Thursday 18 June 2026

Psalm 55:1-8

Background
Sometimes, parts of John's Gospel read like well-crafted mystery stories as he scatters clues in the writing without ever being so crass as to point out later what they meant. We are invited into the narrative to see what is being done in what seems to be such ordinary events.

What could be more familiar than a wedding? What could be more familiar than a mother and son in conversation about the drink supplies, especially as the seven-day event would live long in village folklore if the wine ran out?

But let’s not get distracted here. In this slice of Jewish community life, Jesus' mother Mary (always unnamed in John) becomes the catalyst for a moment that resonates through all our own experiences as followers of Christ.

She simply tells those around her: "Do whatever he tells you" (v. 5) – which is a mantra for faithful people!

There is mystery in the story. The clues are about who Jesus is that his mother’s advice would carry such weight.

The problem of no wine is an opening to discover the difference the presence of Jesus makes for those of us who believe. That the new wine is so much better than the drinks which ran out is an image of God’s abundant generosity. In the puzzled response of the wedding steward we see John laying down clues, as if to say, "They don’t know who is among them … but we do, don’t we?"

And it hinges on Mary, mother of Jesus, and her command: "Do whatever he tells you."

The Red Letter Christians' movement, which is primarily found in the United States, takes its name from versions of Scripture where all of Jesus’ words are printed in red. They argue that these parts of Scripture trump other commands. "Do whatever he tells you", they would argue.

At the end of the story John, as if fed up with simply laying clues for us to follow, tells us that this was the first sign where Jesus revealed his glory – who he really was – and it became a moment of clarity for the disciples.

To Ponder:

• Is ‘what would Jesus do’ too simplistic a maxim to follow, or a good model for faith?
• How do we help people discern the truth that lies under the clues laid in this gospel?

Prayer
God of mystery, help us to see beyond the stories to understand the reality of Christ made human for us. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Gareth Hill
Gareth is a supernumerary minister in the Gwent Hills and Vales Circuit in South Wales. He is a former national Head of Mission & Advocacy in the Connexional Team and was previously a newspaper editor and lecturer in journalism. Gareth preaches regularly and publishes a weekly sermon online. He is a published hymnwriter and retains a strong interest in pioneer ministry after founding the Tubestation Surf Church in Polzeath, Cornwall.