Grace Thompson
Do whatever he tells you is a phrase spoken by Mary, the mother of Jesus, at the Wedding Feast of Cana, as told in John 2:1-11. Mary's words are directed at the servants, and they precede Jesus' first miracle, in which he turns water into wine. This biblical passage has been the subject of several sermons, which interpret Mary's words as a call to obedience and trust in God's plan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mary's words to the servants | "Do whatever he tells you" |
| Mary's words to Jesus | "They have no wine" |
| Mary's example | Trusting Christ and surrendering to God's will |
| Mary's role | Helping us to imitate her Son |
| Jesus' first miracle | Turning water into wine |
| Jesus' words to Mary | "Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come." |
| Jesus' mother's role | Coordinating the wedding |
| Jesus' words to his followers | "This is the new covenant in my blood." |
| God's role | Fulfilling His Word |
| Our role | Following God's Word and taking action based on it |
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What You'll Learn
Mary's obedience to God
Mary's obedience is also seen in her interactions with her son, Jesus. At the Wedding Feast of Cana, when the wine ran out, Mary told Jesus, "They have no wine" (Jn 2:3). She then instructed the servants, "Do whatever he tells you" (Jn 2:5), leading to Jesus' first miracle of turning water into wine. Mary's words at Cana are seen as a powerful command of love and obedience, inviting all Christians to embrace the will of God.
Mary's obedience extended beyond her lifetime, as she is believed to have appeared to children at Fatima, calling for prayer and penance to draw people closer to her son, Jesus. This appearance demonstrates Mary's ongoing maternal role in helping people to imitate her son and follow his teachings.
Mary's obedience had a profound impact on her son and the world. By accepting God's plan and obeying His will, Mary assisted in the redemption of mankind and became a spiritual mother to all believers. Her obedience serves as a model for Christians, reminding them of their responsibility to accept and surrender to God's plan for their lives. Through her example, Mary teaches that obedience to God brings unending happiness and draws us closer to Jesus Christ.
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Mary's trust in Jesus
At the wedding, Mary noticed that the wine had run out. She approached Jesus and simply stated the problem: "They have no wine" (John 2:3). Mary did not offer a solution or a list of demands. Instead, she trusted that Jesus, as the Son of God, knew what was good and right and had the power to act. This trust is evident in her instruction to the servants: "Do whatever he tells you" (John 2:5).
Mary's words are profound and powerful. They serve as an invitation to embrace God's will and surrender our own plans. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate Mary's example of obedience and trust in God's plan, even when it may be difficult or require sacrifice. We are encouraged to "do whatever [Jesus] tells you," recognising that His words are life-giving and sovereign.
Mary's example at Cana is a powerful reminder of the importance of surrendering to God's will and trusting in His timing. It is a call to obedience and faith, encouraging us to follow Mary's words and "do whatever [Jesus] tells you." By doing so, we open ourselves up to God's perfect will and allow Him to work in and through our lives, just as He performed His first miracle through Mary's trusting words.
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Jesus' first miracle
Jesus's first miracle, according to the Gospel of John, was performed at a wedding in Cana, a village in Galilee. Jesus's mother noticed that the wine had run out and told Jesus, "They have no wine". She then instructed the servants, "Do whatever he tells you". Jesus told the servants to fill six large stone water jars with water, and when they drew some out and took it to the master of the banquet, it had turned into wine. The master of the banquet was impressed by the quality of the wine, saying that usually, the cheap wine is served last, but in this case, they had saved the best wine until the end.
The exact location of this miracle has been disputed by historians and archaeologists. While some believe the site to be Kafr Kanna, others argue that Khirbet Qana, a Jewish village located five miles north, is the true location. This claim is supported by archaeological evidence of ancient Christian veneration at the site, including a large cave complex and tunnels marked with crosses and references to Christ, dating back over 1,500 years.
The miracle of turning water into wine holds significant meaning and is seen as a symbol of Jesus's life goal—to accomplish the kingdom of God, often compared to a royal wedding. The wine is also interpreted as a symbol of Jesus's blood, foreshadowing his sacrifice at the Last Supper.
