Xanthe Hancox

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, ‘They have no more wine.’… What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.  John 2:1-3,11

It seems as though Jesus enjoyed eating. There are many passages in the New Testament that describe meals and gatherings, breakfasts and dinners, parties and celebrations. His first miracle famously took place at a party – the wedding in Cana where he turned the water into wine.

In this story in John 2 Jesus prevents a potential social disaster. The families of the bride and groom in Cana must have thanked Jesus profusely for taking ordinary water and turning it into extraordinary wine to rescue their children’s wedding party.

Yet there is much more to celebrate here than a successful party. John says this first miraculous sign reveals the glory of Jesus. So what exactly is glorious about this? Not the wine, but the identity of the wine-maker. John 1:14 tells us that Jesus is the Word of God in human flesh, who lived among us and that we have witnessed his glory. It’s incredible that God himself was part of our human celebrations and feasts, blessing human activity and relationships with his divine presence.

God’s people should celebrate when they recognize God’s work and presence in their lives, and Jesus is the best person to teach us how. At every wedding, birthday party or Saturday braai you attend, celebrate Jesus’s presence among you. Thank God that in the events of daily life Christ’s glory lives and works among us.

Prayer: Mighty God, your glory often seems so far out of reach. Yet you love us so much that you send your glory among us. May we witness and praise your presence in Christ. Amen.