The servant-hearted know what Jesus can do.
On Sunday, my pastor preached on the wedding at Cana, found in chapter two, in the Gospel of John. I love that story. It was Jesus’ very first miracle in John.
I have heard sermons focused on many different aspects of it. I’ve seen it pointed out that Mary told the servants to, “Do whatever he tells you;” and that when we do the same, miracles often follow.
I have previously blogged about, how the story shows the close relationship that Jesus had with his mother. He wasn’t ready to start his ministry and all of the miracles, yet when she asked, he complied.
My pastor pointed out that the only person given a name in the passage is Jesus. Mary is simply called, Jesus’ mother. The disciples aren’t named, just referred to as disciples and we have no idea who the bride and groom were. He surmised that the reason was the focus was supposed to be entirely on Jesus and the mission that he was beginning.
I find truth in all of those ideas. I could probably write pages about all of them. It’s such a deep and rich story.
But, this time when I read it, verses eight and nine spoke directly to my heart. “Then he told them, ‘Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.’ They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew.” John 2:8-9a
The servants knew. The servants were nameless faceless employees at this wedding. They weren’t family or even invited guests. They were simply doing their job. The banquet was about to run out of wine which would have been a big embarrassing deal. Jesus told them to fill up the ceremonial pots, which would have been used for cleaning their hands before eating, with water.
I wonder if they thought he was crazy. How could filling these pots with water, possibly help in their wine shortage predicament? But, the servants did just as Jesus told them and they got to witness history in the making. I find it significant that Jesus didn’t do something big and splashy for all of the guests.
The only people who witnessed it were the servants and the disciples. The only people who were allowed to assist in the miracle were the servants. The story ends with, “his disciples put their faith in him.”
But, I feel sure they weren’t the only ones. The servants’ lives had to have been changed forever as well. What was their conversation like? What did they go home and tell their families?
Of course, the story reminds us that the servant-hearted are always the closest people to Jesus. Those who are willing to unselfishly serve and obey often get to witness Jesus at work. The people in the background who are hard at work serving, have some of the best stories to share because they know what it’s like to walk with him.
We may not know their names, but God does and that’s really all that matters.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