Two of the most admirable characteristics of Christ are his humbleness and compassion. There is a hidden lesson in this story: when success is achieved, we should glorify our Lord not ourselves. That is an attitude worth celebrating.
Enjoy this brief excerpt from Sharing Stories of Jesus with Children as well as my reflection and scripture reference.
The bride and groom are seated at the table as honored guests gather around. Jesus is instructing the servants to pour water into vases and immediately it transforms into wine.
Red, Red Wine
Music is playing,
songs are sung.
The wedding feast
has just begun.
There will be days
to drink and eat
best of everything
at their feet.
A cousin’s invitation
Mary and Jesus attend
but, after several days
flow of wine will end.
Wine so important
for heartfelt toasts
has finally run dry
at the end, needed most.
Encouraged by Mary
he taps vessels of stone.
Soon the clear water
becomes red wine alone.
Servants are amazed
only they understand
first miracle happened
with the touch of his hand.
The finest wine is served
the wedding is a hit
Jesus’ glory is revealed
in a basin with a lid.
If you enjoyed this poem click on the books link within this website for easy access to purchasing Sharing Stories of Jesus with Children. God Bless You.
Reflection:
Think about the last wedding reception you attended. Visualize the food, dancing, toasts, and beverages being consumed. Usually, a reception lasts several hours but in Jesus’ time it lasted for days. The success of the event depended on the grandeur of the party and the items served. Imagine the embarrassment for the host if the wine runs out midway through the celebration.
This wedding is for Jesus’ cousin and his mother Mary responds to God’s nudge that this is the moment Jesus is to begin his ministry with her encouragement. The first miracle occurs when the water is placed in the vessels and turns into exceptionally fine wine.
Unlike the picture shown where the crowd witnesses the miracle, this was done in private where the servants alone saw the power of Christ. Christ was never about bringing attention to himself. He never sought power or fame but directed every accomplishment to his heavenly father.
Two of the most admirable characteristics of Christ are his humbleness and compassion. There is a hidden lesson in this story: when success is achieved, we should glorify our Lord not ourselves. That is an attitude worth celebrating.
John 2: 1-11
1 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; 2 and both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”
6 Now there were six stone water pots set there for the Jewish custom of purification, containing twenty or thirty gallons each. 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim. 8 And He said to them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it to him. 9 When the headwaiter tasted the water which had become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom, 10 and said to him, “Every man serves the good wine first, and when the people have drunk freely, then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now.” 11 This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.