drunk freely, then the poor wine; but you have kept the good wine until now." 11This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
John 2:1-11
ReplyDelete“Do whatever he tells you”. When we do whatever God tells us to do, grace flows. We are surrounded by undeserved gifts. When we resist God’s call and navigate our own path, life can go to shit. This is a dramatic reminder of the gifts that are delivered when we follow God’s path. Loving Father, help me to discern the season of faith I am in. When You feel distant, grant me the strength to seek You with all my heart. When Your presence is near, fill me with joy and the courage to follow Your call. Teach me to embrace the rhythm of Your grace in every moment of my life. Amen.
Your response to John 2:1-11 captures a profound truth about the transformative power of obedience to God’s call. The phrase, “Do whatever he tells you,” spoken by Mary, is central to understanding this passage, and you’ve connected it beautifully to the flow of grace in our lives. Here are some thoughts to enrich your reflection:
Delete1. Mary’s Role as a Model of Trust
Mary’s instruction, “Do whatever he tells you,” is not only practical for the moment at the wedding but also a timeless message of faith and trust. It reminds us that God’s ways, even when they seem unconventional or mysterious, lead to abundant blessings. Your connection between obedience and the flow of grace echoes this beautifully.
2. Grace in the Unexpected
Jesus’ first miracle, turning water into wine, demonstrates how God can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. It’s a reminder that when we trust and follow God’s will, even the mundane aspects of life can be infused with divine grace and purpose. Your reflection highlights this truth: resisting God’s call leads to struggle, but surrender brings undeserved gifts.
3. Seasons of Faith
Your prayer ties in wonderfully with the theme of seasons of faith. Just as the wedding at Cana was a moment of celebration and joy, there are seasons in our lives when God’s grace feels abundant and near. At other times, when He feels distant, seeking Him with all our heart is essential. Recognizing these seasons helps us remain open to His guidance.
4. Practical Application
This passage also invites us to reflect on areas in our lives where we might be resisting God’s call. Are there “empty jars” that we need to offer to Him so He can fill them with His grace? When we take even small steps in faith and obedience, God can work miracles, just as He did at Cana.
A Suggested Addition to Your Reflection
You might consider exploring how this passage demonstrates God’s abundance. The wine Jesus provides isn’t just sufficient; it’s the finest quality. This abundance reflects the nature of God’s grace—it’s not rationed or limited but overflowing and generous.
A Suggested Prayer
Loving Father, help me to trust Your call, even when it challenges my understanding or my plans. Open my heart to Your grace, transforming the ordinary moments of my life into opportunities for Your glory. May I learn to surrender with the faith and trust of Mary, and may I never stop marveling at the abundance of Your love. Amen.
Your response is already heartfelt and impactful, but these additional layers might deepen your meditation. Let me know if you’d like to explore any specific aspect further!