Wine and Water and Miracles by Susan L.

  I've been pondering Jesus' first miracle, where He turned water into wine at the wedding. The water was held in large, stone vessels according to Jewish practices of purification. Previously, I've glossed over the story as simply being a testament to Christ's abilities as the Son of God but my recent thoughts on communion have given it much more significance.
  Bear with me as I think this through.
  Jesus says at the last supper, as He passes the cup around, "This is My blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for many."
  His sacrifice meant that sacrificing animals would no longer be required. In the old testament, God demanded blood letting for purification. The wealthy would slay perfect bulls. The poor relied on pigeons or other small animals.
  I've been musing on the idea that Jesus is like the water vessels, purified and holy. He often describes Himself as the Living Waters. He offers wine as His blood of the new covenant. The new covenant means we are forgiven our sins through grace, not works or any action we could do here on earth. His willingness to go to the cross, the final blood sacrifice God required to once and for all reconcile us to Him, transformed the rites and rituals of faith. It's no longer all about rites and rituals but all about relationship.
  Our own celebration of communion, the partaking of wine, is a reminder of all that Jesus has done for every single person on this planet who lived, lives and has yet to walk among us. Miracles and more miracles.
  As I was typing, the other half of communion came to mind: the breaking of the bread, Christ's body. I wonder if this was foreshadowed in the loaves and fishes story. Thousands were fed when He had given thanks and the bread was broken and broken but never ran out. Just like Christ's love for us never runs out.
  There is much to think about and pray about. Lord, be with me as I search for answers. Fill me with hunger to understand more of what You desire in my life. In Jesus' name, amen.
  "When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom." Jn 2:9