There is this story in John 2 when Jesus turns water into wine. It's widely seen as Jesus' first miracle. Now, I'm no biblical scholar, but I've heard enough times from biblical scholars (whether Bible professors or pastors) that running out of wine in this historical context was a big No No. This family was about to be radically in the spotlight, and not in a good way for running out of wine.
What happens then? Mary, Jesus mother, comes to him and asks him to do something about it. And Jesus says no because it wasn't his time. But his mother is insistent, kind of, because she makes sure the servants are still ready to help in her cause. And, as the story goes, Jesus does something about it. He turns water into wine.
There are two things that catch my attention. First, verses 9 and 10, we see the credit for this going to the bridegroom. He is praised for having chosen two choice wines to serve at his wedding. A situation of shame and disgrace is transformed into a situation of praise and congratulations. And Jesus is given no credit. But I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. As he said earlier, it wasn't his time yet. He was walking in Father's will, but without glory.
I think we can learn from this. Sometimes, when we do things that are motivated by God, it's okay if he isn't given all the glory, because there are appointed times for things.
The second thing I see is the way Mary acted. I'm taking on class on advocacy at the moment, so I'm especially aware of the characteristics of an advocate. I see Mary being an advocate in this story. She comes to Jesus, and petitions for the good of other people. She uses her position, one that gives her more access to the one with power, and uses it to help another person not end up in disgrace.
It can also inform our prayer life, because, when we pray for others, what we often call intercession, it can also be seen as advocacy. I think they are two forms of the same thing, just petitioning different people in power.
