Two General Applications from John 2:10
“Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”
...the cheaper wine… What are you sipping on?
...you have saved the best till now... Would you like for the next half of your life to go differently than the first half? It can - through Christ.
A Special Application: Moms and Their Sons
Based on subtle nuances in this passage, Mary had some hidden motives that Jesus knows about and deals with while at the same time, actually addressing the need.
Sue Bohlin of Probe Ministries helps us here. Here’s the wisdom she’s learned about being a mom to a son.
• Push your son towards his father and encourage their relationship.
• Affirm your son’s masculinity. It’s great that you’re a man.
• Allow for emotional distance and independence. Don’t try to keep him bound to you like a baby as he gets older.
• Refuse to diminish the glory of the father / son relationship; don’t get in the middle of it.
• Nurture and comfort with empathy, but allow your husband to nurture differently (aggression nurturing), such as “Hop up, you’re OK.” Boys need to learn to develop a thicker skin from their dads.
• Don’t insist that he look you in the eyes when you’re having a difficult conversation (except when it’s time to apologize). It’s especially threatening and painful for most boys. Take a walk or drive with him where you are shoulder to shoulder, or talk to him in dim lighting (such as bedtime), to encourage him to open up to you.
Rhonda Stoppe shares that there are some possible negative consequences that could result from coercing or plotting for a son’s success.
1. He will realize that you are attempting to gain recognition for yourself through his accomplishments and will rebel. “Why do you involve me?” “Eh, because I want to prove to everybody how wrong they’ve been about me.”
2. He will find himself pushed into a position he is not ready to take on. “It’s not my hour.” Jesus knew how to handle his mother; most sons don’t.
3. He will become prideful, arrogant, and self-exalting. Again, Jesus guards against this by remaining behind the scenes at the wedding.
4. He will become a momma’s boy who can’t pursue accomplishments on his own. Was Jesus a momma’s boy? Did he say on track with his mission?
5. He will feel he is entitled to special treatment. Jesus refused that mindset. That’s what the hour was about – the time when I’m treated the opposite of how I should be.
6. He will be resented by his peers and siblings. When people see a mom trying to get her son the starting spot or the best job or the limelight, they resent it. And Jesus’ siblings resented him.
