‘But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions. 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. ‘ John 2:5-9(NLT)
‘And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. Mark my words—I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.”’ Matthew 26:27-29(NLT)
‘Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.’ 1 Corinthians 12:13(NLT)
‘“Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike.’ Joel 2:28-29(NLT)
‘For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit. ‘ John 3:34(NLT)
Ready for Day 2 of the wedding at Cana? So far, there’s a party and the wine has run out—an embarrassment to the family hosting and a violation of Jewish hospitality laws. In today’s terms, this would definitely fall into the “party foul” category.
As we read again today, the servants filled the six water pots to the brim. That’s a lot of water. They immediately and fully obeyed Jesus’ orders because they trusted Him. He held an authority that people responded to.
When Jesus asks something of us as His servants, let’s be just as obedient. Let’s obey Him to the full measure of our ability and fill our pots to the brim. There’s always blessing in obedience.
After the servants filled the pots, they drew out some water and gave it to the master of the banquet to taste. He tasted the water (now turned to wine), and in his delight, he called the bridegroom.
This miraculous event revealed God’s glory. Jesus was showing His disciples who He is, because only God could change water into wine. This was a supernatural occurrence!
To understand more about the significance of this miracle, let’s take a look at the Last Supper.
Jesus told His disciples after the Last Supper that He wouldn’t share a cup of wine with them again until they were together at the wedding feast. Remember, during this time, a bride and groom would share a cup of wine at their wedding ceremony to seal their vows.
Ellicott’s Bible Commentary says it like this: “Never afterwards while he tarried upon earth was He to taste of the wine cup with His disciples. But in the kingdom of God, completed and perfected, He would be with them once again, and then Master and disciples would be alike sharers in that joy in the Holy Ghost, of which wine—new wine—was the appropriate symbol.”
Jesus offers us a cup of acceptance, and when we drink the “wine” of the Holy Spirit, we become betrothed to Him. Then, one day, we’ll share a cup of wine with Him again at our wedding ceremony. We’ll join Him in marriage and become fully submitted to Him. That’s when we’ll reach the fulfillment of our love relationship with Jesus.
The cup Jesus offers us—His spirit—is a fulfilment of the old sacrificial system and law. Now, we have the living water, or “new wine,” which is poured out without limit on all who will drink of Him.
Like a well that never runs dry or a party that never runs out of wine (the best wine!), Jesus gives in abundance. He gives us exceedingly and abundantly more than we can ask, think, or imagine. He gives His spirit to us fully and completely, and He wants us to give our lives to Him in return. He wants a mutual love relationship with us.
The God of the universe wants to be your bridegroom. Drink Him in.
from Will You Marry Me?