Tag Archives: Cana

Is it our problem when people are about to embarrass themselves? (John 2:4)

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Today’s Podcast


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  1. Thanks for joining me today for “A Little Walk with God.” I’m your host Richard Agee.
  2. Is it our problem when someone forgets or miscalculates or does something that will cause them embarrassment? Jesus asked that questions, and then answered it with actions instead of words.
  3. Scripture
    1. John 2:4
    2. Jesus:  Dear woman, is it our problem they miscalculated when buying wine and inviting guests? My time has not arrived.
  4. Devotional
    1. So what do you think about Jesus’ conversation with His mother?
      1. I would have been slapped silly or told “wait til your father gets home!”
      2. Feminists cringe at His language
      3. Have a hard time getting past the way Jesus addresses His mother
      4. Different day and time
      5. Jesus was an adult male in a male dominant society
      6. Mary addressed Him in public which was pretty taboo in His culture
      7. Gentle but reminded her of the culture, Dear woman!
    2. Let’s get past the address between Jesus and Mary and look at the next piece
      1. Is it our problem they miscalculated?
      2. Is it our problem they ran out of wine?
      3. Is it our problem they can’t get their act together?
      4. Is it our problem they will embarrass themselves in front of all these guests?
      5. Reminiscent of Cain’s question to God, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Do I need to be responsible for him? Do I need to bail him out when he’s in trouble? Do I need to be accountable for his actions as well as my own?
    3. You might think Jesus brushes her off with His comments to His mother, but she knows Him well.
      1. We know the rest of the story
      2. First miracle
      3. Mary tells the servants to do whatever Jesus tells them to do
      4. She is confident He will take care of the wine problem
      5. She is confident He will keep the host from embarrassment
      6. She is confident He will take care of the needs He finds around Him
    4. What lessons should we learn from Jesus’ encounter
      1. Don’t address your mother the way He did, that was a cultural difference your mother will probably not tolerate, nor should she in this country and this time
      2. Like Mary, we should be sensitive to the needs of those around us
      3. Like Mary, we should take those issues to Jesus whether we created the problem or not
      4. We can help others learn from their miscalculations, but we can also help and keep them from embarrassment, failure or worse
      5. Jesus shows us we are our brothers’ keepers
    5. Go do something good for someone today
  5. If you want to learn more about my church, you can find us at SAF.church. If you like the devotional, share it with someone. If you don’t, tell me. I hope you’ll join me again tomorrow for “A Little Walk with God.”

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved. In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Jesus knows how to party! (John 2:1-12), July 31, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – John 2:1-12

Set – Psalms 107; John 2

Go! – Isaiah 63-64; Psalms 107; John 2

John 2:1-12

1 Three days later, they all went to celebrate a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was invited 2 together with Him and His disciples. 3 While they were celebrating, the wine ran out; and Jesus’ mother hurried over to her son.
Mary: The host stands on the brink of embarrassment; there are many guests, and there is no more wine.
Jesus: 4 Dear woman, is it our problem they miscalculated when buying wine and inviting guests? My time has not arrived.
5 But she turned to the servants.
Mary: Do whatever my son tells you.
6 In that area were six massive stone water pots that could each hold 20 to 30 gallons. They were typically used for Jewish purification rites. 7 Jesus’ instructions were clear:
Jesus: Fill each water pot with water until it’s ready to spill over the top; 8 then fill a cup, and deliver it to the headwaiter.
They did exactly as they were instructed. 9 After tasting the water that had become wine, the headwaiter couldn’t figure out where such wine came from (even though the servants knew), and he called over the bridegroom in amazement.
Headwaiter: 10 This wine is delectable. Why would you save the most exquisite fruit of the vine? A host would generally serve the good wine first and, when his inebriated guests don’t notice or care, he would serve the inferior wine. You have held back the best for last.
11 Jesus performed this miracle, the first of His signs, in Cana of Galilee. They did not know how this happened; but when the disciples and the servants witnessed this miracle, their faith blossomed.
12 Jesus then gathered His clan—His family members and disciples—for a journey to Capernaum where they lingered several days.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

So many people think Christians have sour dispositions and must keep this down-in-the-mouth look about them all the time. Nothing could be further from the truth. My followers should know real joy. I did. I knew what life was all about. In fact, my first public miracle happened at a party! If you’ve never been to a Jewish wedding feast, I can tell you, they know how to throw a party! Food, music, dancing, laughter. Everyone has a great time celebrating the beginning of new family with the bride and groom.

Naturally, when My mother saw the host ran out of wine, she didn’t want him embarrassed in front of his family and friends and came to Me to do something about it. She knew I was the Creator. If anyone could help him out, I could. She wasn’t sure how, but knew I could do something.

Of course no one would expect Me to use the water used to wash the guests feet as they came in from the street to fix the situation, but I’m known for doing the unexpected. The servants were certainly surprised I asked them to fill those pitchers full of water instead of the wine casks, but they did it. I’m sure they didn’t tell the host where they got the wine until after the party, though.

If the host and his guests knew they were drinking from the jars reserved for footwashing they wouldn’t understand. But My act of service for My mother is tied to My last act of service for My disciples. I took water from jars similar to those at that wedding in Cana to wash My disciples feet. You see, it’s not about how good the wine tasted or how clean the water might or might not be, it’s about living a life of servanthood for those around you.

Look for ways you can serve in little ways. You’ll find dozens of things you can do for others if you just open your eyes with My eyes. Instead of jars of dirty water, you’ll see the best wine. Instead of a muddy street, you’ll see the material to make new eyes. Instead of a leper shunned from society, you’ll see a friend who needs a hug. You’ll see opportunities all around you to do the unexpected.

I came and turned organized religion upside down. I changed the somber, sour, burdensome rules to a life of joy and contentment and peace. One that attracted children wherever I went. And you know that children will not follow a sour-puss. Even My disciples scoffed at the fun I had with the children around Me until I rebuked them for trying to push them away. They they joined in on the games and the fun. I enjoy life! That’s why I grant you life in the first place. That’s why I want you to accept eternal life with Me so the joy never has to end.

I’m ready to party with you in just a little while. I’ve been getting the banquet hall ready. We will have a grand time of it. Get ready. I’m coming soon.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.