Devotion: The Wedding in Cana
Please review the scripture from this weekend: John 2:1-12
The scripture in verse 11 tells us that this is the first public miracle that Jesus performed. Indeed, Jesus wanted the people at the wedding to have a good celebration. In this passage, there is evidence that God values a joy-filled life, even through the midst of struggle, Jesus cares for his community. In this situation, Jesus performed a miracle that kept the party rockn’! What I find interesting in this passage is that Jesus was not intending to unveil his public ministry. But, he performs the miracle and his grace-filled love manifests itself at this party as a way of sharing joy and care for the people around him.
We read that Jesus not only turned the water into wine, but he turned the water into the “best” wine. Other than Jesus’ mother Mary, the disciples and the servants and maybe the bridegroom, no one knew where the “best wine” had come from. In verse 11, we are told that this miraculous sign was the first time Jesus revealed his glory and his disciples believed in him.
Reflecting on this passage in the context of marriage, I am reminded of how much God values the sanctity of marriage. The Bible gives an illustrative playbook for marriage as there are numerous passages about how love is modeled by husbands and wives throughout the scriptures. In this specific passage Jesus declared his first public miracle at a wedding and appears to be “discipling” his disciples, as they see a marvel that brings the wedding guests continued celebration. There’s some humor here as all of this plays out, but there is a significant connection of marriage to discipleship. Not only is this a wedding celebration, but it sets the stage for us as readers today to invite Jesus into marriage where discipleship to Jesus is lived out through family. In marriage, as well as the relationships around us, we have an opportunity to co-labor with God as students of Jesus to mature in our faith and bring gifts of love and joy to the world.
My wife Joanna and I have been married for 14 years this coming August, and it wasn’t until we were married for a few years that I began to understand the value of compassion and community through my wife. Joanna has childhood, high school, and college friendships that she has fostered and to this day she goes out of her way to stay in touch with these people. It’s not that she is simply Facebook friends with them, but she exchanges text messages, gets lunch, dinner, coffee, play dates with her friends’ kids and our kids, and really cares about the depth of the friendships she has developed.
I on the other hand have always struggled to meet and keep friends and it’s not anything that the other party did, but it has been my own lack of ability to see the value. Early on in our marriage, I observed how Joanna would selflessly listen to friends who hit bumps in their walk with God, or suffer an all-out crisis. While I had friendships of my own, I noticed that my friendships had a stopping point that manifested itself in my own selfishness whether I felt that my time or my own emotions were on the brink of being hijacked.
Over the years we believe that God is using each of us to open our eyes to see the value that we each bring into our marriage. Joanna has the most beautiful heart, and it radiates her compassion and love for her friends, especially for single moms and children. Through Joanna, I have learned so much about patience, and becoming aware of others’ needs along with the ability to be a listening presence of good to others in our community. Before I began to write this devotion, I asked Joanna what she felt my strengths would be, and she said that I have strong convictions and a keen sense of discernment that has allowed us as a couple to pick up on the gibberish or the “bologna” of others. Joanna has been able to use me as a vetting partner if something in a relationship seems off, or our family is being taken advantage of, and we talk and pray through those situations and then we act, but making a decision together and clinging to God for next steps. All this to say, Jesus has used our marriage to bring us ever so closer to him which has drawn us ever so closer together as a couple, with Jesus as the source of our joy.
Throughout marriage and any other relationships, it matters who we cling to for our source of joy and hope. We have a very beautiful opportunity through the relationships all around us to co-labor with Jesus and bring his love and glory into the world. God has ordained through marriages the ability to model the love, peace, and grace that this world needs so badly right now. Maybe the model of peace and love in your family is done through divorce to ensure your safety and your betterment for your family. Or, maybe God has provided you with a spouse who can help you learn compassion and discernment, to model a life of generosity for your children and extended family.
The culture and the world is as divisive now as it has ever been, but seeking the presence of Jesus and his love for the world through his spirit which is present in us and through us has the opportunity to love in ways that will stomp out evil and bring Jesus’ love to a hate filled world.
Jesus, you are the source of all wisdom and love. Your finished work on the cross is the supreme example of love to this world. May we as your students seek your presence in our marriages and relationships. May we hold tightly to you so that we can find the ultimate peace and joy through your Spirit. And, may the peace and joy that you give help deepen our understanding and awareness of your extraordinary love.
Amen.
Written by Matt Clay
Matt and his wife Joanna have two young daughters, Emery and Madisen. The Clay’s have been members of the Sheridan community since 2014.
Matt’s spiritual growth has been influenced by the teaching of the late Dallas Willard, which led Matt to pursue an M.A. in Spiritual Formation from Spring Arbor University.
Matt works full-time in the financial industry and believes that God has called him to be a steward of His grace and presence in the marketplace.