Runnymede Christian Fellowship, a church in Egham

Week 18  (30/04/2007)    - Water into Wine       

There is a true story about a tightrope walker who stretched a wire from one bank above Niagara Falls to the other. A crowd gathered to watch this amazing feat. The performer asked the crowd if they believed he could make it across and they all shouted “yes.” Carefully, slowly he made his way across the wire from one side to the other with success. Reaching the other side, he held up a wheelbarrow and again asked the crowd if they thought he could push it across the wire ahead of him.

This time the crowd was silent, so he singled out one man and yelled down to him: “Sir, do you think I can make it?” The individual responded in the affirmative, so the tightrope walker called back: “Then prove your faith by getting up here and riding in the wheelbarrow.” Just so, Christ calls to us today to get into the wheelbarrow with him…and trust him to carry us safely across the deep chasms and trials of life.

Today marks the second Sunday in Epiphany, the season of light. It is that time of year when the flame of faith is rekindled—as we recall a God who keeps his promises. From a babe born in a manger to a savior who went to his cross to save us from our sins.

But there are times, are there not, when the flame of faith is dampened through violence or tragedy? For those who face a serious illness or loss of a loved one, for those dealing with disappointment, for those whose lives and hearts are broken, it may seem difficult to hold on to faith. It is easy to become disheartened, cynical, filled with doubt and even despair. That is why God breaks into our world with news that can turn our despair into hope, and that can rekindle in us the flame of faith.

Water Into Wine

Epiphany is the season of revelation—as God reveals to the world who this Jesus really is. And so today we have yet another clue revealed by John’s Gospel in the story of the first recorded miracle of Jesus.

The New Testament is filled with dramatic, show-stopping events. We recently celebrated the birth of Jesus. A star with wattage like none ever before witnessed shines like a giant spotlight on Bethlehem. The skies open up and a chorus of angels the size of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir scare the wits out of surprised shepherds. And last week in the baptism of Jesus we heard the very voice of God exclaim: “This is my beloved son.” Today we have a miracle of water changed into wine. These are life-giving, birth-giving, salvation-giving, power-giving, sky opening events. All to remind us that something special is happening. God is breaking into our world in a new and profound way in Jesus Christ.

It is significant to note that Jesus loved a party. We find him with a few of his disciples and his mother at a wedding feast in Cana—not too far from Nazareth. Likely a good friend of the family was getting married. Everyone must have been having a good time because the wine is running out. Jesus’ mother approaches her son and suggests that he help out by turning some water into wine so the celebration can continue.

At first, Jesus is a bit reluctant to act. Not because he is not eager to be of assistance. But he is aware of the consequences of revealing himself too soon. If he does this miracle, word will get around quickly. But in obedience to his mother, Jesus requests that the servants bring him some barrels of water. When these are later delivered to the steward of the feast, everyone is amazed that they are now filled with fine wine. In fact the wine is so good, that some ask why the groom did not serve it first! The common practice was to serve good wine at the beginning of the feast when people could appreciate it. Later a watered down version might be brought out at a time when people didn’t care as much what they were drinking.