Thursday 22 June 2023

Psalm 55:1-8

Background

The story of the wedding at Cana only appears in John’s Gospel and is chronologically the first of Jesus’ miracles, turning water into wine. The writer refers to this as the first of Jesus' signs and it is the first of seven signs around which the first half of John’s Gospel is structured. These signs point to the glory and supernatural power of Jesus. They are to help us understand who Jesus is and enable both the disciples and the readers to believe in Jesus’ divinity.

Good hospitality would have been essential at the wedding, especially as it would have possibly lasted over several days. To run out of wine would have been a huge problem for the hosts. Perhaps Mary is close to the hosts, she is certainly concerned enough to involve her son, and it is implied in the text that she already has a knowledge of his power. She is confident enough to say to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you” (v. 5).

There are images in the story of wedding, water and wine. The prophet Isaiah mentions the coming salvation with symbols of wine (Isaiah 25:6) and wedding feast (62:4-5). The water held in jars for ritual washing in this story foreshadows the 'living water' Jesus speaks of by the well in Samaria (John 4) and connects the person of Jesus to ideas of purity and life. The steward also exclaims how the best wine is kept for last and perhaps we can find a similar thought in the last words of John Wesley, "The best of all is, God is with us".

To Ponder:

• What signs enable you to believe in Jesus divinity?
• What do you make of the interaction between Jesus and his mother? Who has shown confidence in you in your faith life?
• This week is World Refugee Week. What can we do to be good hosts with the help of Jesus?

Prayer

Creator God, we praise you that you give us signs all-around of your goodness, love and power. Open our eyes to those signs that our faith in you may grow and we may show abundant hospitality to others around us, especially those in need of refuge. Amen.