Basic HTML Version
Chapter 15—Jesus Attends a Wedding
This chapter is based on
John 2:1-11
.
At a household gathering in a little Galilean village Jesus put
forth His power to add joy to a wedding feast. Thus He showed His
sympathy with men, and His desire to minister to their happiness.
In the wilderness He Himself had drunk the cup of woe; He came
forth to give to men the cup of blessing.
There was to be a marriage at Cana. The parties were relatives
of Joseph and Mary, and Jesus with His disciples was invited.
Mary, His mother, had heard of the manifestation at the Jordan,
at His baptism. The tidings had brought to her mind afresh the scenes
that for many years had been hidden in her heart. Mary was deeply
stirred by the mission of John the Baptist. Now his connection with
Jesus kindled her hopes anew. She had treasured every evidence
that Jesus was the Messiah, yet there came to her also doubts and
disappointments. She longed for the time when His glory should be
revealed.
Death had separated Mary from Joseph, who had shared her
knowledge of the mystery of the birth of Jesus. Now there was no
one in whom she could confide her hopes and fears. She pondered
the words of Simeon, “A sword will pierce through thy own soul
also.”
Luke 2:35
. With an anxious heart she awaited Jesus’ return.
At the marriage feast she met Him, the same tender, dutiful son.
Yet He was not the same. His countenance bore traces of His conflict
in the wilderness, and a new expression of dignity and power gave
evidence of His heavenly mission. With Him was a group of young
[91]
men who called Him Master. These companions recounted to Mary
what they had seen and heard at the baptism and elsewhere.
As the guests assembled, a suppressed excitement pervaded the
company. As Mary saw the many glances bent on Jesus, she longed
to have Him prove that He was the Honored of God.
81