While John doesn’t tell us, the wedding at Cana happens after Jesus has fasted in the wilderness for 40 days and nights and has been tempted by Satan. After that, as tired as he must have been—I realize I’m projecting my own physical limitations on Jesus here—he began to seek and call his disciples. He’s ready to begin his public ministry, an intense three years that would be marked by conflict, threats, pain, and—ultimately—death. And yet he takes time to attend a wedding.

What does this say about Jesus, that he would accept such an invitation?

Then, his mother, Mary, tells him the wine has run out—a major social mistake for the marrying couple, one that could bring them shame and dishonor. Jesus says to her, in essence, “Why ask me?” Every time I read this passage, he seems to be saying, “No, I won’t get involved.” But then he does.