Chapter Ten
J
esus left the wedding with his family and his friends and moved himself and his belongings down from the hill country of Nazareth to Capharnaum (the village of Nahum the prophet) near the northwest shores of Galilee. They came to the home of Peter where they would establish a sort of headquarters for the ministry in the region of Galilee. There was a large spring there that watered all of the plain of Gennesaret. As they arrived, Peter’s wife, Joanna, was just returning from the spring carrying a jar of water. Up to this time, Joanna had not known of Jesus other than what her husband had told her. She could see that Simon was excited. “Joanna! My dear. Set your water down. We have just come from Cana where our Lord performed a spectacular miracle.” Then he turned to Jesus and gesturing toward the water said, “Here Master, do it again.”
Jesus laughed at Peter’s impropriety. “Simon!” rejoined Joanna, “Do not embarrass him. He is not a performer of tricks.”
“It was not a trick, Joanna.” And then to Jesus, “See Lord, show her. Show her now.” He looked at Jesus, his eyes gleaming with expectancy.
The others also gave appearance as though expecting Jesus to repeat his act at the wedding.
Instead, he turned to the dining table and sat down. “Indeed I am thirsty Peter. I wouldn’t want to ruin that good spring water which Joanna has so kindly brought to us. Please my friend, sit down and refresh yourself.” Nonplussed, Peter sat while Joanna, Mary and the other women served. The water was cool and good. Peter, feeling a bit foolish spoke to Jesus privately, “Master why would you not perform a miracle here in my own house?”
Jesus answered evenly, “It should be obvious to you that these things are not done for their entertainment value. They are done to fulfill a need and to give glory to the Father.”
“But the wedding?” responded Peter, “There you gave us no teaching of the Father. What you did there was amazing. People will speak of it everywhere . . .”
“You saw that as a performance?” Jesus did not like Peter’s inferences.
“Well, yes, sort of.”
“Then you have missed the point by a Roman mile.”
“What is the point, Lord? Instruct me, please.” The others had stopped conversation. All were listening to the dialogue between the two men. Peter was pressing Jesus, forcing him to explain, demanding to be justified.
Jesus took another sip of water from his cup. His eyes looked off into space, seeing no one, seeing nothing. He spoke softly, as if to himself, “I thought this part of it was over.” Nothing else.
“I am sorry, Lord.” It was Peter again. “I do not understand. You thought what was over?”
“When first we met you and John plied me with questions about my experience with the evil one on the mountain. Do you not remember what I said? Do you not remember that Satan wished me to do exactly the kind of thing you desire of me?” Peter’s mouth was suddenly dry. He reached for his own cup. “I expect more of you Peter. Do not disappoint the confidence I have in you. I need you to be with me, support me.” His gaze fixed Peter, “Do not ask this thing again of me.”
Peter placed his cup on the table. “As you say, my Lord.”
“You call me ‘Lord.’ Is this a mere word to you my friend?”
“No, Lord.” Peter was now genuinely repentant.
“Then have a drink. Lighten up,” Jesus smiled. Peter laughed, a little more than embarrassed and reached for his cup.
“Yes” said Peter loudly, holding the cup above his head, “To good spring water!” and took a sip. His eyes widened in shock. It was the best wine he had ever tasted.
