Jesus the Vintner 

God on Monday
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But you have kept the good wine until now (John 2.10)

Reflection

I have experienced several embarrassing moments at weddings. One was when the groom’s ring fell and disappeared through a heating grate in the church floor. Another was when the food ran out. Another was when the wine ran out.
 
When the latter happens in the life of Jesus, the wedding hosts face the prospect of intense and lasting shame. For in the Hebrew culture of his day, wine and celebration were inseparable. That is why his mother Mary feels compelled to inform him ‘they have no more wine’ (2.3).
 
In response, Jesus becomes the ultimate vintner, producing the equivalent of 600-900 bottles of the finest wine, using water as the only raw material.
 
But this is no conjuring trick designed to prove his identity in public; the miracle occurred largely unnoticed at an ordinary wedding in a remote village. It was, instead, a sign of the glorious and transforming power of God’s heavenly kingdom of love when it breaks into otherwise unremarkable earthly life.

Response

Perhaps you feel your life is currently more like water than wine. You long for a full-bodied spirituality that overflows in ordinary settings, bringing blessing to others. How can this story help uncork you?

Prayer

Fill me to overflowing, Lord Jesus, with the new wine of your kingdom. May I participate with joy in the feast you have prepared.

This Week's Author

Peter S Heslam, Director of Faith in Business


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God on Monday is produced in partnership with the Church of England. The reflections are based on the scriptural readings designated for the next Sunday in the Church's lectionary. You can sign up here to receive each God on Monday instalment.

 

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