The 21 Day Experiment - Day 2: Jesus’ First Miracle

by Marilynn Chadwick

You have kept the best until now! John 2:10 (NLT)

John records more of Jesus’s miracles than any other Gospel. Some even call John “The Book of Miracles.” Miracles grab our attention. Just the idea of a miracle makes my heart beat faster.

Let's look at Jesus’s very first miracle recorded in the Bible. You’d expect the event to be carefully orchestrated and designed for maximum impact—a dramatic launch to his earthly ministry. Instead, we see a reluctant Savior gently prodded into a demonstration of power by his mother. We can’t tell from the text whether Mary was incredibly discerning or just plain pushy. Sometimes we mothers can be like that. Mary alerts her son to the embarrassment faced by the wedding couple who was just about out of wine. Jesus responds, “Is that any of our business, Mother—yours or mine? This isn’t my time. Don’t push me.” She went ahead anyway, telling the servants, “Whatever he tells you, do it” (John 2:4-5 MSG).

No doubt, Mary had observed God’s divine imprint on the life of her son since birth. She was certain he could handle this situation. Plus, she probably felt compassion for the bridegroom. Jewish weddings lasted for seven days. Keeping a full supply of wine for the guests was the bridegroom’s responsibility. For a peasant farmer, this was an enormous expense. It would be a huge embarrassment to run out of wine, and the bride’s parents could even sue the poor guy if he didn’t fulfill his end of the deal!

This story is significant on many levels. Some scholars contrast the water of the law to the wine of Jesus’s grace. But I simply love the heart of our Lord as he does his first mighty act. He helped a nervous groom save face, providing not only a miracle of wine, but the best wine. And after Jesus's miracle, the master of the banquet goes up to the baffled but probably delighted young man, surprising him with words of praise.

I've chosen this verse as my watchword for today: “A host always serves the best wine first. Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” (John 2:10 NLT).

The results? “This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in Him” (John 2:11 NLT). Today, I am praying for those on my prayer list. I am asking God to not only take care of their daily needs but also to bring each of them joy like new wine at a wedding feast.

Are you going through a trying time? Don't give up. Listen to the Lord’s voice. Practice his Presence. Watch for signs—however small—of the Savior at work today. You just may discover he has been saving the best wine in your life until now.