You have kept the good wine until now! (John 1:10)
The wedding at Cana is one of my favorite Bible stories about Jesus. We have his mother busy with ensuring no guest goes without something to drink and Jesus provides abundantly. It is so much like His Father to be concerned with every need of a guest and to give more than we ever ask. This lovely story only appears in the Gospel of John, which suggests that it might be his own wedding. But, given his tender age at the time of Jesus ministry, I find that unlikely, even though it is the traditional interpretation of Bede and Aquinas.
Cana was the hometown of Nathanael, whom Jesus had just called as a disciple. Recall that Nathanael answered him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art King of Israel. (John 1:49) Even so, the Word simply tells us that there was a wedding, and the mother of Jesus was there. Why she and Jesus and his disciples were there is of no interest to John. He has higher issues to consider that support the testimony of John the Baptist.
Possibly, Mary was in part responsible for the arrangements for this wedding. She would be if it were a member of her family. But I picture Mary like my dad’s mother. Invited or not, she would certainly be hovering over the festivities, making sure everyone had a good time. Hospitality was her specialty. It would be unthinkable to her that they would run out of wine, and a guest would have nothing to drink. It is important to note that the wine was diluted with water and there is no evidence that the wedding guests were getting drunk on it. Nor is there any indication that wine was to be prohibited to believers.
We are reminded of father Abraham when he entertained the angels. My lord, if now I have found favor in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant: let now a little water be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree: and I will fetch a morsel of bread, and strengthen ye your heart. (Gen 18:3-5) As welcoming as this may have been, Abraham went far beyond his promise. Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes. And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetched a calf tender and good, and gave it unto the servant; and he hasted to dress it. And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat. (Gen 18:6-8) Hospitality was followed by abundance.
Not only did Jesus provide a large amount of wine. It was of the best quality. This is God’s way. He meets our need in abundance, not just a little bit, but lavishly does he bestow his gifts upon us. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, (Eph 3:20) The apostle John calls the miracle of making water into wine the beginning of his signs did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested his glory. (John 2:11) It was not a private act of piety but a public display of power. Jesus had entered the world as the Messiah and demonstrated his authority in very public ways. He was no hermit or monk isolated away in a monastery. He was a public minister to the people.
God gives abundantly what we need. This does not mean he will make us wealthy, as the world views wealth. And Jesus said unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, It is hard for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:23) We can be assured that, if we walk with God in Christ, our needs will be met. Not necessarily in ways we expect or demand, but in ways that God has determined are best for us. Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value than they? (Matthew 6:26)
This is the true prosperity Gospel. Not every desire, but every need. And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19) The supply is abundant and linked with hospitality. Just as God gives of his riches abundantly to meet our needs, we are to show hospitality to the stranger in our midst, providing him abundantly to meet his needs out of our own riches. When thou makest a feast, bid the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed; because they have not wherewith to recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed in the resurrection of the just. (Luke 14:13-14)
Those riches we share are not always financial. They may be our gifts of prayer, fellowship, and love. Just so, our needs are not always related to health and wealth but to a deeper sense of the presence of God. When we are in the midst of grief or pain, we remember I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13)
Mary suggesting to Jesus that he do something about the wine is another example of those who recognized Jesus for Who He is.
Making a Difference in the World 