When the Barrel is empty, Where Do You Go?

N.T.#694 "When the Barrel is Empty, Where Do You Go?"

Dec. 15, 2025 

John 2 

LET IT GLOW

I wonder while Jesus grew up if he did some special little things for His mother. By this time (age 30), Mary knew Jesus had the power of God on Him. 

The scene involves Jesus and His 5 disciples going to a wedding. We aren't sure how this came about. Perhaps it was since Nathanael was from Cana. Maybe the wedding was of a close family member and Mary, Jesus' mother was there.

In the East at that time, marriages were arranged by parents, a contract was prepared, vows were spoken in the synagogue, tokens were exchanged, and then the couple returned to their respective homes. They were considered legally married yet lived apart during a betrothal period. That could last 2 months up to a year.  (Swindoll's New Testament Insights on John)

What happened at the celebration and wedding feast? 

When the wine ran out, Mary went to Jesus for help. The barrels of wine were empty. It would have shamed the host if his wine ran out for his guests. (Of course, the host had 6 extra guests, too.)

Where do we go whenever we are at the bottom of the barrel? When our life is empty, who fills it?

LET IT GROW

Why? Because Mary knew who Jesus really was-deity. Before He was conceived, an angel told Mary her son would be the Son of the Highest. (Luke 1) Jesus was the Messiah.

How did Jesus respond?

• Jesus called Mary "woman." It was not disrespectful to her, like we say "Ma'am" or "Madam."
• "What is it to me and you?"  That was the Greek behind the phrase Jesus used.
• "My hour has not yet come." Five times in Jesus used this phrase. Three times He said His time had come. Time is referring to His glorification, which was after Jesus' resurrection, from God, and on the Father's timetable. The Messiah's glory would not come from a razzle-dazzle show, not from people, and certainly not on people's timetable.
• Jesus showed kindness to his mother and host by helping them out of a situation. They were in a pickle all right. 
• Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it. (verse 5) Mary told the servants that.

Notice that Mary submitted to Jesus' way of doing things. She knew Jesus was not just her human son, but the Son of God as well. 

Now that is good instruction for us today. Are Mary's words ringing in our ears? The Lord wants us to "do whatever He tells " us to do. He may not describe the path ahead for us. He may not explains His solution to our problems. Jesus simply calls us to obey His revealed Word and direction of the Holy Spirit.  

Are we submitting and allowing Jesus to deal with our problems as He sees best?

LET IT GO

Help us turn to You first, Jesus, with our problems and situation.

Give us faith to obey and follow You.

Fill my cup, Lord.

I lift it up, Lord.

Come and fill this thirsting of my soul.

You are Living Water, Lord Jesus, for our soul.