Scripture: John 2:8 (ESV) – “And he said to them, ‘Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.’ So they took it.”
J.C. Ryle, in his Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, draws attention to the significance of this verse as a moment of faith and obedience. Jesus commands the servants to draw water from the jars they had just filled and take it to the master of the feast. Without questioning or hesitation, the servants obey, even though they might not have understood what was about to happen.
Ryle emphasizes that the servants’ faith in Jesus’ instructions is essential to this miracle. They act without seeing the result beforehand, trusting that Jesus’ word is enough. This teaches us a profound lesson about the nature of faith. True faith does not demand to see the end result before acting—it trusts in the power and wisdom of Christ and obeys, even when the path seems unclear.
The act of taking the water to the master of the feast also highlights the partnership between human obedience and divine power. The servants do what Jesus asks, and in doing so, they become participants in His miraculous work. This reminds us that God often chooses to work through our actions, inviting us to be a part of His plans, even when the task seems mundane or confusing.
Finally, Ryle notes the humility of Jesus’ method. He doesn’t perform this miracle with fanfare or a dramatic display of power. Instead, the transformation happens quietly, as the water becomes wine through His divine authority. This reflects the way God often works in our lives—quietly, yet powerfully, in ways that reveal His glory and grace.
Reflection Questions:
- How does the servants’ obedience encourage you to act in faith, even when you don’t see immediate results?
- Are there areas in your life where you struggle to trust Jesus’ instructions fully?
- How can you partner with God in simple acts of obedience, trusting Him to bring about His purposes?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for teaching us the power of faith and obedience through this miracle. Help us to trust Your instructions, even when we don’t understand the outcome. Teach us to act with humility and confidence, knowing that You are at work in and through us. May our faith in You grow stronger as we witness Your quiet, yet powerful, work in our lives. In Your name, Amen.
*This devotional is based on J.C. Ryle’s insights from his Expository Thoughts on the Gospels.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 