Determined to Do God's Will

The year is 29 C.E. Only a few days have passed since Jesus personally selected his firs disciples.  They have all now come to  the village of Cana in the district of Galilee to attend a wedding feast.  Jesus' mother, Mary, is also there. The wine runs short. Suggesting that he should do something, Mary tells her son:  "They have no wine." But Jesus answers:"What have I to do with you, woman?  My hour has not yet come." - John 1:35-51; 2:1-4.

Jesus' reply, "What have I to do with you woman is an ancient form of question that indicates an  objection to what is suggested or proposed.  Why does Jesus object to Mary's  words? Well, he is now 30 years of age. Just a few weeks earlier, he was baptized, anointed with holy spirit, and introduced by John the Baptizer as "the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29-34; Luke 3:21-23) Now his direction must necessarily come from the Supreme Authority why sent him.  (1 Corinthians 11:3) No one, not even a close family member , could be allowed to intervene  with the work Jesus came to earth to do.  What determination to do his Father's will is expressed in Jehovah's answer to Mary! May we be similarly determined to fulfill our "whole obligation" to God. -Ecclesiastes 12:13. 

Grasping the point of her son's words, Mary immediately stepped aside and instructs the attendants:  "Whatever he tells you, do." And Jesus solves the problem.  He has the attendants fill the jars with water, and he turns the water into the finest of wine.  This occurs as an introduction to Jesus' miracle-working power, giving a sign that God's spirit is upon him. When the new disciples see this miracle, their faith is strengthened. -John 2:5-11. 

Next time: Zealous for Jehovah's House

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000