Monday, May 11, 2009

May 11, 2009

Reading in John 2 this morning I saw something about Jesus' first miracle that I hadn't noticed before. Maybe it is because this is the day after Mother's Day and I have been unusually mom-focused.
John 2 is the setting for Jesus' first miracle. It happened at a wedding. Mary seems to have been involved or closely connected to the wedding party. As a result, Jesus and His men were invited - so they came.
While Jesus and the disciples were invited, there may have been others show up who weren't because they ran out of wine. I a culture where hosting others holds very high value - running out of wine is a big problem. The wedding hosts would become disgraced in their community.
Mary discovered the problem and also thought of the solution. She came to Jesus and asked Him to make more wine. Jewish mother alert!
It is clear in the Scripture that Jesus did not want to do a miracle at this time. I am sure He had good reason for being resistent to her request - but, because it was his mother who asked, He obliged.
I found it interesting that most of His miracles He did for the glory of His Father but His first one He did at the will of His mother. I like that!
Notice too, that Mary did not ask for this miracle to make herself look good. How tempting would that be when you have a Son like Jesus? She didn't do it to launch Jesus' ministry career. That is also a tempting option for moms! She did it to save a friend from becoming a social outcast and from ruining the wedding day of a young couple she cared about.
Apparently Jesus respected the reason for the miracle as much as He respected her request.
What did you do to honor your mother yesterday? She doesn't need a miracle, just some respect will do!

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