Of all the transitions we could name, water into wine would have to be near the top of the list! That is exactly what we see In John 2. That was Jesus’ first recorded miracle and it happened at a wedding in Cana. As always, Jesus’ words and actions are never random. And whatever He does or says proves instructional on many levels.
Turning a Phrase
Not only did Jesus turn water into wine, Jesus used a phrase that every disciple should learn from:
Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come.
These are the first recorded words of Jesus to Mary in John’s Gospel. But Jesus’ very first words to Mary are recorded in Luke 2. It should come as no surprise that in both instances Jesus was conveying a similar message. And It’s one we need to remember.
Luke 2 tells us Jesus went to the Temple with Mary and Joseph. They returned home and didn’t know they left Jesus behind. The frantic parents didn’t find their Child in a matter of hours – it took days! When they met, here’s what happened:
…and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.” And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”
Don’t you love the understatement? Imagine your emotional state if your child was “missing” for three days! Mary mentioned herself and Joseph. She called Joseph Jesus’ father. Jesus made a distinction about His Father. Furthermore, He put His own life and mission into clear focus: His entire life was a wholehearted devotion to His Father’s business.
Focus Our Lives And Work
In John 2, Jesus made a similar distinction. The phrase we read in English doesn’t quite convey the original Greek thought. A side-by-side comparison may help:
- What does this have to do with us? (English translation)
- This is not your place. OR: This is not your business. (cultural idea from Jesus’ day)
What’s the distinction? Jesus set a boundary about who would direct His life, His power, & His ministry. That was not Mary’s place; not her business. It was His Father’s business. That’s the attitude we should have and teach as we make disciples. Followers of Christ should respect others and simultaneously maintain a wholehearted focus on our Father’s business. That is a disciple’s work.
One of the great transitions believers make is from self-focus to Kingdom focus. These are the principles that will guide our collective work through EquipUs. And I trust you will find them reliable in your personal life and ministry! And here’s a convenient link so you can see Transitions II (please take a look, it’s important!).
Soli Deo Gloria!
LINK to Transitions I – our series opener (in case you missed it!)
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