During the time he was in Jerusalem, those days of the Passover Feast, many people noticed the signs he was displaying and, seeing they pointed straight to God, entrusted their lives to him. But Jesus didn’t entrust his life to them. He knew them inside and out, knew how untrustworthy they were. He didn’t need any help in seeing right through them. John 2:23-25 (TM)
I remember a movie from many years ago about a television star. Whenever she was feeling down she would go to the shopping mall where she was sure to be recognized, mobbed and asked for autographs. She had entrusted her soul to the fickle crowd. When you look at the media circus surrounding stars today, I wonder if that fame isn’t really some people’s drug of choice. It’s like a fix, and once you’re there in the spotlight you need to maintain your habit.
How interesting that John made sure to point out how Jesus mistrusted fame and shunned the wealth others wanted him to make – and to make through him ("Listen, young man, with your talents for turning water into wine you could make a fortune! Come with me and I’ll arrange everything").
So what’s the lesson in that for me? Be shrewd. Be wise. Love people, but know that people generally have their own interests at heart – not mine. Don’t judge them, but don’t be surprised by them either.
Creative Commons photo courtesy of Flickr and Alan Light.
Good point, Tom. I don’t know. Notice she didn’t address him, but rather the servants. What does that say? Either way, Jesus proceeded to direct the servants what to do. If it’s the Jewish mother attitude, he still pulled a Jesus….he obeyed her.
Do you think it was Mary’s faith, Kev? I sorta took it more as a Jewish mother’s attitude of “I’m your mother, young man, and you’re going to do this whether you like it or not. Don’t argue with me. Just do it.”
Either way, she knew what her son could do.
well said, Tom. I especially love the last sentence.
4Jesus said, “Is that any of our business, Mother—yours or mine? This isn’t my time. Don’t push me.”
5She went ahead anyway, telling the servants, “Whatever he tells you, do it.”
What is the Message here? Jesus specifically tells his mother not to make a scene and push him and she does it anyway. This is complete belief in her Christ. Her faith is bigger than worrying what people might think of her or her son. It would be good for me to remember that.