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Faith + Obedience = Miracle

Isaiah 62:1-5; John 2:1-11 (January 19, 2025)

Today’s story comes from the Gospel of John 2:1-11. It’s a story that takes place in a small town in Galilee, a place called Cana. There’s a wedding underway, a celebration of love, and community. We can imagine the joyful atmosphere, the music, the laughter, the anticipation of a new life together.

But amidst this festive scene, a problem arises. The wine, a crucial element of any wedding celebration, runs low. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s a social disaster. The hosts face potential shame and the joyous occasion is threatened. It’s a moment of crisis, a point of need.

Right now, when things are very difficult, a woman takes a brave step. She doesn’t have to do it, and nobody has asked her to, but she chooses to act anyway. Furthermore, she is not named here, but is simply called “the mother of Jesus.” She observes the problem, the lack of wine. And then what is her solution to the problem? She brings it to Jesus. “They have no wine,” she tells him. It is a simple statement of the obvious, a clear recognition of a need.

Jesus’ response is, at first, puzzling, perhaps even off-putting. “Woman, what concern is that to me and to you? My hour has not yet come,” he says. This might seem like a rejection, a distancing. But let’s explore deeper. The term “woman” (Greek guinai), was a common title, a term of respect and love, not a rude one. It was sometimes used to address a wife or even a queen. Jesus’ words are not meant as disrespect, but perhaps as a way to indicate that his public ministry is not yet fully underway. He is aware of God’s timing, and is focused on his ultimate purpose, which is the cross.

Yet, Mary does not take no for an answer. Her faith is unwavering. She knows who Jesus is, that he is the Messiah, the Christ. Therefore, she instructs the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” It is a testament to her trust in her son’s ability to act and his divine nature. She is, at this moment, a model of faith, believing even when the situation seems impossible.

Now, Jesus, responding to his mother’s request and faith, directs the servants, “Fill the jars with water!” He told them to fill six large stone water jars with water. These were not ordinary containers; they were used for Jewish purification rites, each holding a substantial amount, between twenty and thirty gallons. Imagine the scene: these jars, meant for ritual cleansing, now about to be used for a miraculous transformation.

The servants, without hesitation, obey Jesus’ command and fill the jars to the top. Their obedience is crucial. It is a crucial part of the miracle. They did not question it or complain, they just followed the directions that were given.

Then, Jesus tells them to draw some of the water and take it to the master of the banquet. They do as they are instructed. What happens next is nothing short of extraordinary. The water, drawn from the jars, has been transformed into wine, and not just any wine, but a fine wine. The master of the banquet, tasting the wine, is astounded by its quality, not knowing where it came from. However, the servants who drew the water are fully aware of the miracle that has taken place. It is a mystery that only the obedient can fully comprehend.

Then what does this story mean for us today?

First, this story reveals the identity and mission of Jesus. The miracle at Cana is not just a display of supernatural power; it is an early manifestation of Jesus’ divinity. It is a sign pointing to the fact that Jesus is the Son of God. It’s a sign that shows us that he is concerned with all aspects of human life, even the seemingly ordinary or routine. He cares about our joys, our celebrations, and our needs. Everything in this story is done in relation to him, pointing to his mission and purpose. This wedding symbolizes the joyful and abundant life God desires for us.

Secondly, the wedding at Cana shows us the importance of faith and obedience. Mary’s faith in Jesus is an example for all believers. She believed, even before the miracle occurred. The servants, too, demonstrated obedience, doing exactly what Jesus told them.

This combination of faith and obedience is crucial for us to experience God’s miracles. Miracles occur when faith and obedience go together.

We are encouraged to have a strong and unwavering faith in Jesus, relying on His power and ability to guide us in our lives. It’s also important to obey God’s teachings and follow His direction, even when we don’t fully understand it at first. Just like Mary, we should trust in everything God says, and like the servants, we should put God’s words into action.

A few days ago, there were wildfires near Encino and Sherman Oaks, and people were told to leave their homes. We opened our church to help those who needed a safe place to go. My wife and Donna waited in the church office until midnight, hoping to help someone who might come.

At 11:40 pm, a man arrived. He had a pillow with him. We talked to him and found out that his apartment was actually safe, and he didn’t need to evacuate. But his neighbors were worried and in a hurry to evacuate, so he got scared and came to the church. He believed the rumors he had heard and thought it was true, so he quickly came to the church to find a safe place. Often false information and unconfirmed reports are spreading, and as a result, many people are becoming extremely worried and frightened. This is an example of how rumors can be very influential and have a strong impact, often causing fear, anxiety, and uncertainty among people. Therefore, we explained the situation to him clearly and then sent him back home.

