When the Wine Runs Out: The Transformative Glory of Jesus at Cana

Imagine a wedding celebration in full swing, the air filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses, when suddenly, the wine runs dry. This scene, set at Cana in Galilee, marks the beginning of a profound narrative that transcends a simple miracle. It is here, at this wedding, that Jesus performs His first sign, turning water into wine, not merely to replenish the festivities but to unveil His divine glory. This story, as recounted in John 2, is not about the wine itself but about the revelation of Jesus' glory and the faith it inspires. The purpose of this narrative is clear: to show that Jesus came to transform lives, to bring fullness and joy, and to call us to recognize His glory and believe in Him. This is the essence of the biblical message, as relevant today as it was then.

The First Sign: A Revelation of Glory

At the heart of the wedding at Cana is the first of Jesus' signs, the transformation of water into wine. This act, performed on the third day after His baptism, serves as a powerful testament to His divine nature. The six stone water jars, used for Jewish rites of purification, were filled to the brim with water at Jesus' command. When the master of the feast tasted the water-turned-wine, he marveled at its quality, noting that the best wine was saved for last. This miracle was not just about solving a practical problem; it was a revelation of Jesus' glory, a sign that prompted His disciples to believe in Him. It underscores the central theme: the glory of Jesus and the faith it inspires.

The Timing of God: Trusting in Divine Schedules


Jesus' response to His mother, "Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come," highlights the theme of divine timing. While human schedules are often rushed and impatient, God's timing operates on a different plane. Jesus attended the wedding, participated in social life, and yet acted according to God's calendar. This teaches us to trust in God's timing, even when it seems slow or out of sync with our own. The abundance of wine, approximately 600 liters, symbolizes the fullness of life that Jesus came to offer. It signifies that with Jesus, the best is saved for last, both in this life and in the eternal kingdom.

Faith in Action: The Role of the Disciples and Servants

The disciples at Cana were not just passive observers; their faith deepened as they witnessed the miracle. Their belief in Jesus was a direct response to the revelation of His glory. Similarly, the servants who filled the jars with water at Jesus' command played a crucial role. Their obedience to Jesus' instructions, even without understanding the full scope of what was happening, demonstrates that faith requires action. Both the disciples and the servants serve as models of faith, showing that those who follow Jesus and obey His will can experience wonders beyond their comprehension.

The Contrast of Worlds: Jesus and the Kingdom of God

The miracle at Cana also highlights the stark contrast between the world's ways and the kingdom of God. In the world, the best is often served first, followed by a decline in quality. With Jesus, however, the pattern is reversed: first comes the hardship and self-restraint, then the joy and spiritual elation. This reversal is a reminder that the joy of the Lord is our strength, as seen in the promise of abundant wine at the wedding. It points to the ultimate fulfillment of our needs, both physical and spiritual, in the kingdom of God, where life is celebrated in its fullness.

The Journey of Faith: From Brokenness to Redemption

Life's journey often mirrors the wedding at Cana, where the wine runs out, symbolizing times when our resources, joy, and hope diminish. Yet, it is in these moments of brokenness that the path of faith often leads us. Through trials and the recognition of our own limitations, we come to grasp the wondrous redemption and grace offered by Christ. Jesus brings the wine of joy, securing for us eternal life. The wedding at Cana, therefore, serves as an image of the kingdom of God, where celebration and life are fulfilled in their entirety.

The story of the wedding at Cana is a profound narrative that invites us to delve deeper into the transformative power of Jesus' glory. It calls us to trust in God's timing, to act in faith, and to recognize the stark contrast between the world's fleeting pleasures and the enduring joy of the kingdom of God. As we journey through life's challenges, let us remember that Jesus came to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, offering us the fullness of life both now and in the eternal celebration to come. Let us embrace this journey, trusting in the divine schedule and acting in faith, for in doing so, we glimpse the glory of Jesus and are drawn ever closer to the promise of eternal life.

Dear congregation, let us hold fast to this truth: the glory of Jesus has the power to transform our lives. Let us recognize His glory, believe in Him, and live in the fullness of life He offers. May we be a testament to His transformative power, sharing His joy and grace with all whom we encounter.

Amen.

Sermon held on 01/17/2021