By Ward Tanneberg

The exact site of ancient Cana in Galilee is in some dispute. However, due to recent excavations uncovering ruins dating back to the 1st to 4th centuries, visiting some of the churches on the traditional site (i.e., the Franciscan Wedding Church and the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George) can set your imagination to dancing.

In these churches ancient water jars have been preserved to depict the type of stone jars into which servants poured gallons of water and Jesus performed his first miracle (John 2:1-11). As you stand near these jars, you are transported to the biblical account.

It starts with bad news. His mother’s look of concern as she turns away from the bride and groom. Her hand firm on his arm, her voice low, her eyes see only her son. It’s not her problem. Not really. It’s theirs. But it’s hers now. And you guessed it. It’s about to become his. “They have no wine.”

The disciples, like young entrepreneurs, are silently observing their new leader and his mother. What will he say to her? How will he handle this situation? What? Fill the jars with water? Take a sample to the master steward? Are you serious?

In a matter of minutes they observe the reaction of the master steward and are as amazed as he is. He doesn’t know where the wine has come from (though the servants who drew the water know). The disciples also know. When the steward samples the wine, he calls the bridegroom over and says to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.”

It’s a great story, one that left a lasting impression on the Apostle John. He never forgot it. Now, years later and well into his 80s, he tells it as though it happened yesterday, positioning it early in his Gospel account. Why? Because what happens here is important.

  1. First off, Jesus calls his mother “woman.” That right there is a bit cheeky, don’t you think? It’s the kind of impudence that will get you a good slap or a punch in the ribs if you try it on your mother. But Jesus is not being disrespectful. He is taking the opportunity to establish a new relationship between him and his mother. It is “the beginning of signs.”
  2. It may not be a world-changing crisis (unless, of course, you are the bride and groom), but it reveals how Jesus is also concerned with our small problems, too, not just the huge crises.
  3. It is a kind of ‘insiders’ miracle that reveals his glory, just not to everyone. His mother sees it. His disciples standing nearby see it. And the servants have front row seats.
  4. The wedding steward and the guests are unaware of what just happened. They simply enjoy the taste of good wine. The best comes last.

It is a timeless illustration:

  1. Of elders who help launch the young in their careers, or in the case of some, into vocational ministry. A new relationship is entered into.
  2. Of young entrepreneurs’ (disciples) early years in which there are opportunities to see God move in creative and sometimes miraculous ways. They see God caring for smaller problems while building their confidence and trust in Christ’s interest and willingness to guide and partner with them in greater challenges.
  3. Of those who learn to stay close to Jesus, who learn to ask, who watch, who serve, and as a result are always getting into the action, into the holy adventures.
  4. Of the fact that when we do ask, watch, and serve, others will enjoy the results because we are there.

And don’t forget. The best comes last.

If you are at midlife or beyond, these can be your best years because you know where the “water jars” are. You know what can happen when you know how and who to ask. You know how important it is to keep an eye on things. You know how to be a servant leader.

You know, when Jesus shows up as a result of your being there and others get to enjoy the results, it really doesn’t get any better!

Your Turn: For Second-Half/Intergenerational Ministry Leaders

  1. Does your church or ministry have a mentoring program to help guide or launch young people into their careers or vocations? What practical steps can you take to connect experienced elders with individuals new to answering their calling?
  2. How can you help older and younger individuals see the small and large ways God is acting as they step out in faith?
  3. What “holy adventures” have you been a part of as a result of asking, watching, and serving?

 

CASA 50+ Network is your resource—and your forum to share ideas, suggestions, comments, or questions with other ministry leaders. We’d love to hear your thoughts on Ward’s article.

Ward Tanneberg is president emeritus of CASA 50+ Network. He has been youth director, college public relations director, adjunct professor, writer, novelist and pastor in three churches. His latest novel, Redeeming Grace, is a 2015 Bronze Medal Illumination Book Awards winner. www.wardtanneberg.com