August 27: Insight Post by Rusty Coram

  -   August 27, 2025

Obedience Precedes Miracles: When the servants obeyed Jesus’ instruction to fill the jars with water, they witnessed a miracle. Their obedience, even when the request seemed unusual, led to the transformation of water into wine, showing that following Jesus’ commands opens the door to experiencing His power.

Wednesday Verse

If you will only obey me, you will have plenty to eat. Isaiah 1:19 (NLT)

Wednesday Questions

Are there areas in my life where Jesus is calling me to step out in obedience? How can I trust Him even when His instructions seem unexpected?

Wednesday Insight Post
by Rusty Coram

Jesus at his friend’s wedding is pretty cool. All too often, Jesus has been given an image of being aloof and “otherworldly” in His demeanor. Going to the wedding of friends with His mother and disciples makes Him seem very normal and relatable. Soon after arriving, Jesus’ mother lets Him know about the culinary disaster – a wine shortage! In that culture, wine was the normal beverage at events like this – getting drunk was not the goal, but celebrating was. Mary saw this as an opportunity for people to see just what Jesus was like.  The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.” ⁴ “Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”  John 2:3-5 (NLT)

We see that Mary knows Jesus has supernatural power, and she sees this as a prime time to use it and let everyone know He is the Messiah (remember Mary was told this before His miraculous birth). Jesus knows what she is asking, but also knows that the time for a public reveal wasn’t yet, but it was a chance to reinforce to His disciples who they were following. Imagine their astonishment when the water jugs were filled with top-tier wine!

What also strikes me in this story is how Jesus tempered all He did with humility. Being human, I’m sure He could see the great press He would have gotten by advertising this miracle. The Cana Gazette would have profiled Him, followed by the Jerusalem Chronicle, and later, probably an Oprah special. But Jesus resisted this. He knew that His mission required him to stay focused and deliberate. Using the opportunity to encourage His mother and disciples was enough. There would be a time later when His miracles would gain attention, and along with that, throngs who would be attracted to the show and crowd out the message.

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 (NLT)

Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org