Enjoy the Party

Jesus was at such an event with his mother and family before anybody really knew who Jesus was. The party was rocking along and must have been a good one because they completely ran out of wine. Then, one of my favorite exchanges in all of the Bible occurs between Jesus and Mary.

"'Dear woman, that's not our problem,' Jesus replied. 'My time has not yet come.' But his mother told the servants, 'Do whatever he tells you.'" (John 2:4-5)

I don't know about you, but I have been around a lot of Moms in my time, and I would never have had the chutzpah to say to any of them, "Woman, that's not my problem". If I did, I had better duck and cover because a wooden spoon, a left hook, or a penetrating look of death would be heading my way. I guess Jesus got a pass because Mary just carried on in typical Mom fashion. She completely ignored the remark as if to say, "You're adorable, Jesus, now do as I say", and instructed the servants to do whatever He told them to do. And like any good Son, he obeys, turns water into wine, and juices up the party with the good stuff.  

If you think you are too good to obey your mother, or anyone else in authority, you are wrong. Jesus modeled this beautifully. Even though he pushed back a minute, he knew the power of obedience and respect for authority.

Mary knew it was time to call out of Jesus his purpose. Our job as parents and leaders is to pull the greatness out of our children and those in our care. People rise to the level of hope and expectations called out of them by people they love and have authority over them. Conversely, they fall to the level of criticism as well. Mary knew it was time to call her Son into glory.

Call out of others the greatness you see in them.

That is leadership, and we all need champions in our corner. And equally important, listen to your mother if you want to enjoy the party!