Serving the Best

Mary and Jesus were guests at the wedding in Cana when the wine ran out.  Using her keen observation skills, Mary saw what was happening, and knowing the possible humiliation for the groom and the family, she went to Jesus to deal with the issue.  He came up with a unique solution to a serious social problem. 

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!” John 2:6-10 (NLT2)

In the blink of an eye, Jesus changes one hundred and fifty gallons of water into wine, and not just wine, the best wine.  Jesus acts with kindness using what was available to accomplish what was impossible.  His work of transformation of water into wine is extravagant and extraordinary.  One normal bottle of wine is about a quart, but Jesus makes one hundred and fifty gallons of wine.  He does not make just good enough wine he makes the best. 

The practice of serving or hospitality is most delightful when what is shared is done extravagantly instead of stingily.  Jesus did it right.  He turned one hundred and fifty gallons of water to wine, not just enough to get by.  He took the quality of the wine to the highest level to bless others, which is an example for his people to follow. 

Do you practice hospitality meagerly or extravagantly?

Have you ever kept the “good stuff” back while serving the “good enough stuff?”

Has the grace God has shown you been meager or extravagant?