They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. -The Bible, (Matt 14:20)
“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.” -Master of the Banquet, to the Bridegroom (John 2:10)
The Miracle at Cana
Jesus did a lot of miracles. When he encountered a person in need, his first response (with a few exceptions) was to meet the need. This is certainly an example that he intended us to follow. But these two miracles were special… he did something a little different… the question is, WHY?
Why did he go the extra mile at the feeding of the 5000? He had finished his presentation… If the people didn’t pack a snack for the trip home, he was not to blame. But he had compassion on them, so he fed them. But why did he feed them to their fill and leave 12 baskets of leftovers?
And why did he change the water into really, really, fine wine? The master of the banquet thought that it was time for the cheap stuff…
I’ve always kinda thought that it was because he could… It was a miracle, after all, and why not really go for broke?
Jesus was a man of purpose… He knew his destiny and everything he did moved him toward that end. In light of that, it seems unlikely that he was just playing around.
Jesus seems to be motivated by his compassion in both instances… for the hungry mob in the one and the bridegroom facing potential embarrassment in the other… So he gives them what they need…
… and a little bit more.
And I think the “little bit more” was for us, instead of them.
Give more than what’s necessary, he says to us…
And give the best you’ve got.
Any other thoughts?
