Mary’s Instruction & The Shock of a Headwaiter

“Do whatever He tells you.” (John 2:5)

“You have saved the best for last!” (John 2:10)

The only recorded instructions we have from Jesus’ mom just so happens to be some of the best counsel anyone could offer. She tells the servants at a wedding party to do whatever Jesus tells them to do.

The headwaiter at this same wedding party thought the groom did made a brilliant social move. He assumed the groom saved the best and finest wine until later in the week, rather than the reverse.

These statements by Mary (“Do whatever He tells you.”) and the headwaiter (“You have saved the best for last!”) are remarkable.

If you understand that Jesus turning water into wine was a sign pointing to how He fulfills the Old Testament Law, and that His presence is the meaning and essence of joy – then we would do well to heed the wisdom of Mary and the Headwaiter.

“Do whatever He tells you” is not meant to be a burden. It is life. It is joy. It means you don’t have to stress out about whether or not you’ve “done enough for God.” Mary’s counsel to these servants is what all of us can give our lives to: following Jesus. Our life is to be about doing what He tells us to do, even if that means filling up water pots with water and taking a sample to our boss.

“You have saved the best for last!” is a declaration of amazement. It lets us know when Jesus is in our lives, it only gets better and better and better. Not the circumstances of our lives, per se. But our souls. The more we come to know and enjoy and walk with Jesus, the more exhilarating joy we experience.

When we do whatever He tells us to do (Mary), we find that it really is good and right and fulfilling (Headwaiter).

What is it Jesus is calling you to do? Your response will reveal what you really believe about the Christ.

Do you believe following Him only gets better over time?