John Chapter Two: What Are You Capable Of?

When I was younger, my parents always told me “just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.” I was, naturally, a very cautious child, but this teaching gave me greater pause. I became even more reflective questioning my motivation for what I was doing, why I was doing it, and ultimately analyzing how I was doing it.

In an age of excessive entrepreneurship, self-promotion, and social comparison digital celebrity-ism (yes, I just made that word up, keep reading) is at an all-time high. Right now, at large and in the corners tucked away, there is an overwhelming aura of “I can do that, too!” hovering over this country.

Yes, we have a broad and profound capacity. Yes, we can do so much with the infinite knowledge and strength God has given us. But, I often fear that we believe in ourselves and our power so much, we forget to search for the ultimate will of God in the midst of our human abilities.

In John chapter two, Jesus attends a wedding with His mother, brothers, and disciples in Cana. In the first few verses, I find such humanness in Jesus who, as we continue to read, will become well-known as the Christ – the Son of God.

On the third day, there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee,
and the mother of Jesus was there. Now both Jesus and His disciples
were invited to the wedding. And when they ran out of wine,
the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.”
Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.”
His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”
v. 1-3

There have been countless times when my family has attended an event, or even hosted one in our home, and despite the effort to be organized something gets missed. Like Mary, my mother often solicits the help of my brother and he always obliges her. The relationship between a mother and her son is special. I’ve witnessed it my whole life, and each time my mom sees something missing, she looks for my brother to help find a solution.

Not only is Jesus the son of Mary, but He is also the Son of God. The humanness of Jesus, in this chapter, merges with this divine nature and we see what happens when human capability matches the will of God. Jesus was capable of walking to a nearby house, perhaps even some type of market, to get more wine for the wedding party attendees. His brothers and disciples were, too. But, this would not have been miraculous. They capability was there, but God’s will necessitated a greater response. Jesus knew this when He articulated to His mother that His time had not yet come. He was aware that the miracles and signs were not merely a fulfillment of human longing but a spiritual requirement to obey the Father.

Jesus could have filled the six waterpots in any way He chose to. To meet the need of the party attendees and His mother’s request, Jesus could have done something in the flesh. He could have said “no” too. We don’t see this, though. We see total obedience to God’s will, submission to His mother, and the birth of His earthly ministry.

“This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee,
and manifested His glory;
and His disciples believed in Him.”
v.11

There was a purpose in Jesus’ miracles because there was a purpose in His life. We cannot focus on what we are capable of without surrendering to God’s total plan in our lives. We are capable of many things, but it is the great and miraculous will of God through our capabilities that change the world.

Whatever we do, let’s give all of the glory back to God so that this world that so desperately needs His love see more of Jesus than it sees of us. If you’re teaching students, baking delicious treats, forgiving a spouse, or raising a child God will match your human capabilities with His perfect will.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed,
do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:17

Miracles are happening every day. They’re happening so we believe in Jesus, the Christ, Immanuel God with us and they’re happening to compel others to do the same. Be well, be blessed, and continue to be a woman to be praised.

Love + light,
Erika Kimberly