God’s Time Is the Best Time (John 2:1-11)
In our topic for today, we have a very well known phrase which some might consider a cliché: “God’s time is the best.” This lesson is closely related to one of the miracle lessons we have already discussed – God Is Never Early or Late (Always Right on Time). However, in this particular lesson, we plan to look at how good God’s miracle or blessing is when it does arrive.
For today’s lesson, we are looking at a remarkable miracle contained in John’s story of the wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding, and His mother was there as well. As the wedding reception was still going on, the organizers of the wedding ran out of wine. Some Bible commentaries interpret this as meaning that they were almost out of wine, and not completely out of wine; since, if you say that you have run out of cash to complete your grocery shopping, it does not necessarily mean that you do not have any money left in your purse/wallet and you might still have enough money to take a taxi back home. In the same vein, that they “ran out of wine,” might only mean that they didn’t have enough to go another round.
The organizers of the wedding realized the severity of the situation and became nervous. Jesus’ mother also, in a manner typical of mothers, was set on edge, because she probably would share in the shame. (She was probably one of the organizers or “committee of friends” as we call them these days, as John implies in his record, “…and the mother of Jesus was there” – John 2:1, as opposed to “Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding” (John 2:2, emphasis mine). Also, some commentators suggest that the groom or bride might, in fact, be related to Jesus (I’m not sure I agree with that, but, either way, it is not essential to the story).
They ran out of wine or were about to run out of wine (see two paragraphs above) when Jesus’ mother approached Him for help. As Matthew Henry puts it in his commentary, she most probably “looked for a miracle; for she knew He was now appearing as the great prophet, like unto Moses, who so often seasonably supplied the wants of Israel; and, though this was His first public miracle, perhaps He had sometimes relieved her and her husband in their low estate. The bridegroom might have sent out for more wine, but she was for going to the Fountainhead.” However, Jesus was waiting for God’s time which is evident in a part of His reply to His mother, “My hour has not yet come,” John 2:4. Matthew Henry further quotes Gregory Nyssen as explaining this to mean, “Mine [sic] hour for working this miracle is not yet come.”
“His mother moved Him to help them when the wine began to fail (so it may be read, John 2:3), but His hour was not yet come till it was quite spent, and there was a total want; not only to prevent any suspicion of mixing some of the wine that was left with the water, but to teach us that man’s extremity is God’s opportunity to appear for the help and relief of his people. Then His hour is come when we are reduced to the utmost strait, and know not what to do. This encouraged those that waited for Him to believe that though His hour was not yet come it would come. Note: The delays of mercy are not to be construed the denials of prayer. At the end it shall speak.”
Matthew Henry’s commentary
Finally, I want to conclude with this Matthew Henry’s comment: “He has given us a specimen of the method He takes in dealing with those that deal with Him, which is, to reserve the best for the last, and therefore they must deal upon trust.” When it seems like God’s time might be too late for you, rest assured, knowing that He is reserving His best for you at last and that this will overcompensate for all the trouble you went through while waiting.
Do you hear God speaking to you today through this lesson? Please, leave a comment or question; your comment/question might be a blessing to someone. You could also contact us through our contact page.
For the other miracle lessons, please go to the miracle lessons page.
I was around 5 when, I am strongly convinced, I first heard the distinct voice of God. But, not until I was 11 (2002) did I have a personal encounter with Him. I was in my room that night, about to pray before bed, when I saw a revelation of how filthy my heart was. I didn't argue with God that I was too young to have such amount of filth ('cause I believed I was a 'good boy,' by human standards, at least). I simply cried uncontrollably in brokenness of heart - "The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God" (Psalm 51:17) - and He didn't.
Still crying uncontrollably, I left my room and went to the living room, where my parents were watching the nightly news on TV. After I managed to tell them about the revelation I saw, my sweet mum took me to her room and led me to Christ. I got saved that night. And 6 years later, I discovered my purpose and assignment on earth, which is raising up men and women to be godly, and teaching them the simplicity of Christianity. More than a decade later, I am still fulfilling that purpose to His glory. Hallelujah!
