I Am the Lord’s Servant

Usually, whenever we talk about the wedding at Cana in Galilee, the only thing people remember is the wine. Some even go as far as using the miracle of that change as a basis to affirm Jesus’ commitment to their drunkenness whereas, in reality, nothing could be farther from the truth. 

However, buried inside this interesting story is a mystery which for lack of a better word would call ‘the mystery of servanthood’ Recall in John 2:3 When the wine was finished, “Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” and in response, Jesus said “Woman,[a] why do you involve me? My hour has not yet come.” John 2:4

Instead of being angry or giving up, Mary simply told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” John 2:4. What gave her the impression that something can come out of this attitude?

Well, she has had the first-hand experience many years earlier. When the angel came with the glorious message it sounded cool on the surface but in reality, it was the beginning of a series of events that will turn Mary’s life upside down (at least humanly speaking), yet without taking thought for her life, she said ‘I am the Lord’s servant, may it be unto me according to your word’ Luke 1:38. When the angel left Mary became a carrier of Jesus and her presence became the weapon of God

Now, Mary is passing the same learning to these younger generations of servants (call it the theology of the high calling of servanthood).

So, in a series of reckless and unreasonable instructions, Jesus began to test the servant heart of these young men from John 2:6-10

First, he asked them to fill a jar (meant for ceremonial washing) with water, it wasn’t water that finished but wine; what is Jesus up to exactly? And even if the people must drink water, it should be a clean one at least not one from these dirty jars; yet the servants obeyed. 

Second, Jesus took the test to the advanced round by asking them to take it to the chairman. Wait, won’t they at least taste it? What kind of suicide mission is this? Well, Mary says do anything Jesus says so they made a move because Jesus says so. 

When the chairman tasted the wine, sorry the water that was brought before him, He said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” John 2:10. 

Jesus had turned the most useless water into a priceless wine; this forsaken water into a wine that lightens the wedding with joy and history will never forget these servants through whom Jesus was able to work. The question is, are you a servant of the Lord? Is his word a law to you? Will you move simply because he says so without asking for an explanation? Until this is your attitude towards Jesus, then you are not his servant yet and if you’re not you cannot carry Jesus in your generation. 

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” What’s your own answer?