They have no wine

What a wonderfully joyful occasion it is – the happy talking, laughter, eating and drinking!  But then Mary becomes aware that behind the scenes all is not well and a most embarrassing situation has arisen – the wine has run out with the celebrations still in full swing.  Mary does not stand around wringing her hands, she goes straight to Jesus and tells him, “They have no wine”.  In reply Jesus says, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me?  My hour has not yet come” (NRSV, John 2:4).

The term “woman” is a solemn term of affection or respect. (9) As to “my hour”, Jesus will use these words at other times in his ministry, most poignantly towards its end: “Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father” (NRSV, John 13:1).  This clearly refers to his death on the Cross when he gave himself completely for the salvation of humankind.  At the wedding feast that time has not yet come.  But in using these words Jesus is making a connection between the present moment and his death on the Cross. (10)

Water changed to wine

Then with calm and steadfast confidence Mary says to the servants “Do whatever he tells you” (NRSV, John 2:5).  And Jesus responds at once and tells the servants to fill the stone water-jars with water.  Unquestioningly they set to and fill them up to the brim – six jars, each containing 20-30 gallons.  Then in response to Jesus’ instruction, they draw some out and take it to the chief steward who recognises that this is better wine than that which was served at the start of the festivities. 

And so Jesus revealed his glory and “his disciples believed in him” (NRSV, John 2:11).

3. PONDER

Take some time to think about this event.  What do you learn from Mary’s part in it and that of the servants?  What does it tell you about Jesus himself?  Write down your thoughts in a notebook.