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

Sunday, February 1, 2026

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

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Illustration

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

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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.

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