This past Sunday, Pastor Cory Gieselman spoke about beginnings—both Jesus’s and ours—through the lens of the Wedding at Cana, where Jesus performed his first recorded miracle. This story, found in John 2:1-11, serves as a foundational moment in Jesus’s ministry. It’s not just a tale of water turned to wine; it’s a profound demonstration of God’s timing, Jesus’s divine purpose, and the importance of faith.

As we dive into the lessons from this scripture, it’s worth considering how the beginnings of our own spiritual journeys mirror the story of Jesus. Like him, we have moments that define and reshape us, guiding us toward who we are meant to become.

The Context of Beginnings

The story opens at a wedding—a celebration of love and community. Jesus, his disciples, and his mother are guests, but soon the joyous occasion faces a challenge: the wine runs out. For the hosts, this would have been a significant embarrassment, a social faux pas in their culture. Mary turns to Jesus, seeking his help, and while his initial response may seem dismissive (calling his mother “woman” and saying “My hour has not yet come”), his actions reveal his compassion and purpose.

Pastor Cory reminded us that this moment wasn’t just about solving a temporary problem. It was about signaling a new chapter. By transforming water into wine, Jesus foreshadowed the abundance and transformation his ministry would bring. For us, it’s a reminder that our beginnings—no matter how small or simple—carry the potential for profound change.

Recognizing the Milestones in Our Stories

Pastor Cory highlighted how we often look at life in snapshots: childhood memories, pivotal teenage years, and moments of spiritual awakening. In scripture, we see something similar in Jesus’s story. The Gospels give us glimpses of his birth, a scene of him as a teenager in the temple, and then the start of his ministry at his baptism. These moments feel like headlines, and much like our own milestones, they only tell part of the story.

What Pastor Cory pointed out so beautifully is that while we know the “big” moments of Jesus’s life, the substance of his character is revealed in how he lived between those milestones. The same is true for us. The moments in between—the quiet acts of love, the decisions to serve, and the times we lean into faith—are what truly shape us.

Faith in the Waiting

One of the most striking aspects of this passage is Jesus’s response to Mary: “My hour has not yet come.” Pastor Cory helped unpack this phrase, reminding us that Jesus was fully aware of the divine timeline. Yet, even though his moment of ultimate glorification had not yet arrived, he chose to act. This teaches us that God’s timing doesn’t negate God’s presence. Even when it feels like the answers aren’t coming, God is still at work.

In our own lives, how often do we feel like we’re waiting for the “right time”? Perhaps we’re hesitant to take a leap of faith or unsure of our purpose. The story of the Wedding at Cana encourages us to trust in God’s plan, even when it doesn’t align with our expectations. Jesus’s actions show that while his hour may not have come, he was still present, willing to meet the needs of those around him.

The Importance of Faithful Obedience

Mary’s role in this story is a powerful one. She doesn’t argue with Jesus or try to persuade him after his initial response. Instead, she turns to the servants and says, “Do whatever he tells you.” This simple statement is a testament to her faith. She trusted that Jesus would act, even if she didn’t fully understand how or when.

Pastor Cory pointed out that this kind of trust is what discipleship looks like. It’s about listening for God’s voice and following his lead, even when the path isn’t clear. The servants, too, exemplify obedience. They fill the jars with water and follow Jesus’s instructions without question. Their faith is rewarded when they witness the miracle firsthand.

For us, the challenge is to approach our own faith with the same willingness. Are we open to hearing God’s call? Are we ready to act, even when it requires stepping into the unknown?

Seeing the Miracles Around Us

The transformation of water into wine is a reminder of God’s ability to take the ordinary and make it extraordinary. Pastor Cory emphasized that this miracle isn’t just about wine; it’s about abundance, joy, and the power of God’s grace. In our own lives, how often do we overlook the “water” moments—those ordinary, everyday experiences—because we’re waiting for the spectacular?

This story invites us to open our eyes to the miracles happening all around us. They may not always look like water turning into wine, but they might be just as profound: a kind word at the right time, a relationship restored, or a sense of peace in the midst of chaos. When we pause to reflect, we may find that God’s hand is more present in our lives than we realize.

Belief and Transformation

The final verse of the passage tells us that this miracle revealed Jesus’s glory, and his disciples believed in him. Pastor Cory posed a question to us: Do we believe with the same certainty as those disciples? In a world filled with distractions and doubts, it can be difficult to maintain unwavering faith. But the story of Cana reminds us that belief isn’t just about intellectual agreement; it’s about trust, relationship, and transformation.

When we believe in Jesus, we’re invited to participate in his work of renewal. Just as he turned water into wine, he can transform our hearts, our communities, and our world. The question is: Are we willing to let him?

Moving Forward in Faith

As we reflect on Pastor Cory’s message and the story of the Wedding at Cana, we’re reminded that beginnings matter. Whether it’s the start of Jesus’s ministry or the first steps in our own faith journeys, these moments set the stage for what’s to come. They invite us to trust in God’s timing, embrace faithful obedience, and recognize the miracles all around us.

This week, take some time to reflect on your own beginnings. What moments have shaped you? Where has God’s grace been evident in your life? And how can you, like Mary and the servants, respond with faith and trust?

As Pastor Cory reminded us, the story of Jesus isn’t just about the headlines. It’s about the substance—the love, the grace, and the transformation that happens along the way. May we all seek to live into that story, trusting that God’s best for us is yet to come.