We have an official Mother's Day and an official Father's Day, but we have no official Married Couple's Day. Consequently, a minister may include remarks about one or the other party in that relationship on one of the official days. For example, he may talk about wives on Mother's Day, whether or not they are mothers.
As a minister gets to know a congregation, he becomes aware of problems to address as well as pitfalls to avoid. Last week, in anticipation of what I might say this week about the role of wives, someone said to me that she would be listening carefully to the sermon for the "O" word: "Wives obey your husbands." This is one of those pitfalls this minister will avoid. Contrary to what some might think, my reluctance to comment is not evidence of cowardice but of concern, concern for what the Bible actually says. Much as some might assume that is quote from Paul, it is not.1 What he does say about obedience, twice, and what this morning's message will illustrate, is "Children, obey your parents" (Eph 6:1; Col 3:20). We will consider that statement particularly as it relates to mothers, and how the expression of that obedience changes over time.
Children often appreciate their parents more as those children get older, and it is important for adult children to keep in touch with their parents, lest they miss some important sign that something is wrong.
This is a familiar story from chapter two of John's gospel, about a wedding at Cana. It is appropriate for Mother's Day because of the insight it offers into the relationship of Jesus with his mother.
John gives no information about Jesus' birth or early years. He says nothing about Jesus' upbringing or education. He does not mention Joseph, Jesus' father, who has, perhaps, passed away when this event takes place.2 The writer opens his account when Jesus is about thirty years old and ready to begin his ministry. Chapter one describes Jesus' baptism and, over the next two days, his recruiting of the first few disciples: Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathaniel. There is no record that Jesus has done any preaching, teaching, or performed miracles, to this point. That will soon change, however, at his mother's Gentle Persuasion, for even though Jesus is an adult...
I. Mary continues to have a role in her son's life.
At home, this kind of stealth request appears in phrases like "The dinner table needs to be set"—or—"The garbage needs to go out." In other contexts, these might be simple statements of fact, with no other connotation, but not when Mom utters them. She names no agent responsible for remedying the particular problem she has identified, yet there is also no doubt she has the listener in mind, whoever that fortunate party might be.
Jesus' reply is interesting, and the NIV translator does a good job of capturing the tenderness in his tone:5 "Dear woman, why do you involve me?" He understands that her statement is not merely an observation but a recommendation. Will he do as his mother asks? ...She says nothing more to Jesus but apparently has confidence in her son that, despite his mild objection, he will respond to her request, and...
Linda says there are things my mother can get me to do that she herself would not attempt, recognizing that her efforts would be for naught. Linda has also told me that when she reaches her nagging limit on some issue, she goes to Mom, assuming that her appeal to me will find a more receptive hearing. Linda and Mom have always had very good relationship, which has not always worked in my favor. In any case, a mother's Gentle Persuasion can be quite effective, for not only do we see that Mary continues to have a role in her son's life...
II. Jesus continues to have a respect for his mother's wishes.
In chapter one, John the Baptist tells about Jesus' confirmation as the son of God. Whereas he once may have followed in Joseph's footsteps, Jesus has stepped out on his own.
The servants finally complete their task, and Jesus gives them the next set of instructions, which must have been even more puzzling: "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet." Although it is certainly drinkable, this is not drinking water. Nevertheless, "[t]hey did so" and discovered that "the water had been turned into wine." How is this possible? Who is this man?
The banquet master does not know that what is in the cup has come from one of the ceremonial washing jars, otherwise, he probably would not have accepted it. Apparently, the servants do not think it necessary to tell him. He tastes the wine, is surprised at its quality, and commends the bridegroom for his generosity: "[Y]ou have saved the best till now." It was a common practice to use "cheaper wine" as the guests became more festive and their tastes less discriminating, so the bridegroom probably has no idea what this is about. He had given no such instructions to the servants, yet he is not about to contradict the banquet master. John does not tell us if the bridegroom ever finds out what happened, but the servants know, as do the disciples...and, of course, Jesus' mother. Despite Jesus' apparent reluctance, he is indulgent of Mary's request and performs "the first of his miraculous signs" for her.
This story illustrates how you parents can have an influence for good in the lives of your children, even after they become adults. A son or daughter may be grown and out of the house, but your investment of love over the years can still bear fruit in various ways that can even extend to others, as it does here to celebrants of the wedding feast. This story also illustrates how children should honor parents, not only by obeying them during formative years but also by being sensitive to their concerns, even after those children become adults, as Jesus is toward his mother. On another level, this story also illustrates that God does not cut corners. The banquet needed wine, not necessarily good wine—any wine. Many of the guests would not have been able to tell the difference or even have cared at this point, yet God surpassed their expectations and gave "the best," because that is how He works: nothing but the best. ("If it's worth doing, it's worth doing well.")
John's gospel opens with Jesus as an adult, pursuing a career that will take him away from home. Nevertheless, Mary continues to have a role in her son's life. She is independent, with her own place on the literary marquee and her own circle in the social structure. At this wedding, Mary becomes aware of a need that may have escaped Jesus' attention, a need she knows Jesus can meet. She is also influential, which is evident as she expresses her concern to her son and her confidence to the servants.
