Saturday, March 5th, 2022
“The master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew.”
— John 2:9 (NIV) —
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” — Matthew 20:28 (NIV)
Bible Reading for Today: John 2
“On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples. There they stayed for a few days. When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.” The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” But the temple he had spoken of was his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken. Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.” — John 2:1-25 (NIV)
The First Miracle : Turning Water Into Wine
“The Bible compares the relationship between Christ and the church as that of a groom and his bride, and one day He will drink wine with His bride in Heaven, making it special that His first miracle was at a wedding, personal and joyous.” *Reference 1.
Jesus did not make his first miracle about himself, he did not announce his actions or seek recognition. The actions of Jesus turning the water into wine was done out of love, he honored his mothers request and to save the groom from public disgrace and humiliation. The purpose of this particular event was to reveal Jesus’ glory to a select few and to save his friend from public embarrassment of running out of wine/fare for his wedding guests.
CHALLENGE QUESTIONS (?)
1. Do you struggle with public recognition for the way you serve others?
I appreciate being recognized and careful not to let myself get self-absorbed.
2. Do you find your heart longing for praise, likes and follows?
Honestly, I like receiving praise, likes and follows but I am not consumed by it. Truth is not everyone likes everything I do and I’m ok with that. But when people take the time, their precious time to comment or just hit the “like” button, I do have a sense of accomplishment. I’m realistic too, I’m just trying to share my truths and spread God’s Word to others. Keeping the doors of conversation open as well as my heart and mind to new ideas and thoughts. Always striving for more and learning as I go and grow.
3. Are you content having your acts of love remain anonymous, known only to your Heavenly Father and those who witnessed?
Absolutely, I don’t need constant reassurance, and I’m grateful when I am recognized by others. I often say many silent prayers on the behalf of others, mostly people I’ve never met; just me & God. I tend to do a lot of “behind the scenes” things in my personal life as well as my professional life. I love to see happiness in the lives of others! I do sometimes get frustrated especially in my professional life because I’m in a position to review and make changes that no one else sees or even hears about, but I know what I do is important and it’s my job. I’m doing what I’m paid for and the recognition is just that. I have learned, sometimes, painfully that I don’t need to bring negative attention upon someone by pointing out their mistakes so I can feel good about my job. I’m part of a team, and yes sometimes I have to report mistakes, but I’m very mindful that I too make mistakes. It’s a very humbling experience for which I am grateful. Keeps me honest, and from tooting my horn!
Choose someone today to encourage or serve today, anonymously if possible, and relish the truth that your act of love is known by God—and that’s enough.
🌻 🍃 🌸 🍃 🌼 🍃 🌺 🍃 🌼 🍃 🌸 🍃 🌻
Friends, thank you for your support and stopping by today. God Bless you as you bless others.
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
References:
1. https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-was-jesus-first-miracle.html?amp
HOPE SEEKER 
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