Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today is the first miracle of Jesus and the way John summarizes the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine by saying in John 2: "11 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." It is interesting that even though we should have faith in Christ because of the truth of HIS life and ministry, death and Resurrection etc... We are drawn by the Holy Spirit to faith but "signs and wonders" or "miracles" do have a place in drawing us to the Lord. What if the disciples saw Jesus clear the temple first, which comes next in John's gospel before they experienced this miracle at the wedding. Would it have changed the way the disciples viewed Jesus? Would it have changed the focus of HIS ministry and the way HIS disciples perceived HIS purpose?
It sounds from the text that Jesus does this to appease HIS mother? Does this mean it was not intended? I will explain in the sermon how the Jewish wedding happens and why what Jesus said was not disrespectful or unintentional but he was saying "I will take care of it" this is why Mary tells the servants "do as he says!"
This story occurred on a Wednesday in a village that could be seen from Nazareth. It was a joy filled event and thus the wine was essential as the Rabbi says "without wine there is no joy!" It is not that they got drunk but it was a sign of celebration and joyful hospitality and Jesus rescued this bride and groom in one of the most important and supreme highlight times of their lives!
I believe the Lord did this in the unassuming place at this family event with his followers to indicate the kind of ministry we should have: one where the Lord shows up and signs & wonders are evident. Where healing and power are common. Where we trust in the Lord expectant of HIS glory and majesty to be evident in HIS TRUE and REAL PRESENCE in Word and Sacrament among HIS family!
If Jesus' followers saw him start his ministry clearing the temple they may have missed the joy that he had in this celebration. They would have thought only of Law and judgement rather than grace and family. Praise the Lord that on this LIFE Sunday we can think of the Lord as a God who begins with LOVE, MERCY, JOY AND POWER rather than judgement.
I know most people think of LIFE Sunday as a time to judge those who take life in any way but mostly in the womb. I like to focus on the Miraculous aspects of the gift of LIFE. I like to thank our Lord for the gift of ultra sounds like they now have at the Family Life Services which allows people to see the miracle of Life in the womb. It is with the advancements in science and DNA mapping that we see the truth of how our very lives are miracles!
May we join in celebrating our Lord who rescues us as he did this couple in Cana! Let us celebrate the fact that all around us the Lord is manifesting and revealing his glory so we can respond like his disciples and put our faith in him!
This Wednesday we will have the Concert of Prayer here at the Cross and Res EMU site. It includes a number of pastors and is a great time. Next week we will begin a series "IN HIM, WITH HIM, THROUGH HIM!" as we prepare for Lent! We will be concentrating on our relationships UP, IN and OUT as the family of God.
Love in Christ our Risen Lord and great Savior,
Pastor Bryan
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