Lenten Devotional // Day 10

Saturday, March 12
THE FIRST MIRACLE by Mike DePope

John 2:1-12
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They don’t have any wine.”
Jesus replied, “Woman, what does that have to do with me? My time hasn’t come yet.”
His mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby were six stone water jars used for the Jewish cleansing ritual, each able to hold about twenty or thirty gallons.
Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water,” and they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some from them and take it to the headwaiter,” and they did. The headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine. He didn’t know where it came from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew.
The headwaiter called the groom and said, “Everyone serves the good wine first. They bring out the second-rate wine only when the guests are drinking freely. You kept the good wine until now.” This was the first miraculous sign that Jesus did in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
After this, Jesus and his mother, his brothers, and his disciples went down to Capernaum and stayed there for a few days.

Reflection 
Turning water into wine is probably one of the most popular examples of the miracles that Jesus performed. It is a story that is not only told in churches and bible studies around the world, but an analogy often used in the secular world. Jesus is at first reluctant to take on the responsibility to do anything, but then he does. So many times in our lives we are presented with problems, as Jesus was at the wedding, where we either don’t think it is our responsibility to solve the problem, or that we have the power to do so. Although Jesus revealed his glory to his disciples, he also did not make a showing of it for all. He knew he had the power to solve the problem and he did it. He looked inward at his own capabilities and put them to use for the good of the bride and groom and their guests.

Question for Contemplation
Think back to a time when you had to perform your own miracle. When in your life were you presented with “water” that you had to turn into “wine.” How were you able to make the most out of the situation you were dealt?

Prayer
God, we are often reminded of the miracles of your son and the glory that came from them, but we forget that we too are your children, and we too have the power to perform miracles through our love and faith in you. God thank you for this. Thank you for giving us the ability to make the best out of some of the most dire situations, not just for ourselves but for others. Please remind us that it is not always about showing the miracle, but rejoicing in the glory of the outcome. Help remind us everyday that there is more to what we see in each and everything, including ourselves. We too have the ability to perform miracles in your name.  Amen.