Water You Turned Into Wine

"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.'"

"'Woman, why do you involve me?' Jesus replied. 'My hour has not yet come.'"

"His mother said to the servants, 'Do what ever he tells you.'"

"Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons."

"Jesus said to the servants, 'Fill the jars with water'; so they filled them to the brim."

"Then he told them, 'Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.'"

"They did so, and 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 and 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.'"

"What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him."

A miracle took place. And with it, it outlines how major miracles can take place in our life.

How did it start? It started with someone needing help. A problem and a need waiting to be filled. Jesus' mother knew she could not fix the problem, but had faith enough to bring forth the problem to someone who could solve it.

What can we take away from how Jesus responded? We can take away that service is often a sacrifice. Here, Jesus does not perform the miracle for his own benefit but rather for the benefit of others. His subtle response, points out that ultimately he is turning his perfect life into a painful death. It was the birth of his ministry and the miracles he performed that ultimately led to his persecution and death.

Was faith alone enough? Faith without works is dead. Jesus' mother responded by taking action, making sure the servants did whatever was necessary. Action based on faith.

What is the significance of the water used for ceremonial washing? Jesus transformed the purification process from using religious ordinances to using grace. He transformed water into wine and in the same instant allowed us to turn something that was red as crimson into something as white as snow.

How can this transformation take place in us? It starts with the realization that we are not filled to the brim as we would like to believe. Most people believe they are the Good Samaritan or the brother of the prodigal son. They believe they need to always do good to others and not judge others. However, true transformation comes only after the realization that we still have plenty of space to be filled and that we fall short.

Who will realize the transformation has taken place? Only the servants, those who take action, will know the miracle exists. For most people, the miracle will occur right in front of them, and they will not even know it happened!

What is the natural reaction to this transformation? While most think that giving death to their old ways, would be a terrible, disheartening event, those who experience this transformation find that it is better than anything they have ever experienced. Ironically, the death is a cause for celebration. It is the source of joy.

Why do people follow Jesus? It is through this transformation that disciples are made. It is through this transformation that allows us to believe in Jesus. And it is the first of which opens our eyes to many miracles.

This post was reposted from http://sizuservices.blogspot.com/2014/04/water-you-turned-into-wine.html, originally written on April 26th, 2014.