City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh

The Word

¹ Now on the third day,  Jesus’ mother went to a wedding feast in the Galilean village of Cana.  ^2-3 Jesus and his disciples were all invited to the banquet,  but with so many guests, they ran out of wine.  And when Mary realized it, she came to Jesus and asked, “They have no wine; can’t you do something about it?” 

⁴ Jesus replied, “My dear one, don’t you understand that if I do this, it will change nothing for you, but it will change everything for me!  My hour of unveiling my power has not yet come.”

⁵ Mary then went to the servers and told them, “Whatever Jesus tells you, do it!”

⁶ Nearby stood six stone water pots  meant to be used for the Jewish washing rituals.  Each one could hold about twenty gallons or more. ⁷ Jesus came to the servers and instructed them, “Fill the pots with water, right up to the very brim.” ⁸ Then he said, “Now fill your pitchers and take them to the master of ceremonies.”

⁹ And when they poured out their pitchers for the master of ceremonies to sample, the water had become wine! When he tasted the water that had become wine, the master of ceremonies was impressed with its quality. (Although he didn’t know where the wine had come from, only the servers knew.) He called the bridegroom over ¹⁰ and said to him, “Every host serves his best wine first, until everyone has had a cup or two, then he serves the cheaper wine. But you, my friend, you’ve reserved the most exquisite wine until now!” 

¹¹ This miracle in Cana was the first of the many extraordinary miracles Jesus performed in Galilee that revealed his glory,  and his disciples believed in him.

–John 2:1-11 TPT

Seize life! Eat bread with gusto,

Drink wine with a robust heart.

Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure!

–Ecclesiastes 9:7 MSG

Aisha’s Analysis

This week’s miracle from John 2 is a perfect illustration of how God transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. It is also worth noting that Jesus’ extraordinary miracle of turning water to wine was his very first miracle to give the world a glimpse of His glory. 

I find it incredibly encouraging that Jesus’ first miracle was turning water to wine. Think of what this symbolizes. He could have done anything be it healing someone’s body or ending systemic poverty in the village, but instead He turned water into wine! One might call this excessive or superfluous, but I find it to be very bold and beautiful. 

This surprisingly subtle and unassuming way of bringing life to a party shows us God’s heart. Jesus didn’t draw everyone’s attention to what He was doing. He didn’t ask everyone to gather around and watch as He performed this miracle. Instead, He instructed the servants to fill the pots with water. 

Water is so basic and fundamental. As essential and hydrating as water is, it is definitely not wine by any stretch of the imagination. Therefore, the servers listened to Jesus’ instructions by faith. They trusted Him. By faith, they filled the water pots to the very brim and dipped out the pitchers to take to the master of ceremonies. Imagine what they must have been thinking as the master of ceremonies took his first sip. Imagine their wonder and awe of God as they saw the water they poured into the pitcher miraculously transform into robust, flavorful wine. 

This shows us God invites us to participate in His miracles. Listening to Jesus’ instructions, no matter how basic or ordinary they may seem, will yield extraordinary results. It is God’s calling card to use the foolish things of this world to confound the wise. See 1 Corinthians 1:27. 

Doing whatever Jesus tells you to do will give you reason to celebrate.     

Application

Today’s verses show us that God doesn’t want us to just survive and barely scrape by in life. He wants us to enjoy life to the fullest. As recipients of God’s bountiful grace, we have a reason to celebrate even on our worst day. 

Let this message serve as a reminder to follow God’s instructions with hopeful expectation and curious wonder. Whatever He has called you to do in this moment can have a transformative effect on you. Let God use your everyday obedience in the humdrum routine of life as the vehicle for transformation and celebration. Obey God and watch Him turn your life into a party!

Prayer

Father God, thank You for sending Your Son to give me life and life more abundantly. I don’t want to miss what You’re trying to show me. When I run out, You are there to bring new wine. Thank You for Your abundant supply and provision in my life. I’m so grateful for who You are and all You do. Lord, whatever You tell me to do, I’ll do it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.