Day 204: John 2:6–11

Jesus performed this first sign in Cana of Galilee. He displayed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him (v. 11).

This miracle performed in the physical realm was meant to reveal something far more glorious in the spiritual realm. Though Jesus certainly met an immediate need at the wedding, the wine represented something of far greater significance.

I believe this new wine is beautifully implied in Ephesians 5:18. Paul wrote, “Don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled with the Spirit” (hcsb). The passage implies that the filling of the Holy Spirit does in full measure what we try to accomplish when we desire to be drunk with wine.

You see, one reason people drink too much wine is because it changes the way they feel and the way they behave. The “new wine” of Christ does the same thing, but His effects are always good. Jesus came to bring the new wine of the Spirit! Something we can drink our fill of without all the negative side effects of wine and the emptiness it leaves behind in the wake of the temporary fix.

Throughout the Old Testament, only handfuls of people had the Holy Spirit in them or upon them because under the old covenant God gave the Spirit for empowerment more than fulfillment. John’s Gospel will reveal later that one of Christ’s primary purposes for coming and laying down His life was to send the Holy Spirit to us—not just to walk beside us but to dwell in us. At the first revelation of Christ’s glory in Cana, they had no idea that the true New Wine was on its way! The Master of our banquet saved the best of the wine for last.

Beloved, do you realize that joy and gladness are among the many gifts and services Christ brought His Holy Spirit to grant? Check it out for yourself. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Gal. 5:22–23 hcsb).

Just think! No matter how much you drink of His Spirit, against such things there is no law. Further, the more you drink, the more fully satisfied you are with love, joy, peace, and all sorts of side effects we’re so desperate to achieve. To top off the goblet, instead of losing self-control, we gain it. You can’t beat a drink like that!