The Transforming Presence of Jesus

I have read many messages about the Wedding in Cana. In some of them, we are told that Jesus is so concerned about people that he prevents this married couple from being embarrassed at their wedding. Others say that Jesus’ presence at the wedding proves that Jesus sanctioned marriage as a holy union. Still others say that it demonstrates the even though Jesus was God, he nonetheless was submissive to his mother…revealing to us that children should submit to their parents. Finally, I have heard people suggest that this incident proves that Jesus was a fun person to have around, otherwise he wouldn’t have been invited to the party. But surely this passage is not preserved for us so that we realize that Jesus is a nice guy who approves of marriage, obeys his parents, and doesn’t want people to be embarrassed at a party. So, why is this incident preserved for us?

Well, according to John, the reason is that this miracle functions as a “sign” concerning who Jesus was. In other words, it reveals the glory of Jesus in such a way so as to cause faith in those who understand its purpose. And, sure enough, the disciples put their faith in Jesus. But, what was so significant in this sign. It’s hard to say, but it seems to me that it reveals not only that Jesus has authority over natural elements, but more specifically points to His central mission. Just as Jesus turned water into wine, so He would turn sinners into saints. Just as Jesus took something ordinary and made it extraordinary, so too Jesus would take ordinary people and make them extraordinary. Just as Jesus makes the choicest of wines, so He will make the choicest of people.

When Jesus enters the life of a person, nothing is ordinary. The mundane things of daily life turn into opportunities to extend God’s kingdom. The work site becomes a mission field and my relationships become avenues to reflect the goodness and grace of God. Just as Jesus changes water into wine, so He changes ordinary life into extraordinary mission. There are certainly other reasons for the preservation of this story, but certainly a part of the reason this is recorded is to show us the transforming nature of the presence of Jesus. I pray He is in your life, transforming every day into an adventure of discovering and living the will of our Father. Have a great day!