Jesus’ Mission Begins

Wine for the Wedding (John 2:1-11)

The little village of Cana in Galilee was buzzing with excitement—a wedding was taking place. Jesus, His mother Mary, and His disciples were among the invited guests. As laughter and music filled the air, disaster loomed behind the scenes: the wine had run out.

Mary noticed the worried whispers and the troubled faces of the hosts. She approached Jesus and said, “They have no more wine.”

Jesus responded gently, “Why do you involve me? My time has not yet come.”

But Mary, confident in His compassion, turned to the servants and said, “Do whatever He tells you.”

Jesus saw the large, empty jars used for ceremonial washing and instructed the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” Once filled, He told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”

To everyone’s amazement, the water had turned into the finest wine they had ever tasted. The master of the banquet, unaware of the miracle, exclaimed to the bridegroom, “You’ve saved the best wine until now!”

Jesus’ disciples, watching closely, were awestruck. This was His first miracle—a sign of God’s power and His identity as someone truly extraordinary.

Screams in the Synagogue (Mark 1:21-28)

In Capernaum, on the Sabbath, Jesus and His disciples entered the synagogue. The plain building was filled with people eager to hear the scriptures. Jesus was invited to speak, and the congregation listened in awe as He explained God’s word with authority, unlike any teacher they had heard before.

Suddenly, a wild cry pierced the air. A man staggered forward, his face twisted in torment. He shouted, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

Recognizing that the man was controlled by an evil spirit, Jesus commanded, “Be quiet! Come out of him!”

The man convulsed violently and let out a final scream before collapsing in peace.

The crowd erupted in whispers of amazement. “Who is this man? He teaches with power and even commands evil spirits!”

Word of Jesus’ authority spread rapidly, marking Him as someone sent by God with unparalleled power.

Healing in Peter’s Home (Mark 1:29-34)

After the synagogue service, Peter invited Jesus and the other disciples to his home. When they arrived, Peter’s wife greeted them anxiously. “Mother is very ill,” she said. “Her fever is getting worse.”

Jesus went to the bedside of Peter’s mother-in-law and gently took her hand. Instantly, the fever left her, and she smiled, strength returning to her frail body. “I should be up, looking after you,” she said, rising to prepare a meal for her guests.

The neighbors were astonished to see her well again. Word spread quickly, and by evening, a crowd had gathered outside Peter’s house.

Jesus stepped outside and healed every person who came to Him—those who were blind, deaf, lame, and even those tormented by evil spirits. Through these miracles, He revealed God’s love and power, showing that God cared deeply for each individual.

It’s Only Joseph’s Son! (Luke 4:16-30, Mark 6)

One Sabbath, Jesus returned to His hometown of Nazareth and attended the synagogue. Familiar faces from His childhood filled the room. Some remembered Him as a young boy; others knew Him as the carpenter who had built their furniture.

Jesus stood to read from the scroll of Isaiah:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because He has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

When He finished, Jesus sat down, as was customary, and said, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

The crowd murmured in shock. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son? The carpenter?”

Jesus responded, “No prophet is accepted in his hometown. Remember, Elijah was sent to a foreign widow, and Elisha healed a Syrian, not an Israelite.”

Furious, the crowd rose, dragging Jesus to the edge of a cliff to throw Him off. But Jesus, calm and composed, slipped away unharmed.

John the Baptist in Prison (Mark 6:17-29, Luke 7:18-28)

John the Baptist had boldly criticized King Herod for marrying his brother’s wife, Herodias. While Herod admired John’s courage and honesty, Herodias despised him and demanded his imprisonment.

Chained in a dark dungeon, John began to wonder if Jesus truly was the promised Messiah. He sent his followers to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

When John’s friends arrived, Jesus was healing the blind, the lame, and the sick. He told them, “Go back and tell John what you have seen: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.”

Later, at a banquet celebrating Herod’s birthday, Herodias’ daughter, Salome, danced before the king and his guests. Her performance pleased Herod so much that he rashly promised, “Ask me for anything, and I’ll give it to you.”

Salome, coached by her mother, asked for John the Baptist’s head on a platter.

Though horrified, Herod reluctantly honored her request. John’s life was taken, but his courage and message remained an enduring legacy.

Reflection

These early events in Jesus’ ministry revealed His mission: to bring God’s power, healing, and love to the world. Whether performing miracles, teaching with authority, or standing firm in the face of rejection, Jesus demonstrated His role as the Messiah and the fulfillment of God’s promises.