Water into Wine Part 1

00:00:01 Speaker 1: I have relied on you from the womb. You are he who took me out of my mother's womb. I will always praise you, Psalm seventy one six. Gracious, Heavenly Father, our hearts swell with gratitude for your tender care. From our first breaths to this very moment, your hand has been upon us, guiding us, nurturing, and providing for our every need. We praise you Lord for your unwavering faithfulness and attentiveness to our whispered prayers and the unspoken cries of our hearts. Your love encompasses us a gentle reminder that we are never alone, for your presence is a constant source of comfort and strength. In your arms we find refuge and peace, reassured that there is no need too small for your attention, no moment too insignificant for your care. May our lives be a continuous song of praise for the loving kindness you shower upon us every day. In the sweetness of your love, we find our joy and purpose. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. This is the Jesus Podcast. Have you ever had an important moment in your life go terribly wrong? Are you in need of hope. Today's miracle of Jesus is just for you. If you'd like to support this broadcast, share it with a friend. We want the hope of the Gospel to be shared throughout the world. It was a warm summer night, clear and bright. The wedding celebration had lasted all day. The bride in the groom sat on the far end of the long table. Hovered around them, excitedly, laughing and digging into baskets of bread. Oil lamps hung on the fence sides of the party, casting Abigail and Gersham in a warm glow like heaven's light. Abigail was given the choicest foods brought in by eager servants. Her amber brown eyes shone with love and admiration for all the guests who had shown up for her. She ran her hands through her long brown hair, curling it over her shoulder and down her head dress and veil woven with the finest red and gold linen. She'd borrowed her mother's jewelry for the wedding and wore rings of gold along her fingers. Brilliant crystal stones dangled from her ears and caught the lamplight. She was the living centerpiece of the night. Groom Gersham sat beside her. He was tall and trim, but had gentle eyes. Like a lifelong friend. He was attentive to Abigail's every word and need. Throughout the night, they exchanged glances, now and then, small pockets of unbridled bliss, the mark of enduring love. They were not children anymore. Gersham was no longer the boy she grew up with. He was the son of a farmer on the other side of town. Once, when she was young, she came down with a painful fever that wouldn't cease. He visited her home with bread, oil, and fig cakes. He never asked for anything in return. He came from that sort of family, humble kind. They made up for what they lacked in resources with abundant love and laughter. Years after that first visit, both families lined the table for the wedding feast. The Abigail leaned her head against Girsham's shoulder. A perfect night, she scanned the courtyard. Dozens of people gathered to celebrate their union, enjoying wine and bread under the lamplight. 00:04:25 Speaker 2: We are truly blessed. 00:04:27 Speaker 1: She refrained again. This time she was looking intently into her groom's eyes. Nothing could possibly rob their joy. 00:04:41 Speaker 3: Have you ever asked God for a miracle? Have you ever wondered why we don't always see the same kinds of miracles that we read about in the Bible. Does it make you wonder how God is at work today? The life of Jesus was marked by many miracles, signs, and wonders, from giving sight to the blind to raising the dead back to life. The power of God God flowed through Jesus as his notoriety spread throughout the region of Galilee and beyond. But these miraculous moments were more than bringing immediate relief to the recipients. Jesus's miracles were evidence of his divine power in a way to support and affirm his claim to be the Messiah in the Son of God. Today, God is still at work in miraculous ways, using his work in and through his followers to continue the work that Jesus started. Welcome to the Jesus Podcast, a year story showcasing the depth of Christ's love and the glory of God's truth. I'm Zach your host from Cray dot com, and today we're starting a new series all about the miracles of the Messiah. Make sure you follow the podcast as we dive deep into Jesus's signs and wonders. In our first episode of the season, we'll take a look at Jesus's first miracle, the turning water into wine at the wedding of Cana. This moment was a turning point in the Lord's ministry. It's the first public display of his power that we see in the gospels. Before