” On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was
there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding”.
John 2:1,2 (NIV)
The text of John 2:1-11 begins by saying that there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, to which Jesus, his mother and his disciples were invited.
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. (John 2:1,2)
Jesus was not invited to this wedding because there was a need. At no point is there any mention of the presence of sick, paralyzed, blind or deaf people. After all, Jesus had not yet begun his ministry. In fact, this is where he performed his first miracle. Therefore, Jesus was invited to this party, as were so many other guests.
And at a certain point, when Jesus’ mother realized that the wine had run out, which would be an embarrassment for the bride and groom, she went to Jesus and explained the situation, in an attempt to solve the problem. However, he said to her: “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” Despite his response, which implied that he would not get involved, she turns to the servants and tell them, “Do whatever he tells you.”.
For me, it is intriguing to note certain nuances of this short conversation between Jesus and his mother. However, one thing I know for sure, the family who invited Jesus for their party had never heard of any miracle Jesus had operated before that. It was not the reason why they called Jesus for their party, but it was surely the best decision they had made. The wedding was not saved because Jesus turned water into wine. Instead, it was saved because they decided to invite Jesus.
They decided to honor him. Here I learn an important lifelong lesson: whoever invites Jesus to honor Him will always have Him in their need or in days of anguish. It was of King David declared that in Psalm 27:4,5:
“One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.”
I believe that when that family invited Jesus to their party, they had no idea of the blessing they were inviting into their lives. However, when we invite Jesus into our lives, we allow extraordinary things to take place. His presence has the power to total and completely transform our path, our history, our life, just as he did when he turned water into wine. It is not about solving a temporary problem but about changing destiny. More than what he can give us, let us seek his presence, a relationship of love.
Prayer: Jesus, I want your presence. I want to keep a deep relationship with you. I want to hear your voice, understand what you want from me, and follow your directions. I know this way I’m going to be filled with joy, and I'm not going to get frustrated. As the psalmist says, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God”. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
