Today’s Scripture: John 2:1-12
2 The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. 3 The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.”
4 “Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.”
5 But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
6 Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. 7 Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, 8 he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions.
9 When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. 10 “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!”
11 This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
12 After the wedding he went to Capernaum for a few days with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples.
Today’s Devotional
I wonder why Jesus’ early disciples decided to write about this particular miracle when they were deciding what stories to tell about Jesus? Maybe because it was “the first time Jesus revealed his glory.” Or maybe it was to show just how powerful he was. Or maybe it was to point out the importance of a nagging mother. Yes, this miracle shows all those things.
But today as I read this passage, I’m seeing something else. Maybe it’s just the state of my own mind at this moment, but in this miracle story, I see compassion.
The wine had run out. This was not just an inconvenience. It shows a lack of hospitality. It brings embarrassment to the groom and his family. This was a very bad thing. And Jesus’ mother brought it to his attention.
Jesus did not turn the water into wine because he thought it would make himself look good. He did not do it because he was thirsty or wanted the party to go on. I really don’t think he did it just to please his mom (although she certainly helped push him!). No, I think he did it because he felt compassion.
When we look at all of Jesus’ miracles we see the same thing: compassion moves him to act.
I don’t know about you, but I find that comforting today. Jesus has compassion for us. He knows our needs, he knows what we are going through. He knows and he acts. Be encouraged. This same Jesus is alive and with us even this moment – and his compassion extends to you. Now, keep an eye out for the miracle.
Today’s Prayer
God we sometimes feel as if no one really cares about what we are going through. But you remind us that you are as close as our breath – intimately aware of what is happening. Help us to see the compassion of Jesus when it is presented to us. And help us to act with the same compassion toward others as has been shown to us.
Amen
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