“The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.” “Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions. When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.”

‭‭John‬ ‭2:1-11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Today we visited the Church of the First Miracle in Cana. (We also went for a tour of Nazareth Village, visited the Church of the Annunciation and explored Sepphoris/Ziporri, a town near Nazareth which was experiencing a boom in Jesus’ day and is where he and Joseph would have worked.)

We were reminded that Jesus’ first miracle was rather humble. He didn’t heal someone or feed 5,000 or bring someone back to life after three days. He just turn ordinary water into wine at a wedding. 

He did this so that the party wouldn’t end. Once the wine was gone the celebration would wind down and people would head home. But Jesus was always invested in bringing people together. So he turned the water into wine. 
So that the people would be together, the friendships would be strengthened and the community would be blessed. 

I often say, “our God throws a party.” When the prodigal returns home, when the sinner is redeemed, when the tomb is empty- our God throws a party. So it is not surprising that Jesus’ first miracle took place during a party which was in danger of ending. Jesus didn’t want the party to end then, and he doesn’t want it to end now. When we out our faith in Him, we are welcomed into the party that never ends – heaven. 

This Lent may you know that Jesus wants you to be part of the party that never ends. May you put your faith in him, and may you be welcomed. 

(Our day also ended with a party as we celebrated the birthday of one our pilgrims – Andrew McCaig, and of our wonderful guide, Avie Gal! Sadly I forgot my phone in the bus during our trip to the church in Cana, so no pictures. Here are a few of our party!)