Reflecting on John 2:1-12“The master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine.” (John 2:9).
Turning water into wine, and at a wedding, is an odd miracle.
I can understand healing or feeding people, these seem more beneficial.
But Jesus’s miracles were for more than just helping people.
They were signs meant to reveal God’s presence and power at work.
What is also significant is the symbolism behind the sign.
The water for ceremonial washing was a religious reminder of their sin.
It reminded them that they were unclean, that something was wrong.
Wine was a symbol of joy and celebration, of goodness in life.
“Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound” (Psalm 4:7)
Jesus represents the restoration of joy, and the end of religion.
He does so with His own loving sacrifice, also symbolized by a cup of wine.
At this moment people would not understand all this, but it did make them wonder.
This miracle reminds me to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8).
It also reminds me of the superiority of Jesus over religion and ritual.
Jesus does not come to burden us with more religion, but to bring us joy!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, change the remnants of religion in my own life into the goodness and joy of knowing that I am loved by God, by grace alone. Fill my heart with relational joy, that I may celebrate the Father's love!
Water was the symbol of removing my dirt, my sins. I am made clean. My dirt has been washed away. As stated, wine brings joy and gladness to the heart. The joy of the Lord my God in my strength each day anew. It is in that daily renewal I am able to go forward this day serving Him where He has placed me and lifts me up to go forward in joy.