The Gospel of John

Fine Wine at the Right Time (or something along that line)

I think that the intent of Jesus’ comment was not to reprove Mary. Rather to let her know that Jesus had all things under control. The comment is more like “Don’t be worried or be anxious. I’ll take care of it according to God’s timing”. Besides, some things are better when you wait for them. Hence the best wine was saved for last.

This leads to the next question that Don asks. God’s timing is the same as Jesus’. Now, some have made issue concerning the crucifixion or the suffering of our Lord in this passage. Please note that here there is no suffering happening but rather a celebration or a party. I think it would be inappropriate to bring a downer to this party. It is my belief that Jesus was just informing his contemporaries that the Lord has come and we should rejoice. Further, the wedding feast serves as a backdrop for the Great Wedding Feast that is to come when the Lord meets with us.

This brings us to the concept that F.F. Bruce raises with regards to the “active parable”. Parables are given to us teach us lessons. Here, the lessons as I see them are; we should wait on the Lord; the Lord has all things under His control; we will partake in the great wedding feast with our Lord; the best is yet to come; we should celebrate the arrival of our Lord. We should not forget the concept of wine and the Holy Spirit.

So what is the primary purpose of this passage?

I agree with F.F. Bruce and the active parable concept. We should celebrate the coming of the Lord. Rejoice in the giving of the Holy Spirit. Be comforted knowing that this all happens in God’s timing.

See you Thursday

posted by Ray Andrade @ 9:45 AM