saving the best John 2:1-11

Jesus first followers knew first hand what it was like to just be with Jesus. They walked with him and ate with him. They heard him teach with power and authority. But there was a first time they saw his power and believed.

John's gospel tells the story about the first sign--the first miracle that made it so clear that God is up to something, something good, in Jesus.

Jesus mother was attending a wedding. Jesus and his first followers were there too. As the day went on the wine ran out. Mary, Jesus mother, told him the news. His response seems terse.

τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί, γύναι; οὔπω ἥκει ἡ ὥρα μοu.

What it that to me and you, woman; it is not my time/hour

Mary seemed to know what he could do, even if Jesus said his time/hour had not already come. There's something about their relationship that we start to see here. Mary had faith in her son. Even if Jesus said it was none of his business or hers Mary believed that Jesus could change this situation.

God is God with or without our faith. But Mary's insistance, that Jesus is able, tells us that she had a sense of the possible not just when the time has come. Jesus, Mary believed, could act in that moment. She turned to one of the servants saying,

ὅ τι ἂν λέγῃ ὑμι̂ν ποιήσατε.

Whatever he says to you do it.

His directions were simple, fill up the big jugs, the ones used for washing water. These 6 pottery crocks held 20 or 30 gallons each. The servant filled them and Jesus told them to draw some water out and bring it to the chief servant. When he tasted it he was surprised.

πα̂ς ἄνθρωπος πρω̂τον τὸν καλὸν οἰ̂νον τίθησιν καὶ ὅταν μεθυσθω̂σιν τὸν ἐλάσσω· σὺ τετήρηκας τὸν καλὸν οἰ̂νον ἕως ἄρτι.

Every one, first sets out the good wine, and when they have drunk a few, then the inferior; you kept the good wine till now.

The crocks held 120-180 gallons of water. That would be well more than 600 or even 800 bottles of wine. It was a sign--but Jesus wasn't announcing his presence with words. His actions revealed the truth. And his disciples believed in him that day.

May we be filled with faith and hope too.
May we like Mary believe in Jesus ability to move. AMEN
Peace, and thanks for reading.