this, he was an unknown and relatively anonymous carpenter from Nazareth. Now, how does Jesus come onto the scene? Is it some grand display of power? Does he call lightning to fall from the heavens? No, you see, this first miracle is something tender. It's something sweet, It's something personal. It's a favor for his mom. 00:06:28 Speaker 1: Gersham's father, the master of the feast, had sponsored the food for their dinner. His bakery provided the food, and they sourced the wine from a nearby vineyard. Everything was done with love. Some women from the community had come around Abigail for the evening. They arranged all the details of the feast, crafting the decorations and gathering flowers. One of them directed the others, an older woman with a kind smile and strong voice. Her name was Mary. She had prepared all the servants, given them instructions about food, wine, flowers, everything. 00:07:11 Speaker 2: How is everything, my dear Mary. 00:07:13 Speaker 1: Asked Abigail, with a sweet touch on her shoulder. 00:07:17 Speaker 2: Everything you could have dreamed. Yes, Mary, thank you for all you've done. You didn't have to go through all this trouble. My wedding was rushed and filled with uncertainty. I never got to savor it. It's my joy to give this to you as a gift. Enjoy it, bask in the glow of love and laughter. 00:07:38 Speaker 1: Mary took Abigail's hand, kissed it, and left to continue serving. The groom's father stood at the table and toasted to the guests. 00:07:48 Speaker 4: Friends, we are humble folk, but blessed beyond measure to have you here. Drink, dance, celebrate, and raise Adu Nai for his goodness. 00:08:02 Speaker 1: The guests all raised their cups and cheered. The feast continued. Guests ate, drank, danced, and drank some more. Wine flowed alongside hearty conversation and laughter. Slowly the wine jars emptied until there was none left. The servants all looked at each other, wide eyed and afraid wedding feasts were a weak, long affair. To run out of wine would be tragic for the groom's family. It would be a red mark on their reputation and a premature end to the joyful celebration. Abigail set her cup aside for the servants to refill with wine. The servant reluctantly lifted the flask to her cup, but nothing came out. We've run out of wine. 00:08:55 Speaker 4: I'm so sorry. 00:08:57 Speaker 1: Abigail's face fell. She stilled down the length of the longwood table, all the guests who had come dozens and nothing to give them. Panic sank into her chest, and her heart began to beat fast. Years from now, That's what the town would remember of her wedding, the wedding where the wine ran out. She caught hold of Mary's arm as she walked by. 00:09:26 Speaker 2: Mary. We've run out of wine? Is there nothing that can be done? Can anyone fetch more? Are there no more reserves? I don't want my father in law to reel in shame over this. 00:09:38 Speaker 1: Mary, who had been orchestrating the servants all night, had already asked the servants the same question several times. She sat on a bench beside the bride and shook her head. 00:09:49 Speaker 2: Oh, there is none left anywhere in town. We had more guests attend than expected. 00:09:55 Speaker 1: Abigail's face went hot, and Peach embarrassed for her fa They were quite poor. Her husband's family had already spent so much on the wedding. They shouldn't have to pay more. Gersham leaned over, joining the conversation. There has to be some way to bring more. Is there anyone at all? Mary tilted her head down the length of the table where a group of men laughed loudly and spoke with animated gestures breaking bread. A smile slightly curled on the sides of her cheeks. 00:10:32 Speaker 2: Don't lose heart. 00:10:34 Speaker 1: She warmly squeezed the bride's arm. 00:10:36 Speaker 2: I know someone who. 00:10:38 Speaker 1: Mary gave them a knowing look and. 00:10:40 Speaker 2: Stood my son. He probably knew this would happen. 00:10:44 Speaker 1: Abigail tilted her head. How she followed Mary's gaze down the length of the table, where one man held the crowd's attention. He sat between baskets of yeast filled bread and candlelight. The one they called Rabbi. A group of men had been following him for days now and still laughter. Being around him, learned from him constantly. They hung on his every word, like he was from a different world, like he might tell them the secrets of the stars if they listened in close enough. And the excitement of the party, Jesus, their rabbi, was calm, joyful, but calm. Jesus drank with them. Their conversation was all laughter and knowing glances, like he was the best friend they'd ever had, more than a mentor a friend. Down the table, packed with guests, shouldered shoulder muttering spread. The men caught the guest's words. None left, and it's empty. Mary walked behind the bench line and leaned over to where he sat, hovering over his shoulder. 