John 2:1-11 (NRSV)
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Chapter 2On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Verse 2Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. Verse 3When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." Verse 4And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." Verse 5His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Verse 6Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Verse 7Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. Verse 8He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. Verse 9When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom Verse 10and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." Verse 11Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
Devotion
I've always identified with my namesake, Thomas "the Doubter." The older I get, the more comfortable I am with my doubts. But it's really not about doubting, it's about being able to believe. What do I need to learn, see or experience to help me believe?
Jesus' first sign, showing us that he was the presence of God with us, was at the wedding in Cana. We all know the story. At the request of his mother, Jesus turned water into wine. Not just any old wine, but really good wine! This sign, done by Jesus, not only saved the party but made quite a statement. People noticed the good wine. The wedding steward even wondered aloud why the host had saved the best wine for the end of the party when people were already drunk and wouldn’t appreciate it as much.
I think Jesus did this for people like me. People who need to see to believe—or in this case taste to believe. John tells us that when the disciples saw this sign, they believed. In Jesus, we continue to see that God is with us, too.
Prayer
In the midst of doubt and uncertainty, thank you for the ways you show us that you are with us. Help us to believe. Amen.