John 2:1-11
The wedding feast at Cana, the site of Jesus’s first miracle in the Gospel of John, is one of the most well-known stories in Scripture. Or at least, we think we know it. We know Jesus turned water into wine, and we’ve probably heard sermons about how wedding feasts in the ancient world lasted for days and were an entire community affair. We’ve likely also heard sermons or Bible studies about the fact that hospitality codes were complex and strict during this time period, and to run out of wine before the feast had ended was at best an embarrassing faux pas, at worst a deeply shaming nightmare for the newlyweds and their families. There was no corner store to run to for ice or extra cases of wine. To ask a neighbor to take from their stores would have been another opportunity for shame and embarrassment, and would have taken too much time. Yes, to run out of wine was a pretty big deal, as it might be today to run out of food before all have been served or to mistakenly invite more people than your venue can hold. But the impact of the miracle goes well beyond saving face for a few family friends. This story is the story of a beginning. This is the story of Mary’s second yes, and Jesus’s first step toward the cross.
The exchange between mother and son is one that has been translated and interpreted in many different tones- some in which Mary is demanding and Jesus dismissive, some in which Jesus comes off as actually insulting his mother. The mother of Jesus, like so many mothers, is paying attention to the hosts, to the housekeeping, to the same things that will one day get Martha in trouble for worrying too much. Mary notices the wine running out, perhaps she overhears the panicked muttering of servants in the margins of the room. She pulls her son aside and tells him, “They have no wine.” We do not know why she cared. In all likelihood this mistake of hospitality would not have impacted her in any way, maybe it would be inconvenient, probably awkward. But the first time Mary asks her son to fix something that only he can fix, the first miracle Jesus performs, is on behalf of others. This is the first prayer of intercession brought to Jesus, a hushed whisper naming a need. They have no wine. Jesus’s response is less than satisfactory, and often read as downright rude. “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” Basically, “Mom, it’s none of our business.”
But we know Mary, and Mary knows Jesus. We know Mary is not a passive or timid person, the path to parenthood she chose is not for the faint of heart. We know Mary is someone who listens deeply, who notices, who ponders and contemplates every word said to her about her mysterious son. And after raising him to adulthood, after watching him grow in wisdom and in stature, Mary knows who her son is, and she trusts in that knowledge. Jesus’s words may sound like a dismissal, but Mary’s next words tell us she doesn’t buy it. Do whatever he tells you, she tells the servants of the household. Mary may be meddling, but she clearly believes that her efforts will not be in vain.
At this point in Jesus’s ministry, he has not performed any signs. He has collected some disciples, and of course even from a young age he has shown a propensity for teaching and preaching and studying scripture. But no miracles have yet occurred to draw attention to his particular way, he is not yet under the watchful and suspicious eye of the authorities, nor has he sparked jealousy among the religious elite. It is perhaps this reason why Jesus hesitates when the opportunity to step into his place as king of creation is presented to him. It might have been nice to simply enjoy the party, and put off the hard stuff for another day. What Mary does, in both the intercession to Jesus and the preparation of the servants, sets the wheels in motion for the rest of Jesus’s earthly life. Just as she gave her yes to God before his birth, Mary now takes an active role in the ministry that will end in his violent death, and a bitter grief that will pierce her own heart. The quick exchange between mother and son becomes the pinpoint through which the kingdom of heaven breaks through, transforming water into wine and shame into celebration and simplicity into glory. There is no going back, no remaining a simple rabbi in a small town. It is the beginning of the new creation, and the beginning of the end.
The jars are filled, the water becomes wine, the guests are impressed and the party is saved. Only Jesus, Mary, the disciples and the servants were witnesses to the making of this miracle, but it only takes one voice to spread the Good News. From this moment, the disciples grow to understand the glory of God made manifest in Jesus, and the news of his power spreads like holy fire. All this takes place because someone noticed a need, and trusted Jesus to fill it. May we be filled with the same trust. Amen.
Mother A Writes 