The phrase "Do whatever he tells you", spoken by Mary, the Mother of God, at the Wedding Feast of Cana, holds profound significance in Catholic teachings. It reflects Mary's unconditional surrender to God's plan and her trust in His goodness. These words serve as a powerful reminder for Catholics to embrace God's will and find happiness in serving Him. Mary's role as a maternal figure, guiding her children towards imitating her Beloved Son, is emphasized in Catholic sermons.
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The Wedding Feast of Cana
Undeterred, Mary turns to the servants and delivers her iconic instruction: "Do whatever he tells you" (John 2:5). This act of faith and obedience sets the stage for Jesus' first miracle. Following his mother's words, Jesus instructs the servants to fill containers with water. When the chief steward tastes the water, it has been transformed into wine. Moreover, it is not just any wine but the best wine, served after the lesser quality wine had already been consumed, as was the custom.
The miracle at Cana also carries symbolic weight. By performing this miracle at a wedding, Jesus honoured and sanctified the institution of matrimony. Additionally, the transformation of water into wine serves as a metaphor for God's ability to bring blessings and abundance, even in times of scarcity or despair. It reminds us that God is still active and involved in our lives, always capable of transforming our situations for the better.
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The power of a mother's expectations
The phrase "Do whatever he tells you" is derived from the biblical story of the Wedding at Cana, where Jesus performs his first miracle, turning water into wine. In this narrative, Mary, the mother of Jesus, plays a pivotal role. When the wine runs out, Mary brings this problem to Jesus, stating, "They have no wine" (John 2:3). Despite Jesus' initial reluctance, Mary persists and instructs the servants to "Do whatever he tells you" (John 2:5). This act of obedience and trust in her son sets in motion the miraculous event that follows.
A mother's expectations and influence can be incredibly powerful. Mary's simple instruction to the servants showcases her unwavering faith in her son's abilities and divine mission. She recognises that Jesus knows what is good and right and has the power to act. By saying "Do whatever he tells you," she is encouraging others to follow Jesus' lead and trust in his wisdom. This phrase encapsulates the idea of surrendering to God's will and recognising his sovereignty.
Mary's example teaches us an important lesson about trusting in God's plan, even when we cannot fully understand it. By obeying God's commands and following Jesus' teachings, we can find purpose and meaning in our lives. Like Mary, we are called to listen to God's voice and faithfully put his instructions into practice. This may require prayerful discernment and a willingness to surrender our own plans, but it ultimately leads us towards a life of fulfilment and happiness.
As Christians, we are encouraged to emulate Mary's obedience and trust. We may not always understand God's plan or the challenges we face, but by heeding the words "Do whatever he tells you," we invite God to work through us. This phrase serves as a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that God desires to guide us towards a life of abundance and joy.
In conclusion, the phrase "Do whatever he tells you" highlights the power of a mother's expectations and faith. Mary's instruction at the Wedding at Cana encourages us to surrender our lives to God's will and trust in his perfect plan. By following her example, we can find purpose, meaning, and joy in our lives, knowing that God is always with us and desires the best for us.
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Frequently asked questions
"Do whatever he tells you" are the words spoken by Mary, the mother of Jesus, at the Wedding Feast of Cana, as recorded in John 2:5. These words are significant as they are believed to be a powerful message of obedience and trust in God and Jesus.
Mary spoke these words to the servants at the wedding when the wine ran out. She was not telling Jesus what to do but rather expressing her trust that he would do what was good and right. This was the catalyst for Jesus' first miracle, turning water into wine.
The story teaches Christians to surrender to God and follow his plan, even if it requires prayerful discernment and giving up our own plans. It also highlights the importance of obedience and trust in God's will, knowing that he always does what is best.
Christians can emulate Mary's example by seeking to recognise God's voice and obey his commands. This involves surrendering our lives to Christ as the Master and allowing him to guide our actions and decisions. It also includes being open to the guidance and encouragement of fellow believers who can help nudge us towards God's plan for us.
