“Wine, Weddings and Jesus”
By Rev. Dr. Carla Romarate-Knipel
“9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” 11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.” – John 2:9-11, ESV
“The result is not that the wedding is filled with marveling crowds but that the disciples believe in Jesus (verse 11). The event has become, for them, the first ‘sign,’ a revelation of Jesus’ glory.” – Brian Peterson, cited in “Jesus Saves the Day (and more),” The Working Preacher
My first lesson in wine tasting began when I started dating Pastor Dave. I used to tease him that it was only when I met and married him that I began drinking! I would pause and add the word, “responsibly.” At our wedding reception in Iloilo, the only wine served was champagne for the toast. In the wedding reception at York, it was a ‘dry’ reception, but Pastor Dave’s great aunt sneaked in a flask of something stronger than wine! Through the years, I have been to wedding receptions and tasted different kinds of wine. I have discovered that wine is usually served to mark major moments in life, especially during weddings.
It is remarkable that the first miracle Jesus did (albeit with some nudging from his mother, Mary) was turning water into wine. I wondered why Jesus gave in to his mother’s request. John, the Gospel writer does not give an explanation. Perhaps he really did intend to make this divine intervention, but on his own terms and timing. We cannot know for sure. But this miracle was the first of the series of signs that Jesus did to reveal who he was and why he was sent to earth by his heavenly Father. It was in a wedding, not the sick bed or a cemetery that Jesus first revealed his identity as God’s Chosen. But only the disciples began to recognize that the miracle pointed to who Jesus was. The marveling crowds and the wedding party were awed with the best wine saved for last, without knowing what it meant. Jesus’ glory was hidden from most of the wedding guests.
What does this mean for 21st century disciples? How do we get a glimpse of Jesus’ glory beyond reading or hearing this story reported by John? In our times it is not hard to find situations “where the wine ran out.” According to Brian Peterson, “Shortfalls in finances, health, patience, compassion and hope can all threaten the celebration. How then do we see the ‘glory of Jesus’ that is revealed?” Peterson offers this answer: “… the glory of Christ is revealed in love, in service, in community, in grace.”
There were instances in my life that “wine” had ran out. Inspired by Mary’s boldness, I prayed, “Lord, the wine has run out, please do something.” Sometimes there was an immediate response. At other times, there was a longer wait. But whether it was a short or long wait, Jesus had shown up and surprised me in ways that I hadn’t expected or imagined. Although he did not come in his earthly form, his glory was revealed in the acts of kindness, generosity and love of his dedicated modern-day disciples and the Church.
This summer may we be on the lookout for Jesus whether it is in a celebration like a wedding where wine will flow, or something less grand. Whatever the celebration may be, the wine may not run out, but perhaps there are other things that are running out, like patience, kindness, or forgiveness. May this be an opportunity for us to call on Jesus and ask for him to show up and not just save the day, but to save us. May we be open to obey Jesus’ instructions when he shows up with his transforming presence. Like the servants may we be diligent in pouring the water of service that Jesus can use to transform into the wine of redemption that will quench the thirst of a weary soul.
Have a blessed and safe summer, and may the glory of Jesus be revealed through you and me.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Carla
