What Jesus Did! 'Do Whatever He Tells You!' — John 2:5-8

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

But [Jesus'] mother told the servants [at a wedding celebration when the wine ran out], "Do whatever he tells you."

Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, "Fill the jars with water." When the jars had been filled, he said, "Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies." So the servants followed his instructions.

— John 2:5-8 NLT

Key Thought

"Do whatever he tells you," Mary told the servants. Her voice rings out over the centuries. The servants' example of obedience transcends water turning into wine at an ancient wedding. [1] When we do what Jesus tells us to do, even if we don't understand why he asks it, we get to see God's glory. Sure, this story is about a wedding and a hugely embarrassing wine shortage. Mainly, however, it's about Jesus doing greater things, better things, than we can do or even imagine. So let's do what he tells us. The words of Jesus that John will share with us will not be just good advice, but they will be "spirit and life." [2] Let's listen not only with our ears; let's listen with our lives.

[1] John 2:9-10.
[2] John 6:63.

Today's Prayer

Father, give me eyes to see and ears to hear what Jesus tells me to do. I want to be courageous enough to live up to what he asks of me. I want to be willing to do WHATEVER he tells me, even if I don't understand it. Empower me with your Spirit to that kind of faith and courage. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Glory in the Ordinary
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Friend, When are you most aware of My presence with you? I can be present in the spectacular, beautiful, and wonderful. I can also be present....."
Reunion!
Article by Phil Ware
Who can you not wait to see? Phil Ware continues to tell about his 2011 trip to The Community, Sagrada Familia in Lima, Peru.
When Water Becomes Wine
Article by Phil Ware
How can we see this miracle in our lives? Phil Ware shares a message centered on John 2 and Jesus' miracle of turning the water to wine at Cana in Galilee because of Mary's concern and intervention.
Practice the Wine of Kindness
Article by Rick Brown
What would you have done with the jugs of water? Rick Brown reminds us to be focused on meeting the felt needs of people and use that to invite them to Jesus.
See All 5 Related Resources about John 2:5-8

Illustration

Illustration of John 2:5-8 NLT — "Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Mark 14:14
"Jerusalem at the time of the passover was one great inn; each householder had invited his own friends, but no one had invited the Saviour, and he had...."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Author Unknown:
"Wisdom is, and starts with, the humility to accept the fact that you don't have all the right answers, and the courage to learn to ask the right questions."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'To Caesarea' (Acts 23:31-34)
"So that night, as ordered, the soldiers took Paul as far as Antipatris. They returned to the fortress [in Jerusalem] the next morning, while the..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'The Mystery of Godliness'
"Dear Friend, I love it when one of My servants makes the message about Me and My grace very clear and concise. The apostle Paul was hoping to join..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!