HIGHLIGHT
John 2:10 (ESV): 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.”
EXPLAIN
This incident happened at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Indeed, Jesus spoke as if his mother’s request was premature, asking him to perform a miracle before the time when he would become known for doing many miracles.
The wine had run out at a wedding to which Jesus and his disciples had been invited. If something were not done quickly, the bride and groom would be greatly embarrassed.
Mary asked Jesus to do something and told the servants to follow his instructions. Jesus told them to draw jars of water and then give a drink from them to the master of the feast.
When they did so, this man was astonished, for the wine they had given him – water turned into wine by Jesus – was better than what they had drunk before!
APPLY
This miracle is a sign that God’s kingdom is better than everything that came before it. But it may also suggest that God doesn’t do things in a passing or average manner – when God makes wine, he makes the best wine!
This is therefore an assurance and a challenge to us: 1) we can know that trusting in God’s provision, we are assured of the best, and 2) as God’s followers, we should not settle for minimums in our pursuits, rather we should strive to excel for his glory.
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, thank you for providing for this needy couple the best, instead of just something that was satisfactory. Thank you for the assurance that you seek the good for us. Help me to therefore excel in all you set before me to do, for your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.