Reason #3: Jesus Saves the Party

What would be included in your best party ever?

Whether it has a fun theme, or your favourite bunch of people, or an exciting venue, parties are celebrations that usually include plenty of food.

Now imagine if the food and fizzy drinks ran out just as you sat down to eat. Someone forgot to bring the cake, the only thing left to drink is water, and everybody else gobbled up the other goodies before you could get any! Is it still the best party ever?!

Jesus went to parties and celebrations, too. On the occasion talked about in today’s Bible reading, there was a little bit of a problem.

Who prompted Jesus to save this party?

⏳ A bit of history: In Jesus’ day, weddings were big celebrations that could last up to a week. To run out of wine for the guests was a HUGE mistake! This would have brought embarrassment and shame on the family hosting the wedding party.

💬 The conversation: When Jesus’ mother, Mary, told him about the wine problem, Jesus responded with some unusual words. Back then, calling his mum “Woman” wasn’t rude, even though it might be today!

👩 The mum factor: As they were talking, Jesus gave Mary a reminder that his ministry was on God’s timing and no one else’s. Of course, Mary knew that Jesus was God’s Son, and that he could do miraculous things, but perhaps she was keen for others to know it as well. (Side note: Jesus had a proud mum too!)

🫗 The miracle: Jesus instructed the servants to fill large water jars with water. Only the servants, Jesus’ disciples and Mary knew what happened—the water turned into wine!

❤️ Jesus shows himself: Jesus’ miracles reveal that he is God’s Son. This miracle shows us his power, but also his HEART. Jesus cared about the wedding hosts so much that he gave them more wine to save the party… but even better than that, Jesus gave them finer quality wine than they had before!

Even though turning water into wine didn’t save anyone’s life, it saved the family from humiliation.

？Asking Jesus for help: Mary knew to turn to Jesus for help, and we can know that too. Jesus cares about what’s going on in our lives, so we can talk to him about anything that’s on our minds—whether it’s big or small, life-changing or just embarrassment-saving.

✏️ Prayer and picture prompt:

Pray this prayer, then on a piece of paper, draw symbols for the little things you mention to Jesus. “Dear Jesus, I know you care about what’s happening in my life, even the little things. Please help…”