Let me put an extra emphasis on this: It’s vital to listen to whom. We should carefully listen to what God says, rather than following what others tell us. When we hear, believe, and act, we need to be mindful of who we are following. Instead of paying attention to people’s opinions, we should focus on God’s words and do what they say. In today’s world, there are many different voices and opinions, so we need to be careful about what we listen to and make sure we are following God’s guidance. In the story, the servants listened to what Jesus said and did exactly what He told them to do.

Thirdly, the miracle at Cana teaches us about the significance of miracles. Miracles are not just about the miraculous event itself; they are “signs” that point to Jesus and lead to faith. The miracle of water turned to wine is meant to help us believe in Jesus. The real miracle is the belief it inspires. It is not about seeing a magic trick, but it is about recognizing God at work in the world. The most important sign of all signs is to believe in Jesus.

Fourthly, we see the idea of God’s perfect timing. Jesus’ response to Mary, “My hour has not yet come,” reminds us that there is a time for everything according to God’s plan. Jesus does things according to God’s will. This teaches us to trust in God’s timing and to be patient as his plan unfolds. Everything will become clear and be revealed when the time is right.

Fifth, the story shows Mary’s concern for others, and our call to be like her. Mary, being observant and compassionate, recognizes the need at the wedding. She steps forward to help and does not ignore the difficulties of others. This should inspire us to be aware of the needs in our own communities and to actively seek ways to help. It reminds us to ask, “What are we overlooking? What obvious needs are right in front of us that we are ignoring? Are we willing to engage with the brokenness of the world?” We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, to address the needs that we see.

This story also speaks to the role of the Church and Community. The church is called to be aware of the needs of the surrounding community. We are called to respond to and resource the needs not only of ourselves, but also the wider community. It may be that we are called to venture out into new places to make disciples, but most of the time, we are called to be at work in the communities that surround us. Our mission field is often right where we are. Worship is an opportunity to listen to the nudges that come from the Spirit and to discern where we are called to serve. We are called to be a body with a united focus and shared vision for what might be. We need to ask ourselves, “What is our concern?”.

As I think about our own church, I am reminded of the last Sunday when I took the donations from our congregation and headed to the Donation Center at Santa Anita Park to help those affected by the wildfires (1 Slide). The drive there was quick, but the traffic once I arrived at the park was very congested (1 Slide). Despite the long wait, I didn’t feel frustrated or annoyed. I was there to help a good cause, and the traffic jam actually made me feel hopeful because it meant that many people were coming to donate and volunteer. As I waited, I felt grateful for the volunteers who were directing traffic in the parking lot and helping the people at the donation spots (3 Slides). And then suddenly I was reminded of something. This scene was similar to our church community – people coming together to help others, with a sense of unity and purpose (1 Slide). Just as the people came to the wedding, and the community came together to help with the fire relief, we too are called to come together to address the needs of our communities. Don’t you think so?

By the way, just as the people in Cana were celebrating at the wedding, our church is celebrating a big milestone – its 100th birthday! We’re having a special service and celebration on March 23rd to mark the occasion. The theme is “A Beacon of Hope.” This is a great opportunity for us to renew our promise to be a church that serves and helps people in our community and around the world, bringing them hope. Let’s get excited and work together to make this celebration special. Brothers and sisters, can we all come together to make it happen? Amen!

Finally, this passage ties in with the words of the prophet Isaiah, who uses the metaphor of a bridegroom and bride to represent God’s relationship with Israel. “For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your builder marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.” This reinforces the themes of joy and love that are central to the wedding at Cana. God desires a joyful and loving relationship with each of us.

So, as we leave today, let us be mindful of the lessons of Cana. Let us cultivate a deep and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, trusting in his power to transform our lives and the world around us. Let us practice obedience, not only in what we hear, but what we put into action. Let us be aware of the needs that surround us, and seek to be the hands of Christ by addressing them. Let us recognize the miraculous that comes when we live out our faith.

The wedding at Cana is a story of overflowing grace, a glimpse into the abundant love of God. May we leave here today transformed, renewed, and committed to living out the lessons we have learned. Amen.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we are grateful for the story of the wedding at Cana, a testament to your abundant love and the divinity of Jesus. Help us to cultivate unwavering faith in Jesus, like Mary, and to be obedient to your word, like the servants. May we see miracles as signs of your presence. Guide us to be patient with your perfect timing and to be compassionate to the needs of our communities. May our church be a beacon of hope, serving with a united vision. We ask for your guidance, that we may be transformed by your grace, and committed to serving others, in your holy name, Amen.