The bridegroom makes his confession…

I have to admit I feel like a Fraud.   There was the Master of Ceremonies loudly singing my praises when, really, I had nothing at all to do with it! 

Oh Yes, the wine was very nice; the best I’ve ever tasted!  But I can’t take any credit for getting it in, nor for any scheme he imagined I had to save it till last. I’m not such a genius as he makes out! In fact, if it had been all down to me the wedding reception would have ended quickly and in complete disaster.

Apparently, it was Jesus’ mother who first noticed we were running out of wine.  She’s always been capable like that and has a motherly way of thinking about others.  Somehow, she saw that the refreshments were not going to last out and acted to save our embarrassment.   It was such a happy occasion; she did not want anything to spoil it.

Nobody else, of course, would have thought of asking Jesus. He is a carpenter, after all, not a wine merchant; why would anyone think he could help?  But Mary knew one or two things about her son that the rest of us were yet to discover.  He cared about people.  And unlike some religious types, he loved a party.  He seems to think that life is God’s gift to enjoy and love, its crown, really worth celebrating!   He would not let our wedding party fall flat.

Mind you, the servants did tell me he was hesitant to begin with.  He didn’t want his mother forcing his hand.  But she was having nothing of it and told them in his hearing to do whatever he said, before walking off and leaving him to it!   What choice did he have?

So, he had the servants fill the empty jars with water.  Not a promising start.  They told me they were nervous that the guests would quickly notice the water down wine.  Probably they’d expect it. It happens often at weddings when hosts bring out the cheaper stuff once the party is swinging in the hope that the guests will be too drunk to notice.  But, believe me, they notice!  And it’s remembered … a black mark inscribed firmly against the bridegroom.  I can see why the servants worried.  That’s not something I would want at my own wedding.

Mind you, what we were facing without Jesus’s intervention would have been far worse. I’d have never lived it down if we had run dry.  The village gossips would have fed off it for years to come, and my poor wife would have died of embarrassment.   I’m so glad Jesus did not let it come to that.

With jars full to the brim, he then ordered the servers to take a sample to the Master of Ceremonies.    I can imagine their trepidation as they approached him, sure that he’d spot the dilution immediately and make a fuss.  He was half expecting it, they could tell, as his expression revealed when he lifted the cup to his mouth.  But then, they told me, his surprise was a sight to behold!  He stopped dead in his tracks, allowing himself more than a moment to savour the flavours.  His eyebrows raised and he took another sip before allowing a smile to creep to his face.  Then a roar of delight!  Never had he known this before; someone saving the best wine till last.  “It’s nothing short of a miracle!”, he called out loudly, singing my praises as well as the wines. 

To be honest I was rather bewildered, but figured I should play along, accepting the praises.  Everyone was slapping me on the back when they took a new cup.  “This wedding will be remembered for a long time!” my mother said in delight as she kissed me proudly on the cheek. Clearly, she intended to feast of the glory for a very long time.

I smiled, but the glory didn’t really belong to her, or to me, or to anyone involved in planning the party, as I found out when quizzing the servers.  The glory belonged to one who had slipped away quietly once the sommelier started effusing.  Only a few knew the truth at the time – and I was so grateful once I found out. 

I don’t know how he did it, but it was Jesus who brought all the joy to the party.  I know I had nothing left to give but, thanks to Jesus, everyone went away happy.  More than Happy; filled with a great kind of joy, I would say.

I’m so glad I invited him to the wedding.   I’ve seen something in him today so special that I’ve not seen it in any man before.  I could tell that his followers saw it too.  They had a new air of confidence – a real buzz – about them as they left.   No wonder!   I may feel a bit of a fraud, but in Jesus, I believe, we have the real thing.  He showed genuine kindness in rescuing us, amazing power in turning water in to wine, and such love in bringing joy to everyone!    Who knows what else is to come?

Now, do you fancy a cup while you are here? There’s plenty left – and believe me you’ll enjoy it. Go on, have a taste and see!