John 2

“On the third day a wedding took place in Cana of Galilee.  Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding as well.  When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother told Him, ‘They don’t have any wine.’  ‘What has this concern of yours to do with Me, Woman?’ Jesus asked.  My hour has not come.’” John 2:1-4 (CSB)

The fifth Commandment reads: “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.”  Exodus 20:12 (NKJV)

When I was young in my faith, I remember reading today’s passage and wondering if Jesus sinned in His reply to His mother.  Personally, if I ever called my mother “Woman,” she would have slapped me!  In actuality, Jesus’ intent was lost in translation.

In the Greek language, “genu’e” means “woman.” But “genu’e” is endearing, more like “Mother.” Therefore, Jesus is not disobeying the commandment to honor His mother with either His tone or His response.

We know that Jesus honored and cared for His mother, even from the cross.  Before His death, He entrusted Mary’s keep to “…the disciple whom He especially loved.” (John 19:25-27) Also, in the end, Mary regarded Him as Lord, for she was present and praying with the other disciples in the upper room after His resurrection.  (Acts 1:14)

All that said, Jesus’ response to His mother was gracious but commanding.

Imagine yourself in Mary’s shoes.  Since the Angel’s herald, you were told Jesus was destined for greatness.  (Luke 1:35, 43)  Others had also prophesied about Him.  (Luke 2:25-38) Although not always with understanding, you observed His development.  (Luke 2:40, 51) Last, you were told future generations would bless you because of Jesus.  (Luke 1:48)

In today’s passage, Jesus’ comment to His mother was meant to aid her transition from seeing Him as a child to seeing Him as Her Lord.  He kept her from undue pride and indicated that He, as Lord, sovereignly determines when He will intervene in human affairs.  Jesus does not perform miracles on demand to impress His friends or even please His mother.

It is a good lesson for us that God is not our “genie” in Heaven.  We don’t merely rub Him and make a wish.  We are commanded to pray, “Your will be done,” and we must trust He knows the exact hour (even the exact moment) when the miraculous is necessary.