In the scriptures themselves – isn’t Jesus referred to as being “a drunkard” and as “a glutton?” Wasn’t that the actual claim – that some individuals made against him?
John the Baptizer came — and he abstained from everything. He was a goody-two-sandals. He distanced himself from cities and from people. His diet was based on what little he could forage. He drank no strong drink. John would cross to the other side of the street – if he saw “real sinners” coming in his direction.
Jesus on the other hand was said to enjoy a good party. Jesus embraced life. Jesus enjoyed a good meal. And he enjoyed the company of good friends. He distanced himself from no one. By some accounts, he partied like a rock star! He hung out with anyone and everyone…preferring to have a good time.
So, it should be no surprise at all – that for his very first miracle we find Jesus at a wedding celebration…kickin’ it. He is at a party. He is present with the twelve.
Jesus would have been having a good time. We would not expect him to be sulking in some corner somewhere.
Life is for living. Life is meant to be celebrated. Life is not dour…nor was it meant to be.
A wedding celebration is not meant to be a gloomy, grim, sullen, austere event. It is meant to be a celebration…a good time…enjoyed by the entire community.
So we “assume” (being careful of that word-assume) that Jesus was there-present-enjoying himself and all the festivities.
Not that I see Jesus out on the dance-floor doing the “chicken dance.” But I bet he probably did the equivalent of a first century popular dance.
It is not always easy being “the rabbi.”
But then too, we must remember that he is young…and this is just the beginning of his ministry. As far as rabbi’s and teacher’s went – he was just a young pup…still wet behind his ears. Not polished…or poised…yet.
Besides that – remember where he hails from…
He comes from the “hill country’ of Galilee, where they were all considered to be – “backward hicks” to begin with…these people were uncouth – and not at all like their sophisticated counterparts in Judea.
Jesus was just one of the guys – “hangin out!” He had no street rep at this point. Just one of the locals…givin’ a shout out to the bride and the groom.
And that’s when “Mother-Mary” comes to him and says, “Son, we’ve got a problem.” “The wine has just run out!”
And Jesus was so correct, in his response, “What does that have to do with you and me?” Ya know, it is kinda “their problem,” not ours.”
But mothers can be very convincing…and a little intimidating if they want to be.
I see this as being a story of “detachment” by a wise young rabbi. He doesn’t need to be showy. He doesn’t need to be center stage. He doesn’t need the kudos and the “attaboy’s” from the hosts or from the crowd. His preference is to be unnoticed…to blend in…to continue to have a good time.
It takes “a wise person” to realize that not all miracles require interference or intervention.
Sometimes all a miracle needs is willing participation in the unfolding of the mystery or of the drama…
Sometimes you just have to “be open” to the possibility that “hospitality can supersede holiness.”
Maybe he was just playing around and a little quirky and he wanted to send an entirely different message.
Sometimes vessels are “better-off-filled” with “joy-giving-wine” than they are with “old justifying-washing-rituals.”
Sometimes people need “a little extravagance” in their lives. A little bit of fun…a little bit of grace…a little bit of reprieve from the daily grind.
120-180 gallons of wine – is a lot of wine for any tiny mountain village. Their glasses would be overflowing…
Who knows what was going on in that messianic brain of his?
Maybe he was even reflecting about what the Prophet-Isaiah wrote in the 25th chapter of his work….
“On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, or food filled with marrow, of well aged wines strained clear.”
No one needed to know they were made that very day! It was all part of the mystery, the suspense…and the party-like atmosphere! L’ Chai m …to life!