“And on the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; and Jesus was also invited, and His disciples” (John 2:1-2)
What was most important to Jesus once His earthly ministry began? In the first thirty years of His life, Jesus engaged in the mundane activities (e.g. work, synagogue attendance, family support) that would have characterized any Jew of His day. But once Jesus was baptized by John and was anointed with the Holy Spirit, only one purpose possessed Him. Jesus was wholly consecrated to accomplishing His Father’s work – redeeming the world. His life shifted into high gear and He had little time for any peripheral activities (Mark 6:31; John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38). All His preaching, teaching, and miracles had to be compressed into the short span of three years.
Why, then, does Jesus make time to attend a wedding – an all-day activity? There’ll be no preaching opportunities at a wedding. And wasn’t preaching the gospel Jesus’ primary activity (Mark 1:38; Luke 4:43). The bride and groom will take center stage, not Jesus. Why waste the time, something Jesus was so short of?
Here’s why? Jesus attended this wedding to honor marriage. And He performed His very first miracle to support it. Jesus always defended marriage as the primary foundation of society. This is why He condemned divorce and marital unfaithfulness (Matthew 5:27-32; 19:3-15).
Marriage has taken a furious beating over the last fifty years at the hands of our popular culture. The roles of husbands and fathers and wives and mothers are under constant attack through our media and education. Yet the health and proper function of those roles are essential to the success of each new generation. It’s no wonder that Satan’s strategy to destroy humanity focuses on turning husbands and wives against each other. Take down the husband and wife, and society will follow.
REFLECTION
- Think about your relationship with your spouse? What is the source of the conflict that divides you? Is your spouse the real enemy – or is Satan?
- What is the most effective defense of your marriage? Could it be praying with and for each other?
- Husbands and wives are not each other’s enemies. They must pray for each other. Only God has the power to soften their hearts and rekindle their love.
