Jim Mann
Sometimes when I read the Bible I see some miracle God performs and think, “Sure, God did that for Paul or David or Moses; those were important people.” Then a story like John 2:1-11 comes along. Here Jesus is at a wedding and the wine runs out. So he turns water into wine and saves this young couple’s marriage.
The Lord performed this miracle for unimportant people at an unimportant event. Think about it; in the big scope of Jesus’ plan for saving the planet, this wedding didn’t matter. It’s just a little country wedding for two kids no one knows in the backwaters of the Middle East. Who cares, right? Jesus cared.
And to think this couple, or the event, was unimportant isn’t true, either. The couple was important to each other, and the event was important to them. And apparently it was important to Jesus.
This story tells you everything you need to know about Jesus and his heart for those he loves. Maybe you find yourself in circumstances beyond your control. You thought everything was covered, then you find yourself in need of a miracle. A couple things to note.
First, John makes a point to let us know Jesus was an invited guest. As simple as it sounds, Jesus couldn’t have helped this couple if he wasn’t there. Jesus isn’t a wedding crasher. He won’t show up where he’s not invited (see Rev. 3:2). Oh, he’ll stand at the door and knock, but if he’s left outside he will stay there until invited in. Good thing this couple had the foresight to send him that wedding invitation! If you and I want Jesus’ involvement in our lives, he must be an invited guest. When the emergency is upon you, there’s no time to go hunt down Jesus. Invite him to your life today!
Second, Jesus was asked by his mother to help. She didn’t demand it. She didn’t twist his arm. She simply heard about the situation, knew Jesus could do something about it and asked him to help.
Third, Jesus had a plan. True, his plan sounded crazy, but there weren’t any 7-11s nearby, and they were out of options. So his mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” If you’re in trouble, asking Jesus for help, you don’t tell HIM what to do…you let him work his plan.
Finally, Jesus’ plan required trust and obedience. This is often the hardest part…trusting Jesus’ plan and doing what he says. The servants followed his instructions, and a miracle occurred.
If you find yourself in difficult circumstances, Jesus has a plan for your situation. But you’re going to have to trust him and obey his instructions, even if it doesn’t seem to make sense. Invite him into your situation. Ask him to help. Resist telling him how to do things, and do what he tells you. He may just give you the miracle you need.
Jim Mann, Ph.D. pastors New Life Church at Robson Ranch, which meets at the Robson clubhouse on Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. Visit www.Robson.NewLifeDenton.org for more information.