Who Invited That Guy?

In the Gospels we have an account of Jesus attending a wedding. It’s where His first public miracle takes place. A couple weeks ago, some guy on his blog tried to make the case that this was Jesus’ wedding. You know. The one where He married Mary Magdalene?

Right - Jesus received an invitation to His own wedding. John 2:2

Anyhow, it got me to thinking. Why was He invited?
Jesus wasn’t infamous yet. At least not like it would become in a couple years.
Jesus hadn’t done any major public miracles yet. Not that these people knew about anyway.
Oh, sure, His reputation was already such that when He said, “Follow Me,” (an invitation to be His student) people jumped at the chance.
Was that the hook? The bride or groom’s family recognised His rising star?

“So who should we invite?”
“Don’t forget Jesus.”

Why?

From the fact that He was invited, I think we can know that Jesus didn’t come across as arrogant. The Creator of the universe - not arrogant or bragging.

The most brilliant man on the planet and people felt comfortable with Him.

I think we can assume these things because people wanted Him to be there. The fact that He was a radical and slightly heretical (not yet openly blasphemous) may have titillated the people. His love of, and devotion to Father God made Him attractive. Of course a Rabbi who hung out with notorious sinners may have been a draw; especially if this wedding was going to be a major party. A Rabbi who said He was God - Mmm a bit of a risk but still worth the invite.

And why did He go?

He wasn’t there to show off. He balked at doing His first miracle and even when He did change the water into wine, it was as secretive as possible. He didn’t go to preach, teach, heal or demonstrate signs that He was God. So why did He go?

Personally? I think Jesus went to the wedding to have fun. I think that is why He was invited. Jesus knew how to have fun. Matthew 11:19 tells us that Jesus was accused of being a glutton and a drunkard and someone that hung out with lowlifes. Yes we read that He was known as a “man of sorrows, well acquainted with grief and suffering,” but that is just the point. Jesus knew the abundant life.

Most people actually make plans to dig a rut in life as deep as they can make it, jump in as soon as possible and hope to stay there until the day they die.

Keep everything predictable.

Don’t make waves.

Make sure life is pleasant and comfortable.


Jesus came to give us His life.
“I have come to give you life to the full.” Another translation says, “I have come to give you an abundant life.”

The abundant life, a life lived by emotionally healthy people is one where none of life needs to be avoided. When our lives are entwined with the life of Jesus, we need not run from any of what this existence brings our way. We can take hold of Jesus’ hand and with eyes wide open and chest bared to the blast, we can step boldly into life - all of life.

Jesus knew joy. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11)

Jesus knew peace. “Peace I leave to you, my own peace I give you, a peace which the world cannot give, this is my gift to you” (John 14:27)

Jesus loved life.
Jesus loved people.
Who better to invite to a party?
Who more likely to say yes to the invitation?