Better Wine, Ultimate Joy

In John chapter 2 we read of Jesus' first miracle in which he turned water into wine. Throughout the Old Testament, wine was viewed as a sign of God's joy and blessing (Ps. 104:15, Prov. 3:15, Joel 3:18). In Jesus' work we see that he is the one who brings the better wine, the ultimate joy and blessing of God into our lives. As the Creator of all things, Jesus has the power to make all things new. As our redeemer he does everything to purify us from our sins so that we can approach God as fully loved sons and daughters. By purifying us from our sins he makes us into a new creation in him.

Jesus' first miracle has profound implications for those of us who follow him. In this miracle Jesus foreshadows how he does everything to accomplish our salvation. Our best efforts gain us nothing, for ultimate joy and blessing come in surrendering to his life, death and resurrection on our behalf. Others seek their joy from the wine of this world that runs out. Things in this world bring a temporary joy that does not seem to truly satisfy. There always seems to be something more, leaving us to ask, "is this it?" It is only in the one who brings the better wine that ultimate joy can be found. This is why John's gospel continually points us to Jesus. For he desires that we come to know and believe in Jesus who gives life. Look to the one who brings the better wine and the greater joy.