Provision Redefined

Ethan Moehn

Central Truth

Our restless hearts can find peace and stillness knowing there is more than enough at the feast. God has provided eternal hope through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

The Wedding at Cana

1 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

6 Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons.^{1

2:6
Greek two or three measures (metrtas); a metrts was about 10 gallons or 35 liters} 7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. 9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 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.” 11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

12 After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers^{2

2:12
Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated brothers) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters} and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days.

Footnotes

[1] 2:6 Greek two or three measures (metr&emacron;tas); a metr&emacron;t&emacron;s was about 10 gallons or 35 liters
[2] 2:12 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters

Have you ever been to an ancient Near Eastern wedding? I'm going to assume you haven't, and I want some details if you have. In this ancient culture, folks did not take weddings lightly. For a host, the expectation was to entertain, as well as provide food and drink for an entire week, sometimes for the whole town! Failure to host well was a mortifying experience, usually meaning major loss of reputation. You can imagine the pressure when the guests had run out of wine (John 2:3).

As we look at this text, it is important we understand what Jesus' mother says in John 2:3. At this point, there have been no recorded miracles done by Jesus. Knowing this keeps us from reading her words with the assumption that she positively knew Jesus would do a miracle. While it's possible that she knew, we can apply truth without making that assumption. Instead, as D.A. Carson puts it, "Mary had just learned to rely on her firstborn son. How easy must it have been, with a son like Him!" We need to remember this because we know Jesus came to do the will of God, not the will of His mother (Hebrews 10:7).

As the wedding scene plays out, Jesus reveals Himself as something greater than a well-behaved son (Isaiah 7:14). He provides way more wine than any wedding would ever need. Scholars estimate His miracle may have produced up to 180 gallons. I love how John 2:11 culminates, as it provides us with at least three truths for application:

• Jesus has the power to do miracles.

• Jesus manifests His glory in His actions, and He is our glory.

• Our response is belief.

As I think of my life, I find the number of times Jesus has provided MORE than enough is unfathomable. Yet, many times I have looked at God with apathy, as opposed to awe (Psalm 33:8). Thankfully, the mercies of God are boundless (Romans 9:14-16). Friend, God has provided more than enough for you today through the glory and perfection of Christ. Join me in trusting the One who has already provided for you!

1. In what ways has God provided MORE than enough for your life? How did He show up in a way you never expected?

2. What are you trusting in for provision, apart from the work of Christ?

3. What are some big prayers that you are afraid God might not provide an answer to?