Buying a good bottle of wine these days is no easy task. The options available seem endless which is obvious walking into a liquor store or even a grocery store. Do you want a red? How about a white? Do you like dry? How about a sweet wine? Of course there are the different blends seeking a middle ground. Is a $60 bottle of wine really six times better than a $10 bottle? If you are going off to visit a friend and bring a bottle of wine as a gift, the choice isn’t always such an easy one to make. After all, what is a good wine?
Jesus, his disciples and family (mother) are attending a wedding feast in Cana. Wedding parties were known to last a looooong time. The wine was running low which was more than an inconvenience. The concept of hospitality was crucial in those days. Yes, guests would bring gifts of food and wine but for the wine to run out on such a festive time was a shameful moment for the host.
Jesus’ mother responded by going to him with the problem. Jesus’ didn’t seem all that concerned but had six large jars filled with water and taken to master of the banquet. This was the best wine of all. John records this as the first of Jesus’ miraculous signs pointing to his identity and glory.
Wine and feasting has great meaning in the Scriptures telling of the hospitality, abundance and victory of God. For example, Isaiah 25 tells of the Lord preparing a feast including the finest of wines for all people. The reason for the party is the Lord swallowing up death forever. Isaiah 55 gives the great invitation for all the thirsty and hungry to come and feast their souls on the richest fare which the Lord has provided (all without cost by the way).
The wedding at Cana was more than Jesus turning water into wine and getting the host out of a sticky situation. Here Jesus is presented to be the presence of God bringing a victorious feast for all people… the wine of this celebration is better than any wine ever tasted.
Peace
What does it all mean... 