What can we learn about obedience from Mary's reaction to Jesus in John 2:4? Setting the Scene • The wedding at Cana runs out of wine (John 2:3). • Mary brings the need to Jesus, confident He can help. • Jesus answers, “‘Woman, why does this concern us?’ Jesus replied. ‘My hour has not yet come.’” (John 2:4). • Without argument or doubt, Mary turns to the servants: “His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever He tells you.’” (John 2:5). Mary’s Obedience on Display • Immediate acceptance—Mary doesn’t debate Christ’s timing; she submits to it. • Confidence in Jesus—She acknowledges His ultimate authority, expecting Him to act when He wills. • Directing others to obey—Mary’s focus shifts from her request to ensuring everyone else is ready to follow Jesus. • Quiet surrender—Her few words reveal a heart aligned with God’s purposes, echoing her earlier “I am the Lord’s servant” (Luke 1:38). Core Principles We Learn 1. Trust precedes understanding – Like Mary, we can obey even when God’s timing or methods are unclear (Proverbs 3:5-6). 2. Submission honors God’s sovereignty – Obedience means yielding our plans to His perfect hour (Isaiah 55:8-9). 3. Obedience is active, not passive – Mary moves others toward action: “Do whatever He tells you.” Genuine faith always expresses itself through works (James 2:17). 4. Leadership through example – She models obedience for those around her. Our own quick submission encourages others (1 Peter 2:12). 5. The blessing follows obedience – The miracle of water turned to wine came after the servants followed Jesus’ instructions, illustrating “to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). 6. Obedience centers on Christ’s word – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Mary points everyone to Jesus’ commands, not her own ideas. Putting It Into Practice • Bring every need to Jesus first. • Yield to His timing without complaint. • Encourage those around you: “Do whatever He tells you.” • Measure obedience by responsiveness to Scripture, not by personal preference. • Expect God’s best outcomes—spiritual fruit, growth, and sometimes miracles—on the far side of obedience (John 15:14; Ephesians 3:20). Through Mary’s brief yet profound response, we see obedience defined: trusting submission that activates others to follow Christ, confident that His timing and ways are perfect. |
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