Change Indeed

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 2.6-7]

The wine dipped out by the servants came out of water jars reserved for ceremonial religious use. Apparently, they were handy. I am wondering however, if these same jars were rendered of no further religious use afterwards? The Jews were very particular about their ceremony - and even more so with their ceremonial washings (for which the water jars were used).

The analogies could run wild here. A picture of change is the most prevalent though... What was once employed in the tedious ceremony of the law is now being used to promote joy and happiness (perhaps even drunkenness).

And what a first miracle - water into wine (and good wine at that)!

Later, back in Jerusalem, Jesus gave His followers and onlookers quite the show. He made a huge fuss over the "marketplace" the Temple had become. Then, in complete contrast, Jesus spoke of the destruction and rebuilding of the Temple in three days... But this time He was speaking of the Temple of His body - a whole new concept!

But when Jesus said “this temple,” he meant his own body. [John 2.21]

So here's my point: Jesus used both the stone jars and the human body as examples of the advent of change to come. Instead of ritualistic external washing, there would be internal joy. Instead of looking to an external place for God, there would be an internal indwelling by God.

Change indeed!

Father, help me to truly grasp the change You have brought about.