March 4 -- John 2:1-12

Jesus, His mother, and His disciples attended a wedding at Cana, and during the wedding feast, the wine ran out. This was a serious thing in a culture that put a high value on hospitality, and Mary went to Jesus, knowing He could do something about it.
Jesus’ response, “My hour has not yet come,” could mean a number of different things in this context, but the best way to interpret Scripture is with other Scripture. The Gospel of John refers to Jesus’ “hour” several times (see John 7:30, 12:27, 13:1, 17:1). In all of these other cases, Jesus’ “hour” refers to the time when He would shed His blood so that we could all be cleansed and our thirsty hearts would be satisfied. When Mary spoke of a lack of physical wine, Jesus responded with an answer that reflected the people’s deeper need for spiritual wine—His blood.
Even though it was not yet His time to shed His blood for them, He gave them physical wine as a symbol of what was to come. He asked the servants to fill jars used for ceremonial washing with water, which He then transformed into wine. This wine was so good that the headwaiter commented on it. Yet the wine Jesus would provide later—His blood—would wash us clean in more than a ceremonial way; it would wash away all our sin, and it would be so good that it would satisfy our deepest thirst forever. Jesus’ comment was likely meant to draw attention to the symbolism of the miracle He was about to perform. This miracle also strengthened His disciples’ faith in Him.
Consider: The miracle foreshadowed what Jesus would do on the cross, but it was also done for a practical reason—to provide wine so that the wedding hosts would not be embarrassed, which seems like a little thing in comparison. Yet God even cares about the “little things” in our lives. In what ways has He shown His compassion for you in the “little things”?
Spend some time pondering Jesus’ love and His sacrifice. Thank Him for providing the wine that cleanses your heart and satisfies your soul, and thank Him for caring about your daily life on earth as well as your eternal life in heaven.
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