Water into Wine

John 2:1-11 

Wedding at Cana

Why is this the first miracle performed by Jesus in the Gospel of John?  Why would water being turned into wine be the event that John would want readers to hear of from the very start?  Wine was a very important part of celebration.  To run out of wine at a wedding would be shameful for the hosts.  In this case the married couple would begin their marriage with people speaking of their failure to provide for their guests.  They would be called inhospitable, a terrible thing to be in those times.  They would have an unfortunate beginning to their life together.  Jesus will offer his life as a saving grace for all, in the turning of water to wine, Jesus offers the bride and groom a way of saving face.  He will not them be shamed by their inability to provide.

Of course, a fairly small amount of pleasant wine would have done the job—just enough wine not to run out.  And it could have been a step above Boone’s Farm and everyone would probably have been happy enough—after all, most hosts serve some pretty low quality fair once everyone has gotten drunk.  Jesus doesn’t do half-way miracles.  As Karoline Lewis and David Lose each point out in their commentaries this week these casks that Jesus turns to wine represent about 1000 bottles of wine.  1000 bottles of not just any wine but of the very best wine—no two buck chuck for these guests.

Our God isn’t a half-way God and Jesus isn’t a half-way servant and savior.  The nature of God’s grace is such that it goes far beyond the least you would expect.  Grace upon grace means that we all get far more than what we think we deserve.

Jesus’ own mother was well familiar with this extravagant grace.  She knew if from the moment she was told she would bear a son.  God’s love provides and more than provides.  She reminds Jesus of this when she says to him, “They have no wine.”  His response is puzzling, he says, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me?  My hour has not yet come.”  But whether he meant to ignore her or dismiss her, or put her in her place, Mary, to her credit, is having none of it. 

No, it is Mary who puts Jesus in his place, the place of servant and savior that she knows is his.  She says nothing more to Jesus but turns to the servants and says, “Do whatever he tells you.”  She knows that Jesus does care about the plight of this married couple, is concerned for their reputations, and will act.

The water will become wine—wine enough for everyone.  Every guest at the wedding will be served, every single one.  God’s grace, God’s gifts are for all.

The first miracle is Jesus celebrating the abundant, extravagant, extraordinary generosity of God’s grace.  From the first miracle to the last supper Jesus gives the best he has, the best he is, to all.  Jesus pours the wine of forgiveness even to Judas in the night of his betrayal.  Jesus gives the very best to all, even though, when he hangs upon the cross at the last, he will be offered sour wine, bitter wine.

 

Such is God’s grace.

Such is God’s love.

When you come to the table, God’s table of grace, remember him.  That is what we are asked to do.  Do this for remembrance of Him, grace flows from him in abundance.  Remember him and also, the words of his mother, “Do whatever he tells you.”

Remember him.  Do what he tells you.  The grace and gifts you receive do not depend on these things by any means.  But what a wonderful way to receive the gifts of grace, looking to expand that amazing grace to others.  Amen.