Understanding a Passive Answer

Scripture: When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” John 2:3-5

Observation: In this strange exchange, it almost appears Jesus and Mary are having two different conversations, not listening to each other. Mary seemingly 'hints' that Jesus should do something about the lack of wine, Jesus clearly says 'no', and Mary obviously ignores that and initiates the work of others to assist in whatever way Jesus says. It is as if May has decided Jesus is going to take care of this situation - which, by the way, was a rather trivial issue in the first place - even if Jesus says 'no'.

Mary is the only person who truly knows Jesus is Messiah, the son of God, God incarnate. Therefore, it can be summarized that Mary is ordering God to take care of a minor issue in her life ... her friends may be embarrassed because they ran out of wine at their wedding. She refuses to allow God to be passive or non-committal. God (Jesus) did NOT say "no", he only implied that this issue did not involve himself, and Mary simply refuses that non-response and proceeds with the assumption that God will assist.

Application: When God gives us a 'passive' response to prayer, how do we proceed? Are we more likely to respond with hesitation, doubt, and withdrawal of our request, or are we more likely to double down and believe that an unclear answer means God is testing our resolve before agreeing?

Mary did the latter. I think I am more likely to do the former. At the very least, I am prone to accept God's "timing" and maybe think something will happen later. Even Jesus' argument was about timing! However, Mary provides a different model for me to consider. In her model, the lack of a "no" isn't a conundrum, it is instead an opportunity for personal faith to influence an earthly situation and aid in another person's life. Asking God for something, and him cocking his head sideways and effectively saying, "Really? Now?" is a chance for us to be more bold and truly engage God in showing mercy, love, and grace to another person, and changing their lives.

Mary's confidence ultimately solidified the faith of those first disciples, and initiated the process for the belief of others. It is a model to study.

Prayer: Lord, in this spirit, I ask that you give Garrett complete success today. We both understand certain doors are closed to him, but today is the day for resolving the other opportunities and providing him with a new path. Yes, today. I ask that his path not only be laid out and made plain, but initiated. May he have resolution of purpose, peace in his heart, and clarity in his mind, following the full measure of faith we all have in you and your love. Amen.