00:12:02 Speaker 2: Whispering, they have no more wine. 00:12:05 Speaker 1: Jesus listened, then leaned back, laughing still. He adjusted over his shoulder to her so they were face to face. Woman. He asked, with a pretend oblivious tone, why do you involve me? It came out like a question, but he didn't look confused. He looked pleased about something. Others around him leaned in trying to hear. Perhaps they thought he didn't care, but Jesus gave his mother a soft, almost somber look. My hour has not yet come. He muttered, almost to himself, and turned back to the group, slowly taking a sip his cup. It seemed never ran out. Mary stood upright and clapped her hands at the servants. They snapped their heads around to her. 00:12:58 Speaker 2: This is my son. He's going to help with our situation. Do whatever he tells you to do. 00:13:04 Speaker 1: She looked down at Jesus in a way only a mother could. Although he was a rabbi growing in popularity, she was still his mother. She winked at the servants. Something shone in her brown eyes, something like hope. Jesus smiled and shook his head. He stood up, kissed his mother on the head, and gestured to the servants. Let's go. They walked around the corner. Beside the group of men sat a line of clay jars. Nothing fancied jars for a typical cleansing ceremony, but Jesus looked from them to the servants. He didn't sound demanding when he spoke to them. He sounded kind. Fill those jars with water. The men glanced sideways at each other, but did as they were told. The servants left to the well and trudged back with the jars filled to the brim. They sat them down on the table in front of Jesus. Calm, cold water rippled on the surface, reflecting Jesus's face, kind eyes, long thin cheeks, surrounded by starlight and soft lamps above Jesus followers noticed the commotion. They went quiet and watched as Jesus stood over them. A hush spread down the length of the table. Crickets chirked in the nearby brush. Above, the stars hung low, and bright insects snapped around their shoulders. Mary watched at a distance, leaning back in the dark shadow behind the bride and groom, with a knowing look book that said something extraordinary is about to happen. 00:15:15 Speaker 3: Jesus's miracle at the wedding of Cana is a staple of his ministry. There are a few people, including those with the religious upbringing, who don't know about Jesus turning water into wine. It's kind of a cultural norm, whether we learn about it on Sunday school or from a meme. Understanding this miracle gives us intimate insights into the heart of God and the purpose of Jesus's ministry. What we learned teaches us about who Jesus is and how we should respond to him as disciples. It shows us when and how and why we should approach Jesus and what we can expect from him when we do. Traditional Jewish weddings typically began with a ceremony for close family members before opening up the festivities to large parts of the family and people in the neighborhood and all throughout the town. If you've ever tried to plan a party, you can likely relate to the issue of running out of food or drinks. But for us that might just sound like an inconvenience, but to a first century family, running out of food or wine was a big deal. It marred the reputation of the community. So naturally, when it became apparent that the wine had run out, Jesus's mother, Mary, who was helping at this wedding, came to Jesus with a situation. This moment was significant because it was the first time that Mary approached Jesus, not as his mother, but knowing that he was more than her son. If this is noted, actually when Jesus addresses her as woman, now, listen, I'm a grown man with kids. If I called my mom woman, you better believe I would get spanked. But we have to put this in cultural context. Jesus isn't being disrespectful when he's calling his mother woman. Typically, Jesus would have addressed Mary as ema, which was a word communicated to proximity and closeness. It was the word for mom or mommy, if you want to get more intimate than that. However, Jesus calling Mary woman symbolized a transition in their relationship. You see, the term woman was actually a term of endearment, but it was meant for acquaintances. It was meant for people who are close to you, and specifically people that you're addressing in respectful situations. Jesus wasn't just her son, he was her God. And so now there is this separation that's occurring here. Jesus is drawing