Attending weddings are often a family affair, seeing relatives that you’ve only heard stories of or seeing others you haven’t seen for years. Whether you are on the bride or groom side, marriage is meant to publicly celebrate the union between a husband and a wife, where two individuals become one flesh, Matthew 19:4-6. Although not mentioned in John 2:1-11, the rabbi overseeing the proceeding likely quotes Genesis 2:24 during the vows portion of the wedding in Cana that Jesus and his family attended.
Based upon the accounts in chapter 1, only 6 disciples had been selected by Jesus, with 6 more to complete his ministry team. This passage also suggests Joseph, Mary’s husband and Jesus’ earthly father had been dead for sometime. The final piece of the puzzle insinuates that Mary is a close acquaintance to the parents of the bride as she is concerned about how her friend would be perceived if they ran out of wine at the reception, with some carrying on for 3-4 days. If this is true, these elements help explain Jesus’ comment, “my time has not yet come,” Joseph’s absence from the text and Mary’s anxious reply to her son. An observer to all of these occurrences is James, the author of the Catholic Letter and younger brother of Jesus.
Although his earthly ministry was not suppose to start yet, Jesus felt compelled to obey 5th commandment, Exodus 20:12, “honor your father and mother.” The perfect child, Jesus calls the servants at the party to listen to his instructions, John 2:6-8. Knowing the miracle had been done from a distance, Jesus orders the master of the banquet to receive a cup from one of the 6 stone jars, filled with water. Remaining in the background, Jesus allows the bridegroom to take credit for the choice wine created by the son of God. The master of the banquet refers to his sip as, “saving the best til now!”
An eyewitness of this miracle, James probably never forgot what his oldest brother had done, a special memory etched in his mind. Perhaps James 4:13-17 is a small glimpse of the lesson God taught him in Cana. You may love your past or can’t wait for a future event, but all that matters is the here and now. Therefore, don’t worry about what could of or should have been and avoid the temptation of what may be. Rather, live out Colossians 3:17 today as you save the best for now!
by Jay Mankus
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