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 Let’s explore Jesus’ encounters with water, a recurring and significant symbol in the Bible. These interactions, like his conversation with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, reveal key insights into his divine nature and his provision for us. This exploration goes beyond simply recounting biblical stories. We’ll examine how Jesus uses water to illustrate his offer of sustenance that goes beyond physical needs. From the ‘living water,’ he offers the Samaritan woman, to the wine created at the wedding feast, and even in how he works in our lives today, we’ll see how he provides spiritual satisfaction that is both deep and lasting. Join us as we delve into these powerful moments and discover how Jesus’ interactions with water can refresh and transform our own lives. Let’s explore how he offers ‘living water’ that deeply satisfies us. A collective reflection on God’s grace and our chances for renewal Wednesday, March 26, 2025 |
Lightness and freedom John 2:1-11 The first miracle of Jesus wasn’t one of physical healing or dramatic life change. It was simple. It was the act of providing a wedding with more wine. In John 2:1-11 we read about how the host of a wedding celebration ran out of wine mid-way through. Jesus and his mother became aware of the situation, and Mary asked Jesus to intervene in a way that only he could. Jesus had the servants fill some jars with water; miraculously, the jars overflowed with wine instead. Jesus honored his mother’s request and enabled the party to continue. In my experience growing up, the church was often a serious place filled with expectations and requirements. I have a distinct memory from middle school, back in the 90s, of a church leader putting up the lyrics to a Sheryl Crow song on the overhead projector, picking apart all the ways the song was about living in the world instead of a life with God. You may remember the chorus, “All I wanna do is have some fun, I got a feeling I’m not the only one; all I wanna do is have some fun until the sun comes up over Santa Monica Boulevard.” Now, I’m not endorsing living a carefree life just for ourselves, but as a young teen, I struggled with the thought that wanting to have fun was somehow wrong. I thought a Christian life should be marked by sacrifice, as I daily chose to honor God instead of putting my own desires first. I was focused on what I was supposed to do instead of what he had already done for me, providing freedom in the place of requirement. The funny thing is that this way of thinking – that holiness is serious and has no place for fun – is flat-out wrong. Yes, our actions have real consequences, and Jesus gave us many important teachings that should lead our lives. Still, life is about more than following directions. Jesus was relational and approachable above all else. He lived in a real world with real, imperfect people, and he loved them. He was a part of celebrations and dinners, making friends with all those who were open. He spent time in conversation, helping his closest friends make sense of his teaching. He was a welcoming presence for children, and approachable for so many people in need. That is the Jesus this world needs. People want to see that we care, not that we can quote scripture or live a flawless life. May we be a people who honor God with our actions, living in the lightness and freedom that comes from knowing that we are deeply loved by a perfect Father. May we embrace and value the celebration and community, just like Jesus did at that long-ago wedding in Cana. Prayer for today: Jesus, we come and lay down our worries and anxieties and trade them for the freedom and joy that come from a life lived in a relationship with you. Thank you for leading us into community and celebration as we follow your path. Help us live from a place of love, experiencing the fullness of life that comes as we embrace all of who you made us to be. By Laura Buchman |
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