Jesus’ first miracle was at the request of His earthly mother. It was for her friends facing embarrassment at their child’s wedding. Isn’t that a surprising choice for His first miracle? He hadn’t planned it and even told Mary it wasn’t time yet. Jesus’ first miracle was in response to someone with a relationship with Him coming to Him on another’s behalf. Let us not underestimate God’s heart and His response to us when we know Him, pray, and intercede for others.
"When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no wine.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My hour has not yet come.” John 2:3-7
God Changes His Mind
The Bible contains examples of how prayer and relationships can change God’s mind. The fact that Mary didn’t take Jesus’ apparent no for an answer speaks to the intimacy of their relationship. Jesus was moved by Mary’s love and concern for her friends and her faith that He could do something to help the situation. Jesus may not have planned to save a wedding by doing a miracle, but Mary changed His mind. My hour has not yet come were His words. However, Mary’s response to them was key. “Do whatever He tells you to do “ them to do, a statement of simple faith that Jesus took pleasure in answering.
"His mother said to the servants, “Whatever he says to you, do it.” John 2:3
Letting Go to God
We can learn from Mary to make space for God to answer our prayers how He sees fit. God sees the big picture and takes every factor and person into account. If I were Mary, I might have been tempted to ask Him to make the glasses automatically refillable or something cool and flashy. We, however, experience frustration when we think we know how God should answer our prayers. Mary’s love for her friends and her intercession for them, followed by her faith and silent acquiescence to Jesus’s method of answers, was aspirational. Mary trusted Jesus to handle it and didn’t have to control how it was handled.
"Now there were six water pots of stone set there after the Jews’ way of purifying, containing two or three metretes[a]apiece. Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim." John 2:3-7
It Wasn’t About Him
Out of all the ways for the Son of God to perform a miracle, He performed a quiet, humble act of service for the needs of a family. It was the perfect message. The priority was meeting needs and answering the prayer of a loving heart toward family and friends. Mary told Jesus the need but left it in His hands. She didn’t assume she knew the best way for Jesus to do this. There was no grandstanding, grandiose gesture; the guests didn’t even know that He performed this miracle. Jesus protected Mary’s friends from shame rather than bringing glory to Himself. Mary, the grateful parents, His disciples, and the servants were the first and only people to see Jesus’ first miracle.
"Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the ruler of the feast.” So they took it. When the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and didn’t know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have drunk freely, then that which is worse. You have kept the good wine until now!” This beginning of his signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him."
Prayer and Politics
We often underestimate the power of praying for others, but that selfless act inspired Jesus’ first miracle. God sees the bigger picture, which includes many hidden details. We should be specific with our prayers, but we allow space for God to decide how He answers. As the American elections loom, we can apply this to political situations. Our prayers should focus on the welfare of our country and repentance. Among other things, let’s pray 2 Chronicles 7:14 and that His will be done. Let’s continue to press in, knowing that He wants what’s best for us more than we do. When our hearts are positioned with this heart of intercession, we don’t freak out when things don’t go our way.
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Prayer
Lord, I come before you, and I have all kinds of ideas on how you can fix things. Some of them are pretty good, clear, and common sense. But right now, like Mary, I acquiesce to you. I pray that we as a country will turn from our wicked, cruel, hateful, selfish ways and turn towards You. Lord, You then promise to hear from heaven, forgive our sins, and heal our land. I pray for this political race, protection for all candidates, and the state of this country. Lord, usher in Your compassion and justice and let Your will be done above all. I give it all to You to work as You see fit. may everyone involved do Your will. If things don’t work how I feel they should, I will trust that You are working things together for Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
