One interesting observation concerning the miracle at the wedding feast at Cana (John 2:1-11) is the change in Mary’s voice from passive to active. When she speaks to Jesus about the wine running out she does not ask a direct question. She does not ask for a miracle. Contrast Mary in this scene against those who in the Gospels asked for a sign:
Zechariah: Luke 1:18-20.
Pharisees & Sadducees: Matthew 16:1-4
The crowd at Capernaum: John 6:30-33, John 6:66
Another crowd: Luke 11:29-32
Herod: Luke 23:8-9
Usually, when people ask Jesus for a sign it’s because they lack faith, they are testing Him or they are coming to see a spectacle. But there are exceptions such as when the disciples asked for a sign of Christ’s return (Matthew 24:1-51). Mary does not ask for anything, instead she merely makes the statement,” They have no wine.” Such a statement doesn’t even seem to imply that Jesus should do something about it; at least not in our culture today. Jesus’ response is not one that would seem to communicate that He intends to do anything about it either. If that’s where it ended the waiters would be left to resolve the problem on their own. What could they come up with? Would the head waiter approach the groom? Would they go out and get more wine? These are the natural methods we would employ with a certain degree of effort to solve our problems. Despite the fact that there is no indication that Jesus will do anything the waiters do not depart from Jesus and Mary. What are they waiting for unless they have some degree of faith? So there is a great deal of subtext to read between the lines especially considering that the very next words from Mary are a clear directive. She already knows what Jesus will do without a word of consent from Him. Mary says, “Do what He tells you.” This active voice is doing more than commanding the waiters. It’s true that this is a request that Mary makes of us as well. As grand a point as that is there is still something more. The waiters have been waiting for instruction and Mary gives it to them, which validates their patience. This chapter ends with the particular note that because of this miracle the disciples began to believe in Jesus. Mary is way ahead of them and is already spreading her faith around. Mary’s intersession instigates the miracle which gives the disciples cause to believe. Her behest also reinforces our desire to follow Jesus. Mary is so confident that Jesus will do something that she dispels any doubt on our part. She fills in for our lack of faith. She reassures us and invites us to move into action and to give wings to our trust in Jesus so that we do not just move about on our own but we fly with the help of faith to accomplish what God asks of us.