A FUN-LOVING JESUS?

“On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there,  and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding.”  (John 2:1-2 NIV)

Why would Jesus, on His first journey, take His followers to a party? Didn't they have work to do? Didn't He have principles to teach?  Wasn't His time limited? How could a wedding fit with His purpose on earth? Why did Jesus go to the wedding?

The answer? It's found in the second verse of John 2. “Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding.”  Why did they invite Him? I suppose they liked Him.

Big deal? I think so. I think it's significant that common folk in a little town enjoyed being with Jesus. I think it's noteworthy that the Almighty didn't act high and mighty. The Holy One wasn't holier-than-thou.

You just don't get the impression that His neighbors grew sick of His haughtiness and asked, “Well, who do you think made you God?”

His faith made Him likable, not detestable. Would that ours would do the same!

May I state an opinion that may raise an eyebrow? May I tell you why I think Jesus went to the wedding? I think He went to the wedding to -- now hold on, hear me out, let me say it before you heat the tar and pluck the feathers -- I think Jesus went to the wedding to have fun.

Maybe these thoughts catch you by surprise. They do me. It's been awhile since I pegged Jesus as a party-lover. But He was. His foes accused Him of eating too much, drinking too much, and hanging out with the wrong people! (See Mattew 11:19.) I must confess: It's been awhile since I've been accused of having too much fun. How about you?

We used to be good at it. What has happened to us? What happened to clean joy and loud laughter? Is it our neckties that choke us? Is it our diplomas that dignify us? Is it the pew that stiffens us?

Jesus took time for a party… shouldn't we?

 -- Max Lucado in “When God Whispers Your Name”

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THE MARRIAGE TRIANGLE

“As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.”  (Isaiah 62:5)

How well I remember the challenge of compiling the guest list [for our wedding], which makes the scene in the second chapter of John very personal, as a wedding is taking place. “Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited” (John 2:1-2). Evidently their names were on a guest list, and they had accepted the invitation.

What about including Jesus in your wedding plans? In your marriage? My husband and I had our wedding bands inscribed with a triangle that signifies there are three of us in this relationship: God at the apex, my husband and me at the lower corners. As we grew closer to God individually, we also drew closer to each other. That principle got us through some bumpy territory. It will do the same for you.

If you need a miracle in your marriage, invite Jesus into the relationship. He’ll be there when you need Him most. Send the invitation -- do it today! 

-- Anne Graham Lotz in “Fixing My Eyes on Jesus”    

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