Who:Who wrote this book? Who did they write it to? What was their reason for writing?
What:What does this passage say about God, me, and my relationship with Him?
The verse that stuck out to me was verse 10 of John 2.
10 “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!”
“You have kept the best until now!”
I’ve read this chapter many times. It’s famous as it is Jesus’ first recorded miracle. This past summer, I even visited Cana and went to the place where the wedding was believed to have taken place. I’ve read on in the chapter about Jesus’ zeal for the temple and his humanity and passion in clearing the temple. But it was the host of the party’s words that stood out to me today.
“You have kept the best until now!”
Another version says, “You’ve saved the best for last!”
We were given the best when Jesus gave His life for us. His love was displayed on Calvary.
In previous history the forgiveness of sins took a pure, spotless, lamb being sacrificed. Up until Jesus, this had been life. But Jesus was the last lamb that was ever needed for the forgiveness of sins. God literally saved the best for last.
Why: Why is this truth important?
Jesus laid His life down for my sins. He was the final lamb that needed to be slain as a sin offering, and He willingly laid himself down for each of us. To me, the host saying those words is heavier than just a statement about good wine. It’s saying that each of us receives the best because that’s who Jesus is in our lives.
I believe this truth is relevant for all of us. Life may not be easy at times, but if we get down to brass tacks, I can honestly say Jesus is the best thing in my life.
How:How would my life/character/perspective be different if I truly believed this truth?
Some days I take that truth for granted. I strive to prove to God that I’m good enough. I sometimes think that God’s grace depends on what I do, or how good I am, but Jesus already took care of that. I don’t have to strive to be forgiven or loved because I already am.
Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for your life. Thank you for loving me, just as I am. Thank you for giving your life, for being the final sacrifice and the very best, so that I can know and live in the grace of God daily. Help to me focus on that truth, every day!
Amen.
Kimberly Webb is the extremely gifted youth pastor at Redemption Church Charlottesville. She is a speaker, singer, and lover of people with a heart to serve God no matter where she is in the world.
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By Rebecca Burtram
I am a woman in my mid thirties figuring out how to balance an intense need for perfection with the reality of my own imperfections. The answer I am finding is grace.....and plenty of it.
As a mother of three, a teacher, a church planter, and a runner, I have many opportunities to practice giving myself and others the grace I need to survive.
Grace and Imperfection:
rebeccaburtram.com
The River Walk (Guest Author on Fridays):
tworiversblog.com
