What Happens When the Wine Runs Out?

It was going to be a socially awkward situation. Beyond just being embarrassed, it was bordering on shame. You underestimated your guest count and overestimated your beverage menu. And you ran out.

In John 2:1-11 we have the record of a wedding celebration about to turn into a bad situation. Jesus, his family and few of his followers had been invited. It was customary for the grooms family to host a week long party to introduce the new couple and love on them a bit. Food and wine should flow in abundance. Both because people like to party and the water quality was nasty. You didn't drink the water. You drank the wine. And it was running low.

Mary, Jesus mom, went to her son and asked him to help. She didn't know exactly what He might do. She was alerting him to the likely embarrassment the family would face by running out of drink before the party was over. Hospitality is a big deal, and this family was about to be slapped in the face. The flow of wine for these folks was also symbolic of the source of joy. "Without wine these is no joy" is a quote I came across.

What do you do when your wine is about to run out?

• Ask Jesus for help. Just ask. And then be ready to do what he says. It may sound strange. In this case Jesus had them fill the water pots with water. That which was nasty to drink, Jesus said go get another 150-180 gallons of and bring it here. So the wait staff did. Where do you need help? Is Jesus able to help you? Will you ask?
• This is the first miracle of any kind that we are aware of. Why did Mary go to her son and ask him for help? Could he? Would he? I believe she knew He would, because she knew He was the Son of God, the Messiah. She knew of His heart for people. His heart towards you. Jesus came that our joy would be full. Not running on empty. Jesus came to give us life filled all the way to the brim. He cares... about your situation.

But trust can be hard. Today let me encourage you to seek Him. Ask Him. Trust Him.

See You Sunday friend!
Pastor Mike
Sunday was an awesome day!

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