From Purification to Party

Isaiah 62:1-5, I Corinthians 12:1-11 and John 2:1-11

The Gospel of John presents Jesus beginning his ministry during a wedding, a joyous occasion in most any culture. Jesus is present with both his mother Mary and his new group of followers, his disciples.

This helps us draw close to his humanity and see how he affirms the people, places and moments in daily life. He doesn’t remove himself from the world we know but finds ways to bless and encourage.

As the week long tradition draws to a close, the wedding beverages are noticed to be in short supply. Jesus meets a relatively minor need using the divine power within himself. Why not help the hosts of the wedding? No reason for them to be embarrassed by a lack of wine.

What should also strike us as remarkable is His use of water reserved for ritual purification! The ritual washing of hands and even clothing was ever present so as not to violate proper cleanliness to honor God the holy. The water was required and necessary as well. Will there be enough ritual water now?!

From routine water for washing comes good wine not second rate wine! The time is still ongoing for celebrating the wedding couple and the extended family and community. “Enjoy,” says Jesus. Purification is fine in its place but celebration goes one better than being ritually clean! Abundant life indeed! (anticipating the abundant life of John 10:10).

Here is a profound message for all of us including Mary the proud mother, his new followers, the larger wedding party, and us today. God is able and willing to emphasize the good things in this world which is the Creation of God to begin with!

Blessings in the reading and hearing of this Word from God!

Pastor Barry †