I am trying to read the Bible again with fresh eyes. Wanting to see these stories and truths in newness of life and understanding is difficult when pressed against the grain of the constant religious editor "Suday School Boy," in my brain. But a new starvation for truth is in my belly and I do not believe it will be satisfied by any other means than the rawness of the Holy Scriptures and the brokenness of my own condition twisting together for the purpose of healing and forging a new heart.
All of that said, I love the simplicity of this passage about Jesus at the wedding in Cana (in Galilee).
John 2
Jesus Changes Water to Wine
1On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, 2and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine."
4"Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied, "My time has not yet come."
5His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."
6Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.[a]
7Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim.
8Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet."
They did so, 9and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now."
11This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.
In this story, I can see the divine humanity of Jesus Christ. It makes me wonder if Mary or his father, Joseph had ever asked for any favors at home. It's almost comical. "Hey Jesus, my saw broke this morning making that table, could you fix it?"
Here's Jesus, fresh with his followers. His first public appearance with his posy, and he tells his Mom, in so many words, "I know what you're getting at, and It's not time for me to start letting others know who I am or that I'm especially different." So, Jesus knew it wasn't his time. He knew that he probably should be careful about the miracle business, and yet, why does he do it? Here's the human rub. His Mom asked him to! This is not to say that Mary was controlling, etc. but that simply Jesus loved his Mom, she saw a MAJOR issue at a key social event (like most Mothers) and was freaking out, so, she turns to her special son for a favor. What mother in history has not done this before. I know my mom has asked me to help with things before related to my artistic abilities or my height or strength opening that pickle jar - or making a run to the store to fetch that key ingredient she forgot about or ran out of when making a holiday meal. Of course Jesus obliged. What good son would not have? And yet, the divinity and supremacy of Jesus takes a "back seat" if you will to the humanity of a boy responding to his mother.
I love how Mary knows Jesus so well and without Jesus even answering her, she tells the servants to "Do whatever he tells you to." That's totally mom radar if full force. And, next thing you know, Jesus is up (probably with a smile or a twinkle in his eye) to talk with the servants. He's careful not to make a big deal about it and reveals his magic only to the servants. Everyone else just assumes that the best tasting wine saved for the last came from the groomsman. Whom I'm sure took the credit for doing so.
Jesus Christ is unlike any other man in history. There will never be anyone like him again. He is, and I'm sorry Dos Equis, "the most interesting man in the world."
