Focus: Miracle of Relationship

Text: Jh.2:1,2

"The mother of Jesus was there: And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine."

Miracles have their contexts. I believe that most miracles happen within the context of relationship, like knowing someone or knowing someone who knows someone. It is like running into an old school mate or an old friend, and the likes.

This first miracle of Jesus shows us the importance of good relationship. It is obvious that Mary has a connection with this couple. I believe she is in this wedding feast either as a close friend or as a family member. In any case, there must have been an attachment. So when they ran out of wine they told her about it.

*The need for more wine

At that time, wine must not finish in an event like this. That is why a celebrant would plan to have both the best and the worst wines. When he runs out of the best wine, then he would serve the worst. At least, there should be wine of some sort. Better to have the worst wine than not to have any at all, and as they say, 'Half bread is better than none.'

*The need for a miracle

Mary is so concerned about this situation of shame that she commits herself to doing something about it. She carries the problem on her own head. Then she decides to involve her son, Jesus Christ. But remember that this miracle is Jesus' first. By this miracle He unveils His divine glory.

Now if this is indeed His first miracle, where is Mary getting the idea that her son is capable of the incredible or the miraculous? She has not seen Him before doing miracles. So what informs her belief in the miraculous power of Jesus Christ since He has not done anything miraculous previously?

Mary knows something about her son that no one else knows. She has had divine encounters about Him right from His conception to His birth, and even to His growing up days. When it does not look like Jesus is agreeing to her request, she turns and says to the servants, "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it." She remains confident and hopeful. To cut the long story short, something shifted in the realm of the Spirit, and the Lord Jesus Christ miraculously turns water into wine. By meeting a need He reveals His divine glory, leading to His own disciples believing in Him.

*The need for relationship

In this miracle I see the power and importance of relationship. For Mary, the umbilical cord really worked. Her concern and compassion for those in need worked. God doesn't throw things down from heaven; He uses people to reach us with heaven's blessings.

While we believe God for miracles we should also do all in our power to be in good relationship with people, for you never can tell who God will use to bless you. The Lord Jesus says, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall MEN give into your bosom…" (Lk.6:38). The blessing of good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over comes through our fellow human beings. People can withhold or hinder your blessings if you have issues with them. Instead of being channels of God's blessings to you, they will become blockers and hinderers.

Stop creating enemies for yourself. Be friendly. Treat people with respect and kindness. Value people above things. Stop using people and loving things. It is the other way around. Love people and use things. Over 95% of our miracles happen through people we know in one way or another.

Imagine if Mary was not involved in that wedding feast! Imagine that Jesus Christ and His disciples were not invited to that occasion! In this life you truly need people.

Look down on no one, for God can use anyone to make your miracle happen. Be a blessing to others when and where you can. Everything we give out has a way of coming back to us. For those who do good, good will come back to them. God, most times, lodges our miracles inside our relationships.

by Bishop Moses E. Peter