While on Earth, Jesus did amazing miracles. The first one we read of in the gospels was a loving act that served a faceless nameless couple.
In the story of the wedding at Cana, we notice that Jesus cares about all things, even our own human enjoyment of life. We also recognize that Jesus continues to work miracles in our lives, in ways large and small.
Hymn: #60 My Faith Looks Up to Thee
Law/Gospel Theme: The miracles of Jesus demonstrate that He truly is the son of God, capable of anything and everything. We see many amazing miracles of healing power and life transformation through Christ’s miracles. In this event, we see the power of following instructions.
Jesus told the servants to fill jars with water, and that simple act of obedience enabled His miracle. We can be vessels of God when we listen to Him and do as He says.
Prayer: Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness and put upon ourselves the armor of life, now in the time of this mortal life, in which Your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility, that in the last day, when He shall come again in glory to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal.[1]
Hymn: # 61 My Hope is Built on Nothing Less Vv. 1-2
Confession/Absolution:
LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.
In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone. And so uphold us by Your Spirit.
That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. And may He strengthen you in all goodness. And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
–John 2:2-11
On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me?
My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
6 Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. 9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” 11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
Hymn: # 61 My Hope is Built on Nothing Less Vv. 3-4
Our text reminds me of certain marketing campaigns which have by now come and gone but at the time we were quite profitable and helpful.
Remember the appeal for Gallo wines? “We will serve no wine … until it’s time.”
The Nike Company coined the phrase “Just Do It!”
This is not a new concept. Consider the advice of Mary. “His mother said to the servants, ‘Whatever he tells you…DO!’” When life’s pressures and challenges come our way, we are called to do what the Savior bids us … Just Do It!
Faith follows Christ especially -
> When problems present themselves in life.
> When the solution seems senseless.
> When the Savior gives us a command to act.
Faith will naturally follow Christ especially -When problems present themselves in life.
Mary tells us, “They have no wine.” This nameless, faceless couple ran out of wine, which might seem insignificant to us. Yet what challenges do you face?
Might it be finances? Maybe a special needs child? Possibly a lingering illness?
For Mary it was a major challenge. They have no more wine! Her trouble was enough for her to go directly to Jesus for help.
What are the major problems and challenges which we must face? To each individual - the challenge is unique. Yet there is a common thread for each of us.
These trials they test and try our faith.
But with each test. With each trial. We have nowhere to look except to our Lord and Savior Jesus. He is our only hope. Our only solution. Nothing else and no one else will do. When problems present themselves - we must turn to Him alone.
Faith follows Christ when problems present themselves. Faith must also be present when the solution seems silly or senseless.
Often it appears that the commands the Lord gives to us are ridiculous and absurd. So often the ways of the Lord appear to be so strange to us. They seem to us at times to be out of place.
Yet the Lord knows our needs and provides a solution to our situation.
Instead of trying to second-guess God faith trusts in the cure for we have complete confidence in the Great Physician.
Faith follows Christ when He gives the command to act, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet. They did so…”
Faith is called into action. That was the whole point of Mary’s instruction – whatever He tells you – just do it! Faith recalls the Lord’s acts of mercy which He has performed repeatedly in the past and believes that He cannot and will not change.
John will conclude with these words, “This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.”
Faith’s focus is found in Jesus. As we begin a New Year may Christ be found at the center of all our activities with of course, the good advice of Mary, “Whatever He tells you –just do it!
Thank you, Jesus for your love and care. Thank you for everyday miracles. And for caring about everything we do. Help us to listen to you and do your will.
The Lord has given us one another and we give thanks for God’s grace and mercy as we offer prayers for the sick and suffering.
The Lord has given us the beauty of worship and the gift of fellowship with one another. We thank you Lord for gathering us on this day.
The Lord has given us life in a nation of opportunities and liberty; with public services such as fire and police protection, ambulances, food pantries, schools, libraries, and hospitals. We thank you Lord for our national life.
The Lord has given us neighbors, friends, families, and coworkers to share the joys and burdens of this life. We thank you Lord, for the privilege of loving others.
The Lord has given us a promise that where He goes, He will prepare a place for us.
We thank you Lord for the gift of life and for giving us to one another for safekeeping. Bring us home when it is time. Lord in your grace, hear our prayer.
[1]
Collect for newness of life in Christ, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia
Publishing House, St. Louis
Image of the Wedding at Csana copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things
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