“Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.” (John 2:6) Photo by Gina Brummett, 2020, Stone water jar in Cana, Israel
“Listen to my Son.” God the Father said it; Mary the mother of Jesus said it; and Jesus, himself said, “Hear me.”
Matthew’s gospel records a fascinating story that has been labeled “The Transfiguration” because Jesus’ appearance was changed right in front of his inner circle of friends. (ch. 17)
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. . . While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matthew 17)
It wasn’t the first time the disciples had heard similar words. Here on the Mount of Transfiguration –if they were clear-headed enough to remember it– they may have recalled another day when they had heard, “Listen to my son.” That time they were attending a wedding with Jesus and almost witnessed a ruined reception when the beverages ran out.
(From John, ch 2) “..a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”
“Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”
His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
The obedience of the servants saved the day as they participated in Jesus’ first miracle. The transformation of water to wine was done discreetly, but it was done in full view of the disciples and, apparently, as much for their benefit as for the wedding party and guests.
Through this miracle, Jesus “revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.” (See John 2:6-11)
When the disciples heard God’s voice on the mountaintop, they fell facedown , terrified but fully persuaded to listen to Jesus’ words that followed “Get up. Don’t be afraid.”
These two stories should compel us to listen to what Jesus says to us. Now, while you likely have some extra time at home -avoiding coronavirus- take the opportunity to research the “red letters”.* A transformation greater than “water to wine” happens for those who will “do whatever he tells you”. (i.e. Repent, Forgive, Love, Believe, Follow……) Hearing and obeying have a great outcome: “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24
While we are not in the same position as the disciples to see Jesus’ physical features change in front of us, we do have the opportunity to behold His glory with greater clarity every day.
The Son says, “Get up. Don’t be afraid.”
*Jesus’ words typically printed in red in most editions of the New Testament. Click here for a compilation of “red letter” verses.