Sunday 04 January 2015

Psalm: Psalm 100

Background

Today, many Methodists across the Connexion will be celebratingthe annual Covenant Service. This is an occasion when allhave an opportunity to respond to the glory revealed in Christ, achance "freely and wholeheartedly" to give all things to God.

In the story of Jesus' miraculous transformation of water intowine, readers encounter a glimpse of this glory of Jesus - a glorythat can lead to faith and trust. The story is the first "sign"that Jesus performs in John's Gospel, one of seven such signs whicheach indicate something of who Jesus is and why he came.

The story takes place in the ordinary setting of a villagewedding, and includes a fascinating exchange between Jesus and hismother Mary. It is Mary, concerned perhaps for the reputation ofthe host, who tells her son that the wine has run out. Initially,Jesus declares that his "hour has not yet come" (v. 4) - a phrasedenoting his coming death (John12:23-28) - and yet Mary instructs the servants to do whateverhe tells them. Jesus tells the servants to fill the six stone waterjars set aside for Jewish purification with water - and it is thiswater that miraculously turns to wine by the time it is tasted bythe chief steward.

On one level, the sign is an indication of Jesus' miraculouspower, a power that reflects his identity as the Son of God. Thisis no ordinary teacher, but one whose power is divine. The signmight also, however, draw on prophecies that associate God's futurekingdom with an abundance of wine (Amos9:13-14). Through this dramatic miracle, Jesus points to thenew wine of the kingdom that he brings. His glory is revealed evenin the midst of an ordinary village celebration.

To Ponder

• How can the Covenant Prayer - which you may haveprayed today - help you to prepare for the coming year?

• What does this story reveal to you about the relationshipbetween Jesus and his mother Mary?

• Where do you encounter God's glory in everyday life?