Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” (John 2)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. It is a wedding party. Rejoicing in God's gift of Holy Marriage. The two becoming one in the Lord. One man and one woman living in God's gift of marriage. But there is a problem. There is no more wine. That means the party is over. Once the booze runs out, this will quickly bring the party to an end.
When troubles comes your way in life where do you turn? For Mary she knew right where to go. Turn to Jesus when troubles, difficulties and hardship come your way. Jesus’ answer might surprise you. My hour has not yet come. (John 2) What is Jesus referring to about His hour? He is referring to His death. “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified...When I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die. (John 12)
Here is the center of the party. Jesus giving His life for yours. Life flows as Jesus the Bridegroom sheds His blood for you, brings life eternal to His Bride the Church. Mary's response is filled with faith and trust. “Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2)
Living in the Church our response is the same--whatever Jesus says goes. He is the Lord of our life--with everything in life Jesus’ Word takes care of us. As a husband or wife, or son or daughter, single or married, Jesus’ Word is for you.
Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. (John 2) In need of cleaning are sinners like us. Jesus brings His gift of new life to you in Holy Baptism. Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. (Ephesians 5)
Jesus washing us clean in Baptism--gifting us the Holy Spirit--we can say right along with Mary--whatever Jesus says goes. We the baptized, hearing His Holy Word--we confess Jesus before the world (Matthew 10), believing God's promise and rejoicing in life in Christ.
Jesus continues to shower His Bride the Church with His Holy Gifts. What Jesus says--goes. “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. Water turn to wine-- miracles are flowing from God in the flesh made manifest. That wine is the best wine anyone has ever tasted. If only we could have been at this wedding party.
Indeed you--the baptized and confirmed in the faith--are invited to the wedding bash. The Lord's Supper-- Jesus is here at Zion--giving and serving you, His Bride the Church, with Himself. The greatest wine ever tasted--pouring life everlasting into your mouths. The very Body and Blood of Jesus given out for the forgiveness of sins and life eternal.
This wedding party--is a huge bash--with a foretaste of the feast to come in heaven where the party goes on eternally. “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” (Rev. 19) This is the first of Jesus’ miracles. Jesus keeps the miracles flowing--to you the sinner bringing life--the life of the party. Life is lived in Jesus Christ. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
408 Come, Join in Cana's Feast (vs. 1)
Come, join in Cana’s feast Where Christ is honored guest.
He welcomes all who come to taste The wine His hands have blessed.
- Pastor Berndt