In the study of the first miracle that Jesus performed, there are two questions to consider. The first question is simply: what is a miracle? Years ago I had a Bible College professor make the claim that miracles do not exist today. His argument was dispensational in nature (of which I agree), however, it was an extreme argument. The professor stated that miracles no longer occurred since the death of the last apostle. This is the cessation argument that the sign gifts such as miracles and tongues have ceased and are no longer in use today. Though this may be true as far as miracles and tongues being spiritual gifts used today, it is a stretch to suggest that miracles do not happen today. When the professor made the statement I raised my hand and asked him what then is the definition of a miracle. The professor answered by saying that a miracle is an unexplainable supernatural act of God. I then asked the professor to explain to me salvation. I for one believe that salvation is a miracle. It is an unexplainable supernatural act of God. There are many other things we can identify as miracles such as the birth of a child and the healing of someone who is sick. There can also be no argument against someone who has experienced a miracle themselves. Based on the definition of a miracle, one would be hard pressed to suggest that miracles no longer exist.

                A second question to consider is: what is the purpose of miracles? In the New Testament we find that miracles were used as a sign to reveal to the Jewish people who Jesus is. It was a tool that Jesus used to confirm He was the messiah. The purpose of miracles today technically has not changed. The purpose is two-fold: to confirm who Jesus is and to draw us closer to Jesus. Miracles give validity to the claim that Jesus is indeed God in the flesh. It proves the Deity of Christ for only God can directly perform a miracle. Miracles have a way of opening the eyes of those who are lost and draws them toward faith in Christ. For example, God may heal someone from a terrible sickness and as a result a lost family member comes to faith in Christ. Miracles not only confirms who Jesus is and are utilized by God to bring the lost to Himself, but miracles are also used to draw believers closer to Jesus. Nothing gives the believer more confidence than answered prayer. When we see God answer prayer in a miraculous way, it brings a sense of peace in Jesus. It gives us a greater appreciation for what He has done for us. It also strengthens our faith and leads us to a greater sense of calling to serve the Lord. Miracles had a purpose in the time of Jesus and has a purpose for today. The purpose in both times is relatively the same: to confirm who Jesus is and to draw us closer to Jesus.

                In addition to the two questions to consider, there are also some interesting lessons we learn from John’s account of Jesus’ first public miracle. The first lesson we learn is the humanity of Jesus. The humanity of Jesus is seen in his interaction with Mary. The wedding that Jesus attended must have been the wedding of a close family friend or even a relative. Mary apparently had some connection to the family as she knew of the wine running out. In the culture of the day, it would have been a major embarrassment to the family for the wine to run out. With concern for those she cared for Mary tells Jesus that the wine had run out. It is obvious that Mary knew that Jesus could perform miracles. With confidence she goes to Jesus concerning the matter. Jesus responds by asking what it had to do with him and that his time had not come. Jesus was stating that the time had not come for it to be publically revealed that He was the messiah. The humanity of Jesus is seen here in the fact that Jesus wanted to delay his ‘coming out.’ He knew that once he started performing miracles it would set off a chain reaction that would ultimately lead to His crucifixion. Perhaps, in His humanity, Jesus wanted to delay putting things in motion as long as possible.

                Secondly, we learn of the humility of Jesus. In the interaction between Mary and Jesus, we find Mary telling the servants to do whatever Jesus tells them to do. One can only imagine Mary after hearing Jesus’ response just giving Him a look only a mother can give and telling the servants to listen to Jesus and then walking away. Jesus did not argue with His mother. He did exactly what she asked Him to do. He obeyed her and respected her just like any child should. Imagine that! Here is Jesus, God in the flesh, the creator of the universe humbling himself in obedience to His earthly mother. He could do whatever He wanted to do as God. Yet, He lowered Himself. He put Himself under the authority and care of His mother and He was obedient to her.

                Another important lesson we learn from this passage is the importance of marriage. Weddings in Jesus’ day followed a betrothal period in which a couple are legally engaged. Once the wedding time comes, there is a feast and celebrations that would last as many as seven days. It was a very serious matter indeed. Just as marriage was a big deal in the time of Jesus, it should also be a big deal today. Marriage is a picture of the relationship between Christ and His church. It is not something that should be taken lightly.

                In light of the lessons we learn and the questions considered in a study of Jesus’ first miracle recorded in the Scriptures, there are several applications for our consideration as well.

                God desires the best for you. Anything prepared by God is obviously going to be better than anything prepared by man. The wine that Jesus provided through His miraculous act of turning water into wine was far superior in taste and quality than the wine previously enjoyed by the wedding guests. The application we see here is that God desires the best for you. His desire for you is that you enjoy all that the abundant life in Jesus has to offer. Just as a father likes to give good gifts to his children, so our Heavenly Father desires to bless us abundantly. There is no earthly or human gift that can compare to the best that God has to offer.

                God’s way is always the best way. The servants serving the wine had no idea what to do as the wine began to run out. Yet, when Jesus stepped in, the miraculous occurred. When will we ever learn to simply let go and let God? When we set out to do things in our strength and by our own methods, we fail miserably. However, when we rely on the power of God and trust in Him, He has a way of working all things out for the good. We may not understand all that God does. Sometimes God takes us through difficult times. Sometimes God works things out in ways that we did not expect or desire. Yet, rest assured, God’s way is always the best way.

                Keep your water pots full. The servants were instructed to fill the water pots with water. This filling of the water pots served as the conduit for the miracle. We cannot expect a miracle if we are not prepared for a miracle. We got to stay prepared. As a pastor, I am constantly encouraging and leading the church in areas that will make the church conducive for growth. There are often small things that we must do in preparation for God to move. We must remove all that hinders God from working and prepare our hearts for a miracle. What does it look like to keep your water pots full? Faithfulness to daily Bible study and prayer, confession of sin, reconciling with others, forgiving others, moving self out of the way; these are just a few of things we must do to keep our water pots full. If we desire to see God move in mighty ways and work miracles amongst us and work miracles through us, we must have a heart that is ready. Our water pots must be full.

                In consideration of these application from the first recorded miracle of Jesus may we always seek to move ourselves out of the way and put Christ first in all things so that we may experience God’s best. May we continually keep our water pots filled by being prepared for a miracle.