Taking a bit of a respite today, I find myself drifting through the channels on the television a bit more. Nothing really catches the eye, so I come away for a little quite time with my favorite friend! Lately, the intervals in life have been speeding up. The writing has been taking a back seat. I’ve only written two letters this month and stowed one of them away. Usually, I’ll share them within a short period of time after writing them, but some, God has me save for later.
I’m not much of wine drinker, but every so often I’ll have one with a meal or with my significant other. Usually it’s a red wine stored at room temperature and served in a double scotch glass. Like I said, I’m not much of a wine drinker so the glasses that I have suffice.
Every so often I get a flavor that I’m fond of and I’ll enjoy the bottle over a couple of days before it is all gone. From time to time, I’ll buy an extra bottle and save it for a rainy day. Yes, it is something I do. And this brings me to my next question… Why did Jesus say to His mother at the wedding in Cana, “its not yet my time (John 2: 4).”
If we step back to the beginning of the book, we find Jesus coming to be baptized by John. But just prior to this awesome encounter, John is questioned by some priests and Levites about who he is. Now, John specifically tells them who he is not, and then tells them he is but a voice calling from the wilderness (John 1: 19-28). Then the next day as if on queue, the Man shows up to be baptized, yes, the One who would baptize with the Spirit.
After fulfilling the quest, Jesus recruits a few sets of brothers. The first responders were Andrew and Peter, then John tells of Philip and Nathaniel (John 1: 35-51). But I believe we can safely assume, he also called James and John, the sons of thunder (Mark 3: 17).
The next day we find Jesus and His disciples at the wedding feast. Mary, Jesus, and His disciples were attending the event as invited guests. Mary hears of the wine running out and volunteers her Son to assist. This is something I can relate to with my mom. Jesus let her know that it was not yet His time, but He still honored her. The workers went and filled the jugs and served it up to the host of the feast… He even commented on how great the wine was (John 2: 1-11)!
I bring this up to offer up a simple solution. Jesus, in John’s version of the Gospel, had not yet gone into the wilderness. Some of the other Gospels tell of Jesus leaving after His baptism in water and going straight into the wilderness for His trials of temptation (Mark 1), but John gives a little more leeway as a first hand account would do. I believe it was shortly after this wedding and between verses 12 and 13 where Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert. Thus, it would reflect His comment to His mother that His time had not yet come.
Godspeed, The Journeyman
Ps. Today’s story comes from a bit of curiosity and study. I often wondered about this chapter and why John never mentioned the wilderness run. But it is only my take on the matter, enjoy your day!
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