He Dwelt Among UsSample

Jesus Came to Give New Life

What did Jesus come to do? John tells us that his Gospel was written, “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31 CSB). The miracles of Jesus are not random displays of power. They are signs that reveal who he is and what he came to do.

At a wedding in Cana, when the wine ran out, Jesus turned water set aside for ceremonial washing into an abundance of the finest wine. This sign shows that the old means of purification find their fulfillment in him, and that through him a new age of grace has begun.

John hints at new creation by situating this miracle on the seventh day in his opening narrative. In the creation account, the Sabbath takes place on the seventh day. John is showing us that through Jesus, new creation has arrived.

When Jesus tells Mary that his hour has not yet come, he points ahead to the cross and to the full unveiling of his glory. Even so, he graciously acts, and the master of the banquet declares that the best has now arrived in Jesus.

Mary’s instruction to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you,” is a model of faith. Even after Jesus told her his hour had not yet come, she did not give up. She trusted that he would act in his time and in his way. When it seems like God is slow to respond, faith keeps listening and obeying. Mary shows us that what feels like delay is often an invitation to keep trusting and to stay ready for what God will do. In the end, the servants know where the wine came from, the groom is honored, and the disciples see and believe.

Jesus also makes it clear that there are no shortcuts or special privileges with him. Family ties do not grant special access. “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:50 CSB). Anyone can be included in the family of God by walking with Jesus and doing the will of God.

God’s will is clear in Scripture. Four times in the New Testament we are explicitly told what the will of God is: believe in Jesus Christ (John 6:40 CSB), abstain from sexual sin (1 Thessalonians 4:3 CSB), give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18 CSB), and submit to doing what is right (1 Peter 2:13–15 CSB). The invitation to God’s Kingdom is open to anyone who will come to Jesus in faith and obedience.

The miracle at Cana declares that Jesus came to give new life to those who are empty. He does not offer a quick fix. He offers himself, the true Bridegroom who provides joy that does not run out and cleansing that truly makes us clean. “He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him” (John 2:11 CSB). This is the invitation still before us today.

Reflection Question: Where in your life are you running on empty? How is Jesus inviting you to trust him for new life today?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to give life that nothing else can offer. When I feel empty, teach me to come to you and to do whatever you say. Help me to trust your timing, to submit to your will, and to invite others into your Kingdom. Fill me with your Spirit so that my life points to your glory. Amen.