Sunday 25 January 2009

Background

John's Gospel has been recognised by some as possibly the mostfar-reaching of the Gospels. John writes of his Lord in a way thatsuggests he had been close to Jesus. It seems that after the eventsof Jesus' death and resurrection, John began to look back, thinkover and pray about what Jesus' words and actions might pointto.

John sets up a series of signposts to draw our attention to Jesusworking on two levels - the 'old' and 'new' orders. In this passagethe marriage is just a normal marriage - apart, that is, from thepresence of Jesus and the disciples. Because wherever they arethere is also an open door to heaven, where the transforming powerof God enters the old and brings in the new.

The wine ran out. On such a prestigious public occasion this was anembarrassment. Mary, the mother of Jesus however, is optimistic,and sensing possibilities, encourages the servants (and all of us?)to "do whatever he tells you". Then Jesus asks that the stone jarsare filled up to the brim. This 'filling up' is no ordinary matter,but a sign in progress that will point to something beyond ourexpectations. Just as the ordinary stone jar is filled with waterthat is transformed into wine, so our 'ordinary' humanity can bemade extraordinary as heaven opens and God's spirit fills andtransforms us. This was the first sign.

So what of marriage on the third day? Marriage is a symbol of thefullness of the kingdom - we are the 'bride' and Jesus the'bridegroom'. Jesus emerged from death on the third day (the firstEaster Sunday [John20]) and demonstrated new life that was real and available forall who would follow Jesus as Lord and Messiah.

This transforming power will be complete one day when God renewsthe whole world in ways of justice and peace. The old order willcome to an end. On the third day God, through Jesus, gave the firstsign that was a clue to God's intention - bringing the transformingpower of heaven to earth. So Christians pray, "Your kingdom come... on earth as in heaven."

To Ponder

What do you think of the relevance of Jesus'mother's words to "Do whatever he tells you" in your situationtoday?

Through this miracle, Jesus revealed God's gloryand the disciples put their faith in him. Reflect on what it wasthat caused you to put your faith in Jesus.