John 2

Scripture breakdown using the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer).

John 2:4-5-
S: "What has this concern of yours to do with me, woman?" Jesus asked. "My hour has not yet come." "Do whatever he tells you," his mother told the servants.

O: Jesus, along with his mother and some of his disciples were attending a wedding, and they ran out of wine. Mary makes this announcement to Jesus in verse 3, and verse 4; well, that's his response to her! I just love how comical it reads. Basically, Jesus is trying to tell his mother to not put his gifts out on full display because it wasn't his time to display them. Yet, in verse 5, she says to the servants, "do whatever he tells you." There was something transpiring between Jesus and his mother that isn't recorded in these verses. Despite his original response to her, Mary knew her son enough to know that somehow, and some way he would find a way to fulfill her request. Whatever the nonverbal interaction between Jesus and Mary--it was effective enough for him to reconsider his first response, and to find a solution to the wine shortage without risking his identity. And to top it all off, the wedding celebration could continue without missing a beat; I'll toast to that!

A: As the mother to a toddler, I am beginning to see the special bond that my son and I share. The ways in which he gravitates towards me at times is overwhelming in the sense that the joy in my heart is running over. His thoughtfulness and care for my well-being, at such a young age, is so very endearing. That being said, I am reminded of the responsibility I have to not try and steer him in the wrong direction. To not rush him into situations and/or experiences before God says it's his time. My son has the right to tell me no, if what I am wanting of him compromises a directive he's received from God. God is no respecter of persons. He can speak to my child and reach him at his level, and as a Christ following adult, I should humble myself to receive God's word through my child. Hosea isn't less than because he's a child; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

P: Father God, I pray that in the same way you gave Jesus the creativity to devise another way to meet a need; you would also give that gifting to my son, Hosea, as life begins to introduce him to problem solving. In Jesus Name, Amen.

John 2:24-25:
S: Jesus, however, would not entrust himself to them, since he knew them all and because he did not need anyone to testify about man; for he himself knew what was in man.

O: Ain't no fakin with JC! He can spot a real from a fake. We can try and act pure, but Jesus sees through it! The scriptures tells us that Jesus gave to us the gift of the Holy Spirit as he was preparing to ascend to the Father. The Holy Spirit is a spirit of truth. Not of deceit. Not of maybe. Not of feeling...but of TRUTH. I love when I encounter people in life, who can just tell it like it is! Who can give it to me straight, no chaser. Here was Jesus Christ performing signs and wonders in people, but he knew they were not for him, per se. He knew they couldn't handle the fullness of who he was, and he accepted it. He didn't compromise his identity for immaturity, fear of others opinions, or doubt, but he also remained open to being gracious and merciful despite knowing the truth about human nature.

A: I've got some people who want to be associated with me for the wrong reasons. They see where I'm going, and they either want to ride on my coattails or try and stop me from getting there altogether. Sometimes, it's hard to discern what my response to them should be without being ruled with a need to be liked; to be accepted by them. That's what stands out to me about these verses...Jesus' confidence. He doesn't seemed bothered by the truth of man; while also being a great example for setting healthy boundaries with people. He knew what to give of himself to others and what to keep. Now that's social distancing!

P: Father God, please help me to remain confident and discerning as to who needs to be walking beside me on this new exciting journey where you have placed my feet. Help me not be moved by fear of others opinions or a fear of rejection. Let not a spirit of doubt stop me from pursuing your will for my life. There is some pain and betrayal ahead, but I trust that you will send me those who are from you, and are willing to stand in the gap with me. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Closing remarks: Spiritual growth is important because it expands our capacity to experience more of God. Jesus does not relate to all believers the same way. [The Tony Evans Bible Commentary]