The Best Is Yet to Come: Jesus, the Better Covenant

As we prepare our hearts for the Passion Week of Christ, it is essential to reflect on how Jesus Himself prepared His disciples for the hour of His suffering, death, and resurrection. One of the most powerful moments in His early ministry was the miracle at Cana, where He turned water into wine. This moment was more than a demonstration of power—it was a sign pointing to something far greater.

In John 2, we find Jesus attending a wedding in Cana of Galilee. His mother, Mary, notices that the wine has run out—a significant issue in a culture where hospitality was paramount. She brings this problem to Jesus, and His response is striking: “What does this have to do with you and me, woman? My hour has not yet come.” (John 2:4).

While this might seem like a dismissive response, Jesus was indicating something profound. His miracles were never random displays of power; they were purposeful signs pointing to His identity as the Messiah and the fulfillment of God’s promises. His “hour” referred to the ultimate revelation of His glory—His death and resurrection, which would bring about a new and better covenant.

Despite Jesus’ words, Mary instructs the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2:5). This statement is profound for us today. Obedience to Christ is the pathway to experiencing His transforming power. Jesus tells the servants to fill six stone jars with water—jars used for Jewish purification rituals. Then, in an extraordinary act, He turns that water into the finest wine, leaving the head waiter astonished.

This miracle is more than a display of divine power; it is a sign of something greater. The water in the purification jars represented the old covenant—the law, which could only cleanse externally. The wine represents the new covenant in Christ, which purifies the heart and brings abundant joy. The best was saved for last, just as Jesus came to fulfill and surpass the old covenant, offering something far greater.

The contrast between the water and the wine reveals the difference between religion and relationship. The law made people aware of sin but could not remove it permanently. Jesus, through His death and resurrection, brought a covenant that offers full forgiveness and eternal life. Hebrews 7:22 declares, “Jesus has also become the guarantee of a better covenant.” Just as the finest wine was saved for last, God’s ultimate plan of redemption was revealed in Christ.

This miracle invites us to reflect: Have we tasted the new wine of Christ? Have we moved beyond religion into a relationship with Jesus? Have we stopped striving for perfection under the law and embraced the grace He freely offers?

As we approach Passion Week, this miracle challenges us to prepare our hearts in three ways:

1. Confess Our Need for a Savior – Just as the wedding ran out of wine, we all face a personal insufficiency. We cannot save ourselves. Recognizing our need for Jesus is the first step to receiving His grace.
   
   
2. Turn from Anything Keeping Us from Him – Whether it is self-righteousness, sin, or fear, we must repent and fully trust Christ. He is better than anything we try to hold onto.
   
   
3. Believe in Him Fully – The disciples saw this miracle and believed. We are called to do the same—to place our faith in Jesus, not just as a teacher or miracle worker, but as the Messiah, the Savior of the world.

The hour of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice has come and gone, but its impact remains. He has revealed His glory. The question is, how will we respond? Let us step into the abundant joy of knowing Christ, leaving behind mere religion and embracing the fullness of life He offers. The best is truly yet to come.

This blog is based on a message preached by Lead Pastor Dr. Brian Stone as part of the His Hour series on Sunday, March 16. You can watch the full message here.