Fill The Jars
We can learn quite a bit from the first miracle Jesus performed. Although it may not be his most recognized miracle - such as giving the blind their sight, allowing the deaf to hear, or raising the dead - it was still impactful, and even today, we can learn from it.
John 2:1-12 depicts the story of this first miracle at the wedding at Cana in Galilee. First, we learn that Jesus and his disciples were invited to the wedding, along with Jesus’ mother. The couple and their guests were having so much fun, eventually they ran out of wine. Jesus was alerted of this by his mother, but Jesus responded a bit begrudgingly, “Woman, why involve me? My hour has not yet come.” But, as any mother would, Jesus' mother kept pressing and told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” And so, Jesus began to plan out his first miracle.
Near Jesus and the servants stood six stone water jars that could hold 20-30 gallons each. When Jesus saw these, he told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” The servants went and filled the jars to the brim. Not half full, not even three-fourths, but to the brim.
The water, that was now wine, was taken to the master of the banquet, who called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine, but you have saved the best until now.”
When reading of this work Jesus performed, the first thing I caught is that Jesus and his disciples were invited. Although not much is said of the bride and groom, Jesus and his disciples had to be somewhat invested in their lives to be invited to their wedding. Relationship with others was important to Jesus, and it should be to us as well.
Next, Mary knew exactly where to turn when a problem arose. She told Jesus. When problems and struggles arise in our lives, tell Jesus about them. He wants to hear them, in return you will likely find peace.
My favorite part of this passage is when the servants fill the jars. They filled them to the brim! Jesus did not give specific instructions how to fill the jars, but yet, the servants filled them to the top. What faith. They may not have known Jesus from Adam, or his heritage, but when he said fill the jars, they did not give a half-hearted effort to the task, but 100%. Is something tugging on your heart? Or do you already have commitments in a ministry or ministries? What if we “filled the jars to the brim” and were fully dedicated to a commitment or dream? Could we do that for Jesus too, just like the servants at the banquet?
What would that look like in our lives?
Lastly, the master of the banquet noted how the water turned wine was the ‘choice’ wine from the bridegroom. Jesus wants the best for us and wants to give us the “choice wine” (Matthew 7:9-11 NIV ).
It’s easy to shut everyone out when things get tough, especially God. But if we invite Him into our situation and ask for guidance and peace, you can find so much comfort there. In return, do not settle for a half hearted effort. Whatever you do, do it with the intention of giving glory to God (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV).
Are there jars in your life that need to be filled today?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Whitney can be described by the opening lyrics of a few Tom Petty songs. She's a good girl who grew up in a small Indiana town who loves her mama, Jesus, and America too. She practices medicine as a physician assistant at an urgent care. Whitney is a music enthusiast and leads worship at her church. She has a heart for people, and wants to help young girls and women find their worth in Christ rather than what the world says of them. Whitney loves a good dad joke, the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, Southern manners, working on her fitness, attempting Pinterest crafts, and cheering on Indiana University basketball.