January 3, 2018 Wednesday

6   Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. 7   Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, 8   he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions.     John 2:6-8 NLT

            It is amazing to think that Jesus made at least 120 gallons of wine!  Jesus reminds us of the bounty of God’s blessing and that contrary to some Jesus desires us to joyfully celebrate!

            The Bible says that the water used to make wine was placed in stone water jars.  These at least 20 gallon stone jars were hand carved and smoothed so they could hold water.  It is hard to imagine the time that went into making a stone jar that large.

            We are also told that these jars were made for “Jewish ceremonial washing“.  Whenever Jewish people went to the Temple or Synagogue they had to go through a process of ceremonial washing to prepare themselves to come before God.   

            Through Baptism and confession we also are cleansed and prepared to come into God’s presence.  If we are not prepared and cleansed we are not able to come into God’s presence.  That may be why so many in congregations say they do not experience God’s presence.

            To me another major part of this Scripture is the faith the servants showed when Jesus told them to take the water out to be served.  Can you imagine taking it out and like a waiter waiting for the complaints as they tasted water when they had ordered wine?

            We are reminded that we must be prepared to come into god’s presence and then we must have the faith to serve water believing Jesus will make it a wine of celebration!