Simple Obedience

His mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” John 2:5

Mary had seen it all. She had watched Jesus grow up—feeding him, changing him, and teaching him how to speak Aramaic. When he was twelve, she had backtracked to the temple to retrieve him so she could take him home. She had watched him learn carpentry at Joseph’s side. And now she was watching him begin his public ministry.

Mary knew Jesus’ potential as only a mother can, and she could sense that he was about to do something very special. So she said to the servants at the wedding at Cana, “Do whatever he tells you.”

It was such a simple introduction to Jesus’ first public miracle. An insightful mother giving straightforward instructions. The servants were not aware that they were about to witness a miracle. They had no way of knowing that Jesus was about to transform jars of water into the best wine served that day.

In Mary’s instructions we find an important lesson to learn. God has planned a life journey for you filled with surprises and opportunities for growth. He wants to provide for you beyond your abilities, and he wants to maximize your potential. He wants to put himself on display in your life over and over again.

The best way to live is to heed Mary’s instructions: “Do whatever he tells you.”

Lord, help me to hear your voice and obey your instructions.