THE WEDDING AT CANA

PASTOR RYAN LADEN – DEVOTIONALS

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In this series of devotionals, we will examine examples of the ways in which Jesus Christ interacted with people of all backgrounds. The purpose of this study is to help us learn from and follow Jesus Christ’s example as we interact with those that the Lord has placed in our lives. 

Our first case study comes from the way in which Jesus treated those involved with his first recorded miracle, the wedding at Cana. 

1 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”

4 “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”

5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 

6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. 

7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. 8 Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, 9 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 10 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.”

11 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.

(John 2:1-11 NIV11)

Supportive

The first lesson we can learn from Jesus’s actions in this encounter is that he was supportive of this couple’s decision to marry. The person was probably well known to Jesus, as his mother seemed to be in a position of responsibility at the reception. 

It should not be overlooked that Jesus Christ was present and involved in this celebration of life and joy. Jesus showed his love and support with his presence. 

Showing up is huge. If you want to show someone in your life that they matter to you, you need to make time for them. By choosing to set aside your interests so that you can be present at their events and in their times of need, you demonstrate your love to them in ways that words simply cannot. 

Boundaries

Jesus had boundaries. He was not responsible for the event and therefore sought to stay out of the drama. He did not go looking for problems to try and solve, instead he let others do their own thing, even if that meant that that there might be an awkward situation as a result. 

It was not his place to inquire about the wine and he did not want to get involved, even when his mother brought the problem to his attention. I respect that. 

Met Needs

After Mary made the party planner’s lack of proper planning his problem, Jesus got involved in a way that met the need and did not draw attention to himself. He did not cause wine to flow from a rock or call down wine like rain (imagine that). 

Jesus quietly used his resources to meet the needs of others without making it about himself. 

Excellence

Jesus Christ made excellent wine. Let that sink in. The steward was amazed with the quality of the wine that he drew from the large water jars. This was not some watered-down swill that Jesus had left over in his barn. No way. 

Jesus set an example of excellence. If you and I are going to seek to meet the needs of the church, of our friends and family, or of the wider world, we should follow Jesus’ example and ensure that what we provide is excellent and worthy of the name of Jesus. 

Humility

Jesus did get in front of the crowd and announce his miraculous provision of the best wine ever invented. No, he kept the attention on the newlyweds. He was there to support them, and that is what he did. He met their need without drawing attention to his generosity and excellence. 

We can all learn from this example.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for being a great example of how to show love and grace to others. The way you met the needs of those at that party shows me that you care about all parts of our lives and that nothing should be off-limits in our times of prayer and worship. Help me to learn from you and be more like you today. 

In Christ, 

Ryan Laden

PASTOR RYAN LADEN

Works at MTN. CHURCH

Former Senior pastor at Warnbro Community Church

Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at Baylor University

Studied at Texas Tech University

Went to Castle Hills First Baptist

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