Is God Willing to Involve Himself in Our Everyday Problems?

Many people do not believe that God is interested or wants to be involved with our everyday affairs and problems, as if his attention, time, and resources were limited. Perhaps we think we are not worthy of his consideration. What Jesus did at the wedding feast of Cana says otherwise.

The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, ² and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. ³ The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.” John 2:1-3 (NLT)

Jesus’ first miracle is extremely intriguing on several levels. First of all, of all the things he could have done that day, he went to a wedding. We might think that Jesus was totally consumed with heavenly things, walking about with a halo over his head and hands clasped in prayer continually, but that would be inaccurate. Jesus was involved in everyday concerns that matter to the average person. We are not provided with many snapshots of his personality, but I would be greatly surprised if he were not thoroughly enjoying himself and feeling very comfortable at the party. It appears that the guests were drinking wine in large quantities because they ran out, a big “no-no” for the hosts, which put them in an embarrassing situation. Apparently Mary, Jesus’ mother, felt sympathetic toward their plight and asked her son to do something.

Secondly, even though he already had begun his public ministry and had disciples, he still spent time with his mother. Perhaps she was a disciple, too, but based on other passages, I think not at this point. Jesus was most likely fulfilling a family obligation to honor a friend’s family by attending the wedding feast.

Even though Jesus was fully committed to the kingdom of God, he never lost sight of taking care of his family and being with friends.

He loved his Mom, but he looked to his heavenly Father for direction for his ministry and words. Mary’s request for him to come to the wedding host’s aid, was not part of his divine agenda, it seemed.

“Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” ⁵ But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” John 2:4-5 (NLT)

When we know someone loves us deeply, it gives us boldness to ask him or her for favors and blessings, not out of a desire to abuse the relationship, but because we are confident in the strength of our relationship. Jesus indicated that he did not wish to do anything, but she put him on the spot by simply telling the servants to do anything Jesus told them. Our Lord had the option of doing nothing, but he decided to honor his mother’s request. We learn from this that we do not need a specific instruction from God to help someone. Jesus responded to the need, which resulted in his first public miracle.

Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. ⁷ Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, ⁸ he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions. ⁹ When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. ¹⁰ “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” ¹¹ This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him. John 2:6-11 (NLT)

God is sovereign over all things, but within his lordship he leaves room for us to take initiative.

This is not presumption, but faith. God will work with us in a dynamic partnership when we respond lovingly to needs. He ordains the means as well as the ends. This should give us great confidence as we pray.

This miracle tells us a whole lot about God’s heart for people. God cares about our everyday problems.

He is not watching impassively from heaven. He is right in our midst. We also learn that Jesus (God) is not nearly as bent out of shape about some things as we tend to be. These people were probably a little tipsy. They had drunk up all the wine, and we have to think the host thought he had enough on hand for the entire feast. Nevertheless, instead of piously telling the crowd that running out of wine was probably God’s will because they had been drinking too much, he made between 120 and 180 gallons of the best wine ever! Obviously God is okay with people having a good time. Even though he commands us to avoid becoming drunk with wine (Ephesians 5:18), he provided those party goers with enough wine to get thoroughly inebriated, if they so desired. I wonder if we need to adjust our view of God? If you think he is a stern kill-joy, think again.

Application

What do we learn from this passage that we can apply to everyday life?

God cares about the everyday aspect of our lives.
God cares about social gatherings and what is needed to make them successful.
God will respond to our prayers, even if it seems our request may not be exactly what he was planning to do. Sometimes God tests our resolve and our faith in his loving kindness.

God is not as tense about things as we might imagine. Those who approach life rigidly and legalistically do not understand his heart and misrepresent him to the world.