a line because Mary is coming to him not just as her mother, but with the knowledge that he's the Messiah. This is a turning point in Jesus's ministry, and it's a turning point in Jesus's relationship with Mary. Three years from this moment, Jesus is going to be hanging on a cross as her lord and her savior. So this is the beginning of her beginning to recognize him as such. Mary doesn't demand Jesus to come and fix the situation. However, there is some levity to the situation, as she knows exactly who Jesus is and what he's capable of. She simply and humbly asks for the problem to be solved by Jesus. And what Mary is showing us is how we can approach God in our difficulties. We don't want to come to God with demands, expecting him to respond in the way that we think best. Instead, we should come to him with humility, sharing our burdens with God and trusting him to respond in the way that he thinks his best. And we should also recognize that there is a separation between us and God. He is a holy God with holy plans. However, that doesn't mean that at times he won't bend down to completely and wonderfully surprise us with his blessings. Jesus could have told the servants to explain the problem to the feast master, or taken a moment to address the guests and teach them to be content with what they already had, and if that was his decision, it would have been good because it would have been deemed as such. When we share our struggles with God, we can trust that He's going to provide in the best way possible for us. And the Sermon on the Mount Jesus says in Matthew six twenty five, Therefore, I tell you do not worry about your life. What you will eat or drink, or about your body what you will wear is not life more than food in the body, more than clothes. God knows what we need, even when we don't. Life is more than just physical needs. Even if it feels like all of our problems are we should understand that the way Jesus responds to our requests considers not just our physical health, but also our mental, emotional, and spiritual health. You see, God sees the whole person, and so sometimes when he's answering our prayers or responding to our requests, he keeps the whole person in mind, not just addressing one specific need, but considering what is good for our souls, what's good for our spirits, what's good for our resilient characters. It's also good for us to understand the heart behind Mary's request. She wasn't concerned with the guests and their satisfaction. Her eyes were on a bigger problem, the well being of the bride and groom's families. Even though Jesus knew it wasn't yet his time, he knew this was his mother's intention and blessed her for her love for others. So Jesus decides to help, and he meets the needs that are brought to him. He begins by instructing the servants to fill six stone jars used for traditional Jewish cleansing ceremonies. You might be asking yourself, why not have all of them fill the wine vessels? Why are we filling these huge jugs that are used for hand washing. Though the servants and the others witnessing may not have understood, Jesus was actually making a statement of the change he was about to bring. The ceremonial jars are meant to be a representation of the old covenant between God and his people. It represents the Law of Moses. The tellmod, the central text outlining the Jewish law, required that every Jew cleanse their face, their hands, and their feet every day for the sake of their creator. Being ceremonially clean was very, very important when Jesus instructs the servants to fill the cleansing jars. He's demonstrating that he had come to fulfill the old covenant and give them a new one. What is going to make people clean is no longer the ceremonies in these hand washings and these feet washings. But what's gonna make them clean is the blood of Christ. And what is the blood of Christ always represented by that's right wine. So Jesus is communicating here that it is no longer the old Testament, the old covenant, the old law that cleanses us, but rather the blood of Jesus and the new covenant, the new promise of a relationship with him and salvation from the cross and the sacrifice of Jesus. We're no longer clean centered on rituals like cleansing of water, but centered in his blood, as represented by the wine that would soon fill these jars. We're going to continue on this story in our next episode. We wanted to give it the proper time and attention that it deserves, being Jesus's first miracle ever performed, So make sure to join us next time for Water into Wine Part two. Thank you again for listening to The Jesus Podcast. 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