THE SERVANTS’ ROLE IN A MIRACLE
JOHN 2:5-8
JOHN 2:5-8 NKJ
5 His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it."
6 Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the waterpots with water." And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And He said to them, "Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast." And they took it.
This is the beginning of signs Jesus did. The story was of a wedding that Jesus was invited to and attended. When the bride and groom ran out of wine, it was considered a bad omen for the couple. Jesus' mother jumps in to help and recruits her son to be a part of the solution. Years of experience had taught Mary that if anyone could help in this situation, it would be Jesus.
"Whatever He says to you, do it." These were Mary‘s instructions to the servants. It's a good thing she set them up that way because Jesus asked them to do some work; filling six waterpots with a total of 120-180 gallons of water was not a simple task. Combine that job with the thought that it wasn't water that was needed; it was wine. But the lady said. . .
After filling the pots, not halfway but full, Jesus had another job for them. Take some to the wedding coordinator. Now, this took some guts. These servants could have incurred the wrath of the coordinator and the families of the bride and groom if they had taken water. So once again, they were acting on the words of Jesus' mother, "Whatever He says, do it." And Jesus had turned the water into wine. And it was really good wine.
We look at this passage now and can tend to minimize the risk on the part of the servants, but their obedience had a role in this miracle. They had two chances to balk at Jesus's instructions, but they obeyed. Maybe being servants, their tendency was to simply do whatever they were told. But in any case, they played a part in a great miracle that spared a couple from being embarrassed.
APPLICATION:
May we all adopt the mentality and obedience of these servants. Whatever He says to us by His word and His Holy Spirit, do it.
Granted, it will not always make the most logical sense. Giving when we have needs. Serving when we are pushed for time. Loving people when they have not been too loveable. But if we'll do what He says, we'll see miracles in our lives.
Miracles can come in many shapes and forms. Marriages getting healed and thriving. Jobs opening new doors. Families being restored. Peace coming to anxious minds. Strength coming to weakened bodies. And the list goes on. Miracles are available for all of us as long as whatever He says, we do!
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, thank You for Your guidance and direction in all areas of my life. Whatever You say, I will do.