John 2:6-8 "And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. (7) Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. (8 ) And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it."
This was Jesus' first miracle and it was performed at a wedding in Cana of
Galilee. Certainly it was a festive occasion and people of high degree were in
attendance. They were having a wonderful time when suddenly it was discovered
that there had been a miscalculation of the amount of wine. They ran out. Mary,
the mother of Jesus, came to Him and said, "They have no wine."
This would be a time of great embarrassment for the parents to run out of
any type of refreshment before the part was over. What were they going to
do? She turned to the servants and said, "Whatsoever He tells you to do -
do it."
What would Jesus do? Of course, He already knew, but it's interesting when you
think about what was available for Him. There were six waterpots of stone.
Jesus told the servants to fill them with water and then draw out and give to
the governor of the feast. They did it. You are aware of this miracle and
you know the governor said this was the absolute best wine of all that had been
served. But I want to think about the vessels that were used by Jesus:
"six waterpots of stone." Those waterpots were used for the lowly
servant to wash the feet of the guests who came into the house. Yes, those pots
were commonly understood to hold water used for washing dust from feet.
Jesus used a common object to bear the best for others. The glory was not in
the pots, but what was brought out of them. The glory was owed to God, through
Jesus Christ, to show His marvelous power. What does this mean for us today?
"... we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the
excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." (2 Corinthians 4:6)
Yes, we are earthen vessels, but when used by the Lord, we can bear out
the very best by being servants to others. "But he that is greatest among
you shall be your servant." (Matthew 23:11) Lord, help me to be a
faithful servant to you. Let me be like those waterpots of stone. Help me to be
as those servants who did as you told them to do, that your glory may be seen
and experienced by others.