“Doing What He Tells You”

“ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water’; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, ‘Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.’ They did so.” John 2:5-8 (New International Version)

I get it. It is especially common for those who are well-known or in positions of leadership. You try to go to a service, dinner, or some other gathering and just want to be a “normal person.” You are not the host or officiant, and do everything in your ability to keep the spotlight off of yourself. So, you slip in quietly, sit at the back, or duck behind the tallest person you see, and hope no one takes notice. Perhaps you refuse to make eye contact, hang your head, or pretend you are occupied with something else, and tell yourself, “Not me. Not me.” But then it happens! “I would like to call upon to do .” So much for remaining on the down-low. Jesus’ response to his mother a verse earlier seems to indicate a “down-low Jesus” in the town of Cana. We know nothing of his affiliation with the wedding party or how large of a gathering it may have been. Suffice to say, it was attended well enough to exhaust the drink budget. Talk about an embarrassing moment for the wedding director. This was not simply someone’s family dinner; it was a joyous celebration of families joining together through holy matrimony. It reminds me of a scenario that played out some years ago during a church fundraiser of which I was a part. We were selling barbeque (which had a great reputation in the county) along with the usual fixings the proceeds from which would benefit a church need. I will say that early on we were putting out some “healthy plates” and were giving people more than their money’s worth. However, with time, we noticed the green beans and potatoes were running short. Generosity on the front end had created a short fall on the back end. I remember one of the ladies saying, “I am embarrassed to send that out the door!” (referring to a skimpy plate).

Maybe something like that took place at the wedding in Cana, but, regardless of the culprit, Jesus questioned how the problem had anything to do with him. He was there as a guest and not as one looking for an opportunity to “save the day” through the performance of a miracle. He told his mother plainly, “My hour has not yet come,” but even at that was unable to remove himself from the situation. Undeterred by her son’s response, Mary told the servants to do exactly as Jesus requested. It is as if she knew he would do the right thing so as not to make an embarrassing moment even more difficult for the director, couple, and guests. Her words were simple, “Do what he tells you to do.”

It is tempting for us as modern-day readers to move along to the “good part” of the story because we like a happy ending. However, we must consider what took place before the real miracle unfolded. Jesus did not simply speak some words and cause wine to appear. No, he gave instructions to the servants who were present. We are not told how many there were or any of their names, but their place is forever included in the pages of Scripture. Their role may not appear to have been all that significant, but they acted when directed by Jesus. Those stone jars used for ritual washings (see the above photo) were empty and not about to fill themselves. If you are like me (which is scary), being asked to collect water is nothing glamorous, but, when water is needed, it has to be done. “Do what he tells you to do.”

Obedience is not always our go-to when it comes to hearing a word from the Lord. Sometimes we tiptoe around creating excuses as to why God should not use us or because the job before us is not what we want for it to be. There are times when we ask God to use us to do something for God’s glory and honor, and allow them to pass us by. I was recently watching television and a show’s character was telling his friend about wanting the right opportunity to do something. He said, “I am getting offers over and over, but am just waiting.” Waiting and being patient for God to move, do not get me wrong, is wise. We do not need to move too quickly into a situation which may create trouble for us in the future. However, if we await the “right opportunity” to do that which honors God, we might not do anything. This is especially true if we are always focused on something big. Some of the best opportunities to be of service to God and others are available to us through the little things like “filling the jars with water.” May we be open to the nudges of God each day and respond favorably to the words, “Do what he tells you to do.”

Together in Christian Service,
The Reverend Kelley Smart