The Master of Ceremonies

There is something about Jesus, something that surprises and supersedes.  Having him around and seeing what he does brings joy.  He is viewed by many as a killjoy, but he is far from that, he is the source of life, meaningful and abundant life, and joy. 

Jesus, during a discussion about his departure and prayer, made a wonderful statement about the intersection of himself and joy. 

You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. John 16:24 (NLT2)

Abundant joy is something those who have a relationship with Jesus can experience.  The relationship matters.  Someone who is a friend of the owner of a restaurant can ask for food cooked particularly, that would then be prepared just right, and there is joy.  Jesus says to his friends that they are to ask using his name, and they will receive and with that comes joy. 

When Jesus attended a wedding feast, a problem arose because the wine ran out, and Jesus being Jesus and being able to do what he can do, changed water to wine.  The wedding planner, master of ceremonies, wine connoisseur, sommelier, tasted the wine and was surprised the good wine had been held back. 

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 2:9-10 (NLT2)

What joy that wine must have been for everyone involved.  Jesus, far from being one who ruined the party, was rather the real Master of Ceremonies.  His presence and his present of the wine brought abundant joy. 

Have you ever not invited Jesus to an event in your life because he would take the fun out of it?

Did you know your relationship with Jesus included asking privileges and joy?

How would you like Jesus to be the Master of Ceremonies at all your special occasions? 

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?