John 2:1-12 ~ you have kept the good wine until now

The Last Supper by Jacopo Bassano, painted in 1546

John 2:1-12

1 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

6 Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. 9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” 11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

12 After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers [siblings] and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days.

Jesus began His ministry, with the disciples, providing the wine and ended the Last Supper, Passover, giving the cup of the New Covenant. Jesus asks the disciples a question that night in the upper room.

John 22:35
“When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.”

Jesus provides for us today. The disciples believed Jesus when he created the wine, watched Him heal, give hope and draw thousands to him. Just as the children of Israel always kept doubt in their heart as well as faith, so the disciples let fear and doubt rule them on Good Friday.

When we are unsure of the direction forward, remember God keeps us in His plan, His timing is not ours and even during the years the children of Israel only seemed to wander, God had not removed Himself from His plan. He continued to provide The Way forward.

John 20:27-29
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

When we read the Old Testament, we learn about God's plan, human nature, and the willingness of God to forgive. When we come to the Gospels, we have found New Wine. God hears us, our concerns over each day, He gives us His Holy Spirit helping us to live according to His plan.

Psalm 68:19
Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, The God who is our salvation. Selah.

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