“This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.” (John 2:11)

Servants are usually background figures, unimportant and unimpressive… except when Jesus is in the picture. Then everything changes; the ordinary explodes and the unusual occurs. Take Cana, for instance. Jesus is invited to a wedding with his disciples, and the guests are left without wine. Mary appeals to Jesus to fix the problem and informs the servants, “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5).

Amazing events unfold when the servants listen and obey. First, Jesus instructs them to fill the 30-­gallon jars with water, then draw some out, and take it to the master of the feast.

Christ never touches the water going into the jugs or the wine coming out of them. He never speaks to the bride, the groom, or the steward in charge of the feast. His words are for the servants only, and the miracle occurs as the servants carry out his precise instructions.

The honored guests are treated to fine wine; the host is applauded for providing the best; but the servants receive the greatest wedding gift. They alone know who has orchestrated the amazing new batch of wine.

The servants who faithfully complete the assigned task have the luxury of front-­row seats at the very first miracle Jesus performs. Their lives are forever altered because they experience firsthand the miraculous intervention of the Son of God.

We have the same privilege today. We, too, can listen for his voice as he directs us through the written Word. Our assignments might be ordinary and routine, and our calling might be unappealing to others, but as servants of the Living God we get to participate in Kingdom work every time we show up and obey.

Wine flows from water jugs when Jesus is running the show. Let him.