The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

THE HOUR OF CHRIST

At first glance, Jesus’ response to his mother at the wedding in Cana can be confusing or even troubling: “Woman, why do you involve me? My hour has not yet come.” But then he proceeds to perform his first miracle, producing somewhere between 120 and 180 gallons of wine.

When considering Jesus’ evident change of heart, it is important to remember the setting of this miracle: a wedding. Whenever people attend a wedding, they inevitably entertain thoughts about their own wedding. This is true for married people, but many single people as well long for their wedding day, when it will be their “hour” — when they will be the bride or groom, finally joined to the one they love.

So in this moment, as Jesus looked on at the bride and groom in Cana, perhaps he too was longing for his “hour,” when he would be joined with his bride, his church. Perhaps he looked forward to the wedding banquet that is to come, when men and women from every tribe and language will be joined with him at the marriage supper of the Lamb in the new heavens and new earth (Rev 19:6 – 9). How utterly appropriate that Jesus’ first sign pointed toward the ultimate celebration and the ultimate wedding: his own with his church.

Jesus, thank you for choosing the church to be your bride. Thank you for choosing me to be a member of your church. I can’t wait to spend eternity with you. Amen.