Who Knew? And When?

In John’s first chapter we are introduced to the Word of God, the light of the world, without whom nothing was made. The Baptist testified to His baptism, the dove descending and God’s pleasure. We heard the Baptist point Him out:

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29 KJV)

We saw men follow Him, wanting to learn more and bringing others to Him. The beginning of Jesus ministry, the first steps on the road to Calvary. In the second chapter we come to a wedding at Cana. Apparently John was the only gospel writer who thought this was important. Cana is only mentioned four times in John’s gospel, twice mentioning the wedding as Jesus’ first miracle. Yet this miracle carries so much for us.

We do not know the bride and groom. Perhaps they were family, since Mary was concerned about their not being wine for the wedding. We don’t know why Mary was certain Jesus could fix this situation. We don’t even know why He did. According to John, Jesus was not eager to do so:

And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. (John 2:3-4 KJV)

Mary made a simple statement of fact, but it appears her son knew that it was a request that He intervene. The first example of God knowing what we are asking even when we can’t put it into the right words for a request. Mary knew this very early.

“Mine hour is not yet come” sounds a bit out of character – He is always God, omnipotent, unconfined by time. Yet God has set specifics, often prophesied by those He sends to share His message. Obviously, He is not confined to His own schedule, as evidenced by this small miracle.

Mary showed us an example of the faith we are to have when we’ve asked of Him:

His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. (John 2:5 KJV)

John does not record that Jesus told His mother He would help. She believed He would and prepared the way for Him. The servants trusted her – and Him – enough to follow instructions. Could they anticipate the outcome? Or did they have faith?

Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. (John 2:7-8 KJV)

These were not pots that used to hold wine and simply carried that taste. These pots were specific for water:

And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. (John 2:6 KJV)

A simple story, isn’t it? No lightning flashing, no whirlwind of activity, just a few words between a small group of people showing love, respect, faith and reward with a lasting result:

This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. (John 2:11 KJV)

Mary knew, before. The disciples knew, after. When did you know?