The gospel writer John lays out the mission and message of Jesus in these first few chapters. Jesus has come to be a light shining in the darkness (John 1:4-5,9, 3:19-21). He is God in the flesh (John 1:1-3, 14). He is Heaven reaching down to men (1:18, 3:13). Jesus has come to reveal God to men.
The wedding feast in chapter two seems to always jump out at me. It’s the first miracle/ Sign Jesus offers of his divinity. You can’t help but wonder,what does Jesus have to do with wine? What does Jesus have to do with weddings? Why here, why now?
I think it is interesting that Jesus begins and ends His earthly ministry with wine. The first is to celebrate in a covenant marriage feast where they did not have enough to go around. The last to help usher in a different kind of covenant. One where his blood would become the atonement for our sins and there would be plenty to go around (Matthew 26:27-29).
Similarly I think the wedding here is a hint of a greater wedding feast to come (Revelation 19:7-9). I do not think that it is an accident that John begins his Gospel with a wedding feast and ends the book of Revelation with a wedding feast. (God used the Apostle to write both the Gospel of John and the book of Revelation). I know that when we speak of Jesus’ hour not yet coming that often it’s in regards to his crucifixion. However, I think there is a glimpse of something greater in John chapter two. He is a groom and his bride is not quiet ready, his hour has not yet come. (I owe this thought to Timothy Keller)
Here is how my heart is provoked to pray through this passage today.
Lord, I thank you that when we don’t have enough, that you are more than enough. I thank you that weddings reflect your joy for your people and that marriage reflects your love for your people. I look forward with joy and anticipation for the day when all things will be fulfilled in Christ. I am grateful that you drank the cup of wrath that I might drink the cup of life. Thank you for communion and how it reminds me of your love poured out for me. Thank you that when I was a stranger and could not understand you that you came to me and drew me close to you. I pray for your kingdom to come and I ask that the sick, the lost, those suffering loss, the one’s in pain, the discouraged, those in need of direction, those who are facing crisis, those who experience joy, those who I am charged to shepherd would be suited and ready in that final hour. In Jesus Name. Amen.
What did you take away from today’s reading? What are your thoughts or questions? Feel free to comment below and enter the discussion.
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