112
The Desire of Ages
in whose sympathy she found comfort; she pondered upon the words
of Simeon, “A sword shall pierce through thy own soul also” (
Luke
2:35
); she recalled the three days of agony when she thought Jesus
lost to her forever; and with an anxious heart she awaited His return.
At the marriage feast she meets Him, the same tender, dutiful son.
Yet He is not the same. His countenance is changed. It bears the traces
of His conflict in the wilderness, and a new expression of dignity and
power gives evidence of His heavenly mission. With Him is a group
of young men, whose eyes follow Him with reverence, and who call
Him Master. These companions recount to Mary what they have seen
and heard at the baptism and elsewhere. They conclude by declaring,
“We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets,
did write.”
John 1:45
.
As the guests assemble, many seem to be preoccupied with some
topic of absorbing interest. A suppressed excitement pervades the
company. Little groups converse together in eager but quiet tones,
and wondering glances are turned upon the Son of Mary. As Mary
had heard the disciples’ testimony in regard to Jesus, she had been
gladdened with the assurance that her long-cherished hopes were not
in vain. Yet she would have been more than human if there had not
mingled with this holy joy a trace of the fond mother’s natural pride.
As she saw the many glances bent upon Jesus, she longed to have Him
prove to the company that He was really the Honored of God. She
hoped there might be opportunity for Him to work a miracle before
them.
It was the custom of the times for marriage festivities to continue
several days. On this occasion, before the feast ended it was found that
the supply of wine had failed. This discovery caused much perplexity
and regret. It was unusual to dispense with wine on festive occasions,
and its absence would seem to indicate a want of hospitality. As a
[146]
relative of the parties, Mary had assisted in the arrangements for the
feast, and she now spoke to Jesus, saying, “They have no wine.” These
words were a suggestion that He might supply their need. But Jesus
answered, “Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet
come.”
This answer, abrupt as it seems to us, expressed no coldness or
discourtesy. The Saviour’s form of address to His mother was in
accordance with Oriental custom. It was used toward persons to whom