Read John 2:1-11. Circle the words that stand out to you. What is the Lord saying to you?
1 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”
4 “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”
5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.
7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.
8 Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”
They did so, 9 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 10 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.”
11 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.
Digging Deeper
Busy! Who isn’t with getting the children ready for school each day, homework with them, school events, work that overflows into the evening hours, and yes, going to church on Sunday and perhaps a Bible study during the week! God knows we have included grocery shopping, house chores and home maintenance. Our plate is full. Don’t ask me to do anything more!
Churches are recruiting coworkers for 2022. Have you been asked to serve in your church? I’ve been asked to oversee the Children’s Ministry, to teach an Adult Sunday School class in January, help with visitation, temporarily to be a coordinator for the church leadership team while the pastor is on a medical leave of absence. I’m supposed to be in retirement!!!
Jesus said this to His mother, “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come” (vs. 4). His mother came to him with a problem that she saw, “They have no wine.” I would have thought the she would let the groom, the best man or groom’s family know about the problem. What did Mary expect Jesus to do? Jesus and His disciples were invited guests. Was he to take a collection from His disciples and have them buy more wine!
Jesus didn’t say to His mother, “That’s not my problem! I already have too much to do with teaching and caring for 12 men with me all the time!” Jesus didn’t ignore the problem that was raised to Him. He asked, “Why do you involve me?” She didn’t want the bride and groom to be embarrassed about a need that they could do anything about at the moment. It’s their wedding day. She was hoping that Jesus would lend a helping hand in this matter.
When a church leader asks you and me to consider serving in a ministry position, it is because they truly have a need. Don’t just say, “No.” It may not be the most convenient time for you. Despite that, do prayerfully ask God what He wants you to do to further His Kingdom and build up His Church. I’m coming out of “retirement” to serve as a volunteer for the Lord. What is the Lord leading you to do?
-Kingston