1 February – The Fourth Sunday of Epiphany, John 2.1–11
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ 4And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ 5His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ 6Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. 8He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ So they took it. 9When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom 10and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ 11Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
Things to think about with the child at the centre:
Activities
You can impress everyone by demonstrating turning water into wine by following the instructions here: How To Turn Water Into Wine (CRAZY Party Magic Trick Revealed!)
Jesus is at a party – arrange your space to replicate a wedding banquet – a table plan, fancy table cloths, exciting things to eat and drink. Party hats and blowers. Maybe you could conduct the whole service from the “top table” like a wedding MC.
Response
This passage is very suitable for a “Lectio Davina” style of reading – where everyone is encouraged to “imagine themselves in the story” – how would different characters feel and react to what happens? – the bridegroom, the servants, the steward, other guests over-hearing and then tasting the wine.
This is the Jesus first miracle – what do you think it tells us about who Jesus is as a person? And who He is as God?
Prayer
At a wedding we often “Toast” different people, to say thankyou for what they’ve done, and to bless them for the future. Use your prayers to “toast” different people in your life and community.
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