Belonging (S2) : WK 3 - MON

(John 2:1-11 NLT) The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, [2] and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. [3] The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus' mother told him, "They have no more wine." [4] "Dear woman, that's not our problem," Jesus replied. "My time has not yet come." [5] But his mother told the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." [6] Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. [7] Jesus told the servants, "Fill the jars with water." When the jars had been filled, [8] he said, "Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies." So the servants followed his instructions. [9] When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. [10] "A host always serves the best wine first," he said. "Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!" [11] This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

This week we will be abiding with Jesus, His disciples, and His mother at a wedding. I love everything about this story. I love all of the interaction Jesus has with everyone at this wedding celebration. Which, if you are not aware, this wedding and all of the events associated with it would typically last about seven days. There was a great deal of love, rejoicing, and celebration, complete with plenty of food, wine, dancing, and feasting.

The miracle Jesus performs in this story is also understood to be His first miracle of His ministry, going forward. Everything about this miracle is fascinating if we allow ourselves to engage with its subtleties and nuances. Don’t be quick to read over this passage. I want to encourage you to linger in it for a few slow minutes. Go back and reread the passage. Perhaps take a few deep breaths before reading it and ask Jesus to draw you in and help you engage with Him in the beautiful and non-threatening ways He reveals Himself in this story. Allow yourself to be there with Jesus as you participate with Jesus in the festivities.
Now that you have lingered with Jesus in this moment:

1. What are some things you noticed?
2. How did you interact with Jesus and/or the others in this situation?
3. Was there anything Jesus was offering you and/or others? Jesus always extends invitations to us in every situation. What is the invitation being offered to you from Jesus?