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Jesus Attends a Wedding
83
Mary’s Faith Is Rewarded
Though Mary had not a right concept of Christ’s mission, she
trusted Him implicitly. To this faith He responded. To honor her
trust and to strengthen the faith of His disciples, the first miracle
was performed. To the disciples the prophecies had made it clear
beyond all controversy that Jesus was the Messiah, but they were
bitterly disappointed by the unbelief, deep-seated prejudice, and
enmity to Jesus displayed by the priests and rabbis. The Saviour’s
early miracles strengthened the disciples to stand against opposition.
Mary said to those serving at table, “Whatsoever He saith unto
you, do it.”
Beside the doorway stood six large stone water jars. Jesus told
the servants to fill these with water. Then He said, “Draw out now,
and bear unto the governor of the feast.” Instead of water there flowed
forth wine.
Upon tasting that which the servants brought, the ruler of the
feast found it superior to any he had ever before drunk. Turning to
the bridegroom, he said, “Every man serves the good wine first; and
when men have drunk freely, then the poor wine; but you have kept
the good wine until now.” RSV.
The gifts the world offers may please the eye and fascinate the
senses, but they prove unsatisfying. The “wine” turns to bitterness,
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the gaiety to gloom. That which was begun with songs and mirth
ends in weariness and disgust. But the gifts of Jesus are ever fresh
and new. The feast that He provides never fails to give satisfaction
and joy. There can be no failure of supply. If you abide in Him, a
rich gift today ensures the reception of a richer gift tomorrow.
The gift of Christ to the marriage feast was a symbol. The
water to fill the jars was brought by human hands, but the word of
Christ alone could impart to it life-giving virtue. The word of Christ
supplied ample provision for the feast. So abundant is His grace to
blot out iniquity and to renew and sustain the soul. The wine Christ
provided for the feast, and which He gave the disciples as a symbol
of His own blood, was the pure juice of the grape. To this Isaiah
refers when he speaks of the new wine “in the cluster,” and says,
“Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it.”
Isaiah 65:8
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