Read: John 2:1-12
But you have kept the good wine until now. (v. 10)
James Montgomery Boice wrote: “The life of the Christian is to be characterized by joy . . . that divine and desirable joy that characterized the life of the Lord Jesus Christ.” It seems appropriate, then, that Jesus’s first miracle would take place at the most joyous of events—a wedding! Jesus not only blessed the wedding at Cana by his presence, but his miraculous act of turning water into wine added to the joy of everyone present. It was a quiet miracle that demonstrated his power—but only to a few.
Jesus, his mother, and some of his disciples were guests at a wedding celebration. Weddings were important social events in first-century Israel, and could last as long as a week. The host of the wedding was responsible for providing food and drink throughout the feast’s duration, and failure to do so was a serious embarrassment to the family. Mary, learning the host family was out of wine, was concerned about the enjoyment of everyone involved. She appealed to Jesus, who declined to do a public miracle; instead, he quietly instructed the servants to fill the water jars—water that then miraculously turned into wine! The feast was saved, as was the host’s reputation.
As we think of Jesus enjoying this event with family and friends, we remember his words “that your joy may be full” (John 15:11; 16:24). Full joy comes from knowing Jesus, and following him as our Savior, and following his example of humble service.
As you pray, ask God to fill you with the joy that comes only from knowing Jesus.
About the Author
Laura Sweet
Laura N. Sweet is a wife, mother, grandmother, and former Christian school teacher from Midland, Michigan. She writes devotional material for both adults and children, and her work has appeared in more than a dozen publications.
