Literary Criticism, "Jesus, The Wine, And The First Miracle"

“Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it” (Mark 15:23). People try to infer that Jesus drank wine. When his mother says to him at a wedding at Cana in Galilee that they need wine, Jesus replies, “Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied, "My time has not yet come” (John 2:4). Jesus uses this reference to “time” to mean when he would go to the cross and die for the sins of the world. And then he performs the first miracle of turning water into wine. The reason that he says to the bridegroom, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now" (John 2:10) is because wine is a sacred symbol for the meaning of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. The reader is not told what was in the “cup” when Jesus and His disciples were gathered around the table for the last supper. The Bible says, “Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom." (Matthew 26:27-29). When we take communion we remember the sacrifice that Jesus paid on the cross when he died for our sins. All the more reason to keep it sacred and for its purpose. To drink wine casually takes away the meaning for which Jesus intended it: to be in remembrance of Him and the sacrifice he paid when he died on the cross. If one drinks wine anytime and then receives it at church during communion it loses its sacredness. Like the pretty white linens that grace the church altar on Sunday would not be used on a dinner table at the parsonage when the preacher and his wife have guests, they are special, set aside for the church sanctuary. In the same way, wine is symbolic of Bible times and needs to be kept in a special cupboard until it is time to partake in communion with Jesus, just like He did with His disciples 2,000 years ago. What Jesus touches is sacred, even water being turned into wine. Note: The Lord revealed to me these things that are written in this essay. It is not intended to offend anyone, but with the intent to honor Jesus Christ.