I believe every verse in the Bible has meaning. Not every verse has meaning in every person's life at any given time, but at one time or another, I think you'll find every passage has meaning for someone. From the shortest to the longest. And sometimes you have to dig a little deeper. For example, on the surface, those passages that say something like, "And then he went to Capernaum, and stayed for three days," don't do anything but move the Bible story along. But when we dig a little deeper, we find some obscure historical record supports what the Bible says about an event in Capernaum, and we have further proof the Bible is, in fact, true, historically accurate, and breathed out by God.
I said all that to say this: I think we overlook a few things in the story of Christ's first miracle. Don't misunderstand, it's HUGE that this first miracle is the beginning of numerous signs Jesus performed to show His deity. That sign caused His disciples to believe. That sign was stunning. Astonishing.
But what would you say if I told you I believe there are at least two more lessons to be had from this passage? Go back and read the whole account, beginning in verse 1.
Did you see it? It's small, so you might have missed it, but the first lesson is there in verse 5. In the previous verse, Jesus rhetorically asks Mary, His mother, "Woman, what does this have to do with me?" I don't know about you, but if someone says that to me, I move on, trying to figure out a solution by myself. But not Mary. No, not her.
Let's back up for a minute to the story in Luke 2, when Jesus is separated from His family. His parents locate Him three days later in the temple. In verse 51b, we're told, "And His mother treasured up all these things in her heart."
Now jump back with me to John 2, when Christ is an adult, and He tells His mother this problem has nothing to do with Him. So Mary goes to find someone to go buy more wine. No. She says to the servants--and bear with me here, but as a mother, I can't help wondering if she gave Jesus a look--and says, "Do whatever He tells you."
There it is. The first lesson I think we miss sometimes. Mary's faith didn't stop once she gave birth--a virgin birth--to the Son of God. There doesn't seem to be any hesitation on her part when she tells the servants, "Do whatever He tells you." Why? Because she's spent half her life storing up the amazing things He's said and done, along with the knowledge He's her King. So there's no doubt at all He can solve this problem that, to us in 2018, seems minor, but in that day was huge.
Oh, to have faith like Mary.
But that's not the only overlooked lesson. Look what happens next. After telling Mary this is not His problem, Jesus honors His mother--and dare I say, rewards her faith?--by solving the problem. Think about that. Jesus, the same child who told His mother in Luke 2 He needed to be in His Father's house, now honors her by performing a miracle. No, that's not the only reason He did it. Not even the main reason. But still, how many times have you seen an adult dismiss the concerns of a parent? That wine shortage wasn't of any significance to Christ. But it mattered to Mary--maybe the master of the feast was a friend. We really don't know. But for whatever reason, it mattered to her. So it mattered to Him.
And those are lessons I sometimes think we miss. Small in the grand scheme of things, but perhaps big in someone's life today. Maybe I'm the only one who needed this, but just maybe someone else needed a reminder of faith and its rewards. Maybe one person needed to be reminded to honor his or her parents, no matter your age or theirs.
Every verse. A lesson. A reminder. An encouragement. Something someone needs.
Oh, to have faith like Mary.
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