Likewise, Jesus continues to have a respect for his mother's wishes. He, too, is independent, with his own circle in the social structure and his own schedule in the divine plan. His ministry is to proclaim the Kingdom of God, yet he is not insensitive to the need Mary brings to his attention. In fact, he is indulgent, for though he expresses his reluctance to his mother, he expresses his remedy to the servants. In the end, the groom suffers no embarrassment at his wedding banquet, and the disciples see God's glory in this miraculous sign and in the one they now call "Rabbi" (John 1:38b), all as a result of a mother's Gentle Persuasion.
As a minister gets to know a congregation, he becomes aware of problems to address as well as pitfalls to avoid. Last week, in anticipation of what I might say this week about the role of wives, someone said to me that she would be listening carefully to the sermon for the "O" word: "Wives obey your husbands." This is one of those pitfalls this minister will avoid. Contrary to what some might think, my reluctance to comment is not evidence of cowardice but of concern, concern for what the Bible actually says. Much as some might assume that is quote from Paul, it is not.1 What he does say about obedience, twice, and what this morning's message will illustrate, is "Children, obey your parents" (Eph 6:1; Col 3:20). We will consider that statement particularly as it relates to mothers, and how the expression of that obedience changes over time.
Children often appreciate their parents more as those children get older, and it is important for adult children to keep in touch with their parents, lest they miss some important sign that something is wrong.
Bill called his mother in Florida. When she answered the phone, he asked the typical question, "How are you doing?" "Not too good," she replied. "I've been very weak." This naturally concerned Bill, who asked why she was so weak? Her reply was even more disconcerting. In a voice that was obviously fainter, she said it was because she hadn't eaten in 38 days. His concern now approaching alarm, Bill asked, "Why haven't you eaten in 38 days?" "Because," she said... "I didn't want my mouth to be filled with food when you called."It is important for adult children to keep in touch with their parents, lest they miss some sign that something is wrong, and it is important that adult children be sensitive to their parent's concerns, as Jesus was in response to his mother's concern and her Gentle Persuasion.
This is a familiar story from chapter two of John's gospel, about a wedding at Cana. It is appropriate for Mother's Day because of the insight it offers into the relationship of Jesus with his mother.
John gives no information about Jesus' birth or early years. He says nothing about Jesus' upbringing or education. He does not mention Joseph, Jesus' father, who has, perhaps, passed away when this event takes place.2 The writer opens his account when Jesus is about thirty years old and ready to begin his ministry. Chapter one describes Jesus' baptism and, over the next two days, his recruiting of the first few disciples: Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathaniel. There is no record that Jesus has done any preaching, teaching, or performed miracles, to this point. That will soon change, however, at his mother's Gentle Persuasion, for even though Jesus is an adult...
I. Mary continues to have a role in her son's life.
John 2:1 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding.One thing about Mary, immediately obvious as we read this passage, is that...
A. She is independent.Do you notice anything unusual in these opening two verses? ...John's gospel focuses on Jesus, and we often call this story his first miracle, yet...
Moreover, it is she who gets first billing here: "Jesus' mother was there and [by the way] Jesus and his disciples had also been invited...." This order alerts us to the fact that she will play a central role in what is about to unfold. It also indicates that...1. Mary has her own place on the literary marquee.
It is her acquaintance with the wedding couple's family that led to this invitation, and Jesus seems to be along primarily because he is her son. Mary does not simply live in the shadow of her adult children.3 She may enjoy their support, but she has her own life. As John indicates here, she is independent.2. Mary has her own circle in the social structure.
John 2:3 When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine." 4 "Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied. "My time has not yet come." 5 His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."In addition to Mary's being independent, we also see that...
B. She is influential.Her remark that the wine has run out is not a criticism but an expression of concern for the host. In Jewish tradition, wine is a symbol of joy,4 and its absence on what should be a festive occasion would signal a diminishing of that joy, so...
It is also a not-so-subtle hint. She does not ask Jesus directly to rectify the problem, but her intention is unmistakably clear. She wants him to do something about it, and she is confident he can.1. Mary expresses her concern to her son.
At home, this kind of stealth request appears in phrases like "The dinner table needs to be set"—or—"The garbage needs to go out." In other contexts, these might be simple statements of fact, with no other connotation, but not when Mom utters them. She names no agent responsible for remedying the particular problem she has identified, yet there is also no doubt she has the listener in mind, whoever that fortunate party might be.
Jesus' reply is interesting, and the NIV translator does a good job of capturing the tenderness in his tone:5 "Dear woman, why do you involve me?" He understands that her statement is not merely an observation but a recommendation. Will he do as his mother asks? ...She says nothing more to Jesus but apparently has confidence in her son that, despite his mild objection, he will respond to her request, and...
She does not attempt to coerce him or shame him into acting. Mary's love for him over the years has gained her considerable influence which, she apparently uses sparingly, so the request alone is enough to elicit her son's positive response. She is influential.2. Mary expresses her confidence to the servants.
