Do Whatever He Tells You
Obedience Unlocks the Miracle
SCRIPTURE:
John 2:5 CSB - "Do whatever he tells you," His mother told the servants.
OBSERVATION:
John, while recounting the first miracle of Jesus—turning water into wine—records one of the most vital lessons for us as followers and servants of Jesus:
“Do whatever He tells you…” (John 2:5)
At the very start of Jesus’ earthly ministry, His mother recognized His authority and shared this simple yet powerful truth with the servants present: "Do whatever He tells you."
I don’t think this was because Mary was a “super saint” or divine, but because she chose to believe what God said about Jesus. She trusted that God sent him and that His word could be trusted.
Now imagine being one of the servants at this wedding feast. The wine had run out—a major social mistake in that time and culture. This would have been considered an insult to both the guests and the family. The celebration, which usually lasted seven days, had only reached day three. The pressure on the servants must have been intense.
John 2:5 CSB - "Do whatever he tells you," His mother told the servants.
OBSERVATION:
John, while recounting the first miracle of Jesus—turning water into wine—records one of the most vital lessons for us as followers and servants of Jesus:
“Do whatever He tells you…” (John 2:5)
At the very start of Jesus’ earthly ministry, His mother recognized His authority and shared this simple yet powerful truth with the servants present: "Do whatever He tells you."
I don’t think this was because Mary was a “super saint” or divine, but because she chose to believe what God said about Jesus. She trusted that God sent him and that His word could be trusted.
Now imagine being one of the servants at this wedding feast. The wine had run out—a major social mistake in that time and culture. This would have been considered an insult to both the guests and the family. The celebration, which usually lasted seven days, had only reached day three. The pressure on the servants must have been intense.
To fail in providing adequately for the guests would involve social disgrace. In the closely knit communities of Jesus’ day, such an error would never be forgotten, and would haunt the newly married couple all their lives. – Merril C. Tenney.
To run out of wine would almost have been the equivalent of admitting that neither the guests nor the bride and groom were happy. – James Montgomery Boice.
To run out of wine would almost have been the equivalent of admitting that neither the guests nor the bride and groom were happy. – James Montgomery Boice.
Mary saw a chance for Jesus to act. While her motives may not have been completely pure, her advice to the servants was definitely right: Do whatever He tells you.
Are we willing, like those servants, to do the same?
What impossible situations are you dealing with? Are you searching for “Plan B,” or do you turn to Jesus and obey—do whatever He tells you?
Jesus gave the servants two straightforward commands:
The result:
John 2:9-10 CSB - When the headwaiter tasted the water (after it had become wine), he did not know where it came from -- though the servants who had drawn the water knew. He called the groom and told him, "Everyone sets out the fine wine first, then, after people are drunk, the inferior. But you have kept the fine wine until now."
When we follow what Jesus says, the outcome is far better than anything we could have ever imagined.
The question still stands: Are we willing to do whatever He says?
APPLICATION:
My former pastor, Doug Wagner (Calvary Chapel Woodland), often said: “God uses crooked sticks to draw straight lines.”
What we see as hopeless, unreasonable, or impossible—God sees as opportunity.
Jesus could have performed the miracle without anyone’s help. A nod of His head, and wine would have flowed abundantly. But instead, He chose to involve those present, giving them the chance to participate in something miraculous—something they could never have done alone.
What is Jesus asking you to do today—even when faced with difficult or confusing circumstances?
Will you do as Mary told the servants, “Do whatever He tells you”?
There is great joy (like the wine) that flows when we follow His lead. It may not be easy, but the outcome far outweighs the struggle.
PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You that You still use Your servants to do great things—even in the face of extreme difficulty. Truly, You use crooked sticks to draw straight lines. Today, in the present moment and situation I find myself in, may I do as Mary instructed—“Do whatever He tells you.” I am Your servant. Lead me where You will.
Are we willing, like those servants, to do the same?
What impossible situations are you dealing with? Are you searching for “Plan B,” or do you turn to Jesus and obey—do whatever He tells you?
Jesus gave the servants two straightforward commands:
- Fill the jars with water (Vs 7).
- Take it to the headwaiter (Vs 8).
The result:
John 2:9-10 CSB - When the headwaiter tasted the water (after it had become wine), he did not know where it came from -- though the servants who had drawn the water knew. He called the groom and told him, "Everyone sets out the fine wine first, then, after people are drunk, the inferior. But you have kept the fine wine until now."
When we follow what Jesus says, the outcome is far better than anything we could have ever imagined.
The question still stands: Are we willing to do whatever He says?
APPLICATION:
My former pastor, Doug Wagner (Calvary Chapel Woodland), often said: “God uses crooked sticks to draw straight lines.”
What we see as hopeless, unreasonable, or impossible—God sees as opportunity.
Jesus could have performed the miracle without anyone’s help. A nod of His head, and wine would have flowed abundantly. But instead, He chose to involve those present, giving them the chance to participate in something miraculous—something they could never have done alone.
What is Jesus asking you to do today—even when faced with difficult or confusing circumstances?
Will you do as Mary told the servants, “Do whatever He tells you”?
There is great joy (like the wine) that flows when we follow His lead. It may not be easy, but the outcome far outweighs the struggle.
PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You that You still use Your servants to do great things—even in the face of extreme difficulty. Truly, You use crooked sticks to draw straight lines. Today, in the present moment and situation I find myself in, may I do as Mary instructed—“Do whatever He tells you.” I am Your servant. Lead me where You will.
When we trust Jesus and do whatever He tells us, even the impossible becomes possible and surpasses all expectations.
Posted in 04 - John
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