Cana was about four miles from Nazareth. Another in a string of small towns leading to the holy city of Jerusalem. It was time for a wedding and of course all the relatives were invited, including Mary and her family. Jesus was thirty years old at the time and undoubtedly had his share of Jewish mothers nagging Him to get married, but we know that God’s plan didn’t include that.

The work Jesus was about to begin would be packed into three years of miracles, healings, teaching, calling to repentance and eventually taking the load of the sin of the world on His own back. He would be available 24/7 and each day would be full.

Weddings are a time of reunion – families reuniting in celebration – feasting and having fun.  The young couple was aglow and ready to start a new life together.  It was natural for them to want family and friends to share in their joy.   We don’t know if Jesus was related to these two, but His mother was also present at the wedding, so it may have been so.

Mary hadn’t seen her son in a while. He seemed stronger somehow. He was always a smart boy, but now His wisdom had become broader. He had an inner strength that comes only with experience.  His time away from His home town was treating Him well.  She knew He would someday become an important link to God, the Father.

She must’ve recalled the early days of His life. She knew Jesus was destined for greatness.  Every mom hopes that their child will be successful – that they will be happy – that they’ll follow their calling and do as God intended.  She wanted what was best for Him, but He was no longer a child.

When she saw him at the gate, she ran to meet him. Young men tend to get a bit embarrassed when their mothers do such things, but it had been so long and He didn’t seem to mind. He was glad to see her too.

The party went on for hours and soon they ran out of wine. Mary went to Jesus and told Him of this dilemma and Jesus replied, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” Mary told the servants to do whatever He said they should do. By saying this, she was acting in faith once more. She knew Jesus was capable of doing something. He was the Son of God, after all.

Jesus told the servants to fill six water jugs to the brim with water. Each of the jugs had room for about ten gallons. The servants complied and without a single word being uttered, and only the will of Jesus, the water became wine – the best wine they’d ever tasted.  Someone even remarked that the host was saving the best for last.

This first miracle set His ministry into action. We don’t know how many people realized what happened, but we do know that because of Jesus’ actions that day, the disciples believed in Him. Many more amazing deeds would be accomplished by His hand.  His Kingdom was coming to earth through Him, as it was in Heaven.  Mary knew this was His mission.