Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim.

In the beautiful and powerful Psalm 23 we read “my cup runneth over.” In the Gospel of John, we read about Jesus unexpectedly changing water to wine — John 2:1-11. When the wine at the wedding runs out, he tells the servants to fill large stone jars with water and they fill them to the brim. Jesus then changes this water into wine. It is a generous amount that is greater than the guests could possibly consume. The wine steward is amazed with the quality and generosity of serving such a wine when people may not be able to appreciate such quality.

The wine from Jesus was for others, even as he too enjoyed being a guest at the wedding. In my mind, I see Jesus eating, drinking, dancing, and laughing as he too enjoyed the bounty of the wedding feast. It is obvious from the story that he did not expect anything but to enjoy the hospitality of his host and the company of others. He didn’t change the water to wine for himself but for the community and the host of the wedding. This event exemplifies Jesus’ ministry. He participated and enjoyed his mortal life even as every miracle or sign and teaching was for others.

At one point in the story, Jesus felt he wasn’t ready to start his ministry, telling his mother “What concern is that to you and me? My hour has not come.” I find it somehow comforting that even Jesus was not expecting to meet a need and even question if he should be concerned. But he did what was necessary and good.

The bounty of Christ’s grace and love provide more life and love for the thriving of humanity than we can realize or understand. The church, which is to reflect Jesus as the Body of Christ on earth, is therefore called to be bountiful to all human beings as Christ is, and has been, with all of us.

When we gather and worship together, we are enjoying the wedding feast God has provided. Like God’s love and grace, it is meant to be shared. Join us Sunday as we ask the questions of what concerns us and consider our answer. What is it to be the church of Jesus Christ?

May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you!

Pastor Rick