Linda says there are things my mother can get me to do that she herself would not attempt, recognizing that her efforts would be for naught. Linda has also told me that when she reaches her nagging limit on some issue, she goes to Mom, assuming that her appeal to me will find a more receptive hearing. Linda and Mom have always had very good relationship, which has not always worked in my favor. In any case, a mother's Gentle Persuasion can be quite effective, for not only do we see that Mary continues to have a role in her son's life...
II. Jesus continues to have a respect for his mother's wishes.
In chapter one, John the Baptist tells about Jesus' confirmation as the son of God. Whereas he once may have followed in Joseph's footsteps, Jesus has stepped out on his own.
A. He is independent....having embarked on a divine mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God.6 As I mentioned before, Jesus has also accepted his first few disciples, which means some have begun to recognize his rabbinic authority, so that...
It is a following that will grow rapidly as his ministry gains momentum. This wedding, however, has little to do with that ministry, which is the reason he asks his mother, "Why do you involve me?" He knows that he must not move too quickly or too soon, lest people misunderstand his mission. Timing is everything, and...1. Jesus has his own circle in the social structure.
...and this wedding is not on it, at least, not for any public display of his authority.7 So he says, "My time has not yet come." Those close to Jesus, even his mother, are not completely aware of the path he must take. He is independent. Nevertheless, Jesus is not insensitive to her concerns. Quite the contrary...2. Jesus has his own schedule in the divine plan.
B. He is indulgent.He does not agree immediately to grant her wish; rather, he seems to deny it. This is not his problem, and to demonstrate his power at this point, before he has had a chance to declare his message, would be premature. Hence...
Nevertheless, as the celebration continues, he moves to grant her request and to rectify the situation, for...1. Jesus expresses his reluctance to his mother.
2. Jesus expresses his remedy to the servants.
Before a meal, it was customary for people to pour water over their hands and purify them from any ritual defilement they may have picked up in the normal course of daily affairs.8 At this point in the celebration, the guests have performed that washing, and the six large jars that held the water are now empty, ready for the next banquet.9 Jesus' initial instruction must have puzzled the servants: "Fill the jars with water." Why bother, when the hand washing that took place before the meal is over? Still, they follow his order. It takes a while, of course, carrying the jars out to the well, hauling up the sixty buckets of water needed to fill them, and then lugging them back inside, considerably heavier now than before. This is really an awful lot of trouble to go through when there are more pressing details to attend at the banquet.John 2:6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim. 8 Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet." They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now." 11 This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.
The servants finally complete their task, and Jesus gives them the next set of instructions, which must have been even more puzzling: "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet." Although it is certainly drinkable, this is not drinking water. Nevertheless, "[t]hey did so" and discovered that "the water had been turned into wine." How is this possible? Who is this man?
The banquet master does not know that what is in the cup has come from one of the ceremonial washing jars, otherwise, he probably would not have accepted it. Apparently, the servants do not think it necessary to tell him. He tastes the wine, is surprised at its quality, and commends the bridegroom for his generosity: "[Y]ou have saved the best till now." It was a common practice to use "cheaper wine" as the guests became more festive and their tastes less discriminating, so the bridegroom probably has no idea what this is about. He had given no such instructions to the servants, yet he is not about to contradict the banquet master. John does not tell us if the bridegroom ever finds out what happened, but the servants know, as do the disciples...and, of course, Jesus' mother. Despite Jesus' apparent reluctance, he is indulgent of Mary's request and performs "the first of his miraculous signs" for her.
This story illustrates how you parents can have an influence for good in the lives of your children, even after they become adults. A son or daughter may be grown and out of the house, but your investment of love over the years can still bear fruit in various ways that can even extend to others, as it does here to celebrants of the wedding feast. This story also illustrates how children should honor parents, not only by obeying them during formative years but also by being sensitive to their concerns, even after those children become adults, as Jesus is toward his mother. On another level, this story also illustrates that God does not cut corners. The banquet needed wine, not necessarily good wine—any wine. Many of the guests would not have been able to tell the difference or even have cared at this point, yet God surpassed their expectations and gave "the best," because that is how He works: nothing but the best. ("If it's worth doing, it's worth doing well.")
John's gospel opens with Jesus as an adult, pursuing a career that will take him away from home. Nevertheless, Mary continues to have a role in her son's life. She is independent, with her own place on the literary marquee and her own circle in the social structure. At this wedding, Mary becomes aware of a need that may have escaped Jesus' attention, a need she knows Jesus can meet. She is also influential, which is evident as she expresses her concern to her son and her confidence to the servants.
Likewise, Jesus continues to have a respect for his mother's wishes. He, too, is independent, with his own circle in the social structure and his own schedule in the divine plan. His ministry is to proclaim the Kingdom of God, yet he is not insensitive to the need Mary brings to his attention. In fact, he is indulgent, for though he expresses his reluctance to his mother, he expresses his remedy to the servants. In the end, the groom suffers no embarrassment at his wedding banquet, and the disciples see God's glory in this miraculous sign and in the one they now call "Rabbi" (John 1:38b), all as a result of a mother's Gentle Persuasion.
For the Bibliography and the Endnotes see the pdf here.
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Jim Skaggs