On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee ... When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does this have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever He tells you." Now there were six stone water jars there ... (John 2:1a, 3-6a)

I love how dependable Jesus is. When the wine runs out at a wedding, His mother Mary goes to Him for help. But what is she expecting Him to do? After all, He's never done a miracle before. No wonder Jesus says, "What does this have to do with Me?"

But Mary knows her Son well. Absolutely Jesus will find a way to help. So she waves away His cryptic remarks, tells the servants, "Do whatever He tells you," and goes away, confident that Jesus will deal with it somehow.

And He does. He turns water into about 180 gallons of wine, and the party is saved.

But what about those words? "My hour is not yet come."

Jesus says that several times in the Gospels, and every time He's referring to His death on the cross. That's because Jesus' death and resurrection make it possible for all of us who trust in Him to join the wedding feast of the Lamb in heaven, where we will celebrate with Jesus forever. If you consider the image, He is the grape that is "squeezed" at the cross to provide the wine of heaven—His own blood, poured out for the forgiveness of sins.

WE PRAY: Lord Jesus, thank You for giving Yourself for our needs. You are our life and joy. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

* If Jesus hadn't helped, what would have happened?

* Why do you think Jesus' first miracle happens at a wedding?

* When Jesus comes back, we are all invited to His wedding (see Revelation 19:6-9). Who is Jesus' bride?

Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

Today's Bible Readings: Leviticus 26-27    Mark 11:19-33

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