A WeddIng That Jesus Attended

Jesus and his disciples were invited to attend a wedding in Cana of Galilee.  They accepted the invitation, and Jesus even contributed to the joy of the occasion.  When the wine ran short, he miraculously produced an extra supply of the finest quality. After the wedding, what remained over no doubt served the needs of the grateful bridegroom and his family fro a  time. -John 2:3-11.

There are several lessons we can learn from the wedding attended by Jesus.  First, Jesus and his disciples did not crash the marriage feast.  The Bible specifically states that they were invited. (John 2:1, 2)  Likewise, in two illustrations of marriage feasts, Jesus repeatedly spoke of the guests as being present because they were invited. - Matthew 22:2-4, 8, 9; Luke 14:8) 

In some lands it is customary for everyone in the community to feel free to attend a wedding feast whether invited or not.  However, this can lead to financial hardship.  A couple who are not wealthy  may go into debt in order to ensure that there is enough food and drink for an unlimited crowd.  Therefore, if  a Christian couple decide on having a modest reception with a specific number of guests, this should be understood and respected by fellow Christians who are  not invited.  A man who got married in Cape Town, South Africa, recalls inviting 200 guests to his wedding.  However, 600 turned up, and they quickly ran out of food.  Among the uninvited ones was a busload of visitors  who happened to be touring Cape Town on the weekend of the wedding.  The conductor of this bus tour was a distant relative of the bride and believed that it was his right to bring  along the whole group  without even consulting the bride or groom! 

Unless it has been stated that a reception is open to all, a true follower of Jesus would avoid attending a wedding reception uninvited  and partaking of food and drink provided for the invited guests.  Those tempted to to uninvited should ask  themselves, 'Would I not cause inconvenience and detract from the joy of the occasion?  Rather than take offense at not being invited, an understanding Christian may lovingly send a message to congratulate the couple and wish them Jehovah's blessing.  He may even consider helping the couple by sending a gift to add to the happiness of their wedding day. -Ecclesiastes 7:9; Ephesians 4:28.

Next time:  Who Is Responsible?

The Watchtower, 2000