It took me about 15 minutes to read this introduction to John's Gospel. As I read the beginning of chapter 2 I tried to visualize how long the narative would take to complete. There are a few unknows that John doesn't tell us:
How many servants were at Jesus' disposal?
How big were the jars they used to fill the water pots?
How far of a walk was the nearest well?
How long would it take to fill each jar at the well?
With six servants, carrying 5 gallon jars, that might be 1/2 a mile away, where it would take 5 minutes to fill each water jar, how long would it take for six servants to fill six 25 gallon water pots when each servant is walking at 3 mph? I calculate that it would take 2 hours and 10 minutes. This was not nearly as quick as a quick reading would imply. It also means that the servants trusted Jesus explicitly. Then after 2 hours of walking one of the servants drew a pitcher full of "water" from one of the jars. I wonder when he noticed the color and smell were not that of water? I wonder if God waited until all the jugs were full to make the transformation? I wonder what the servants talked about as they passed each other to and from the well? I wonder what expression was on the face of the servant who drew the "water" to take it to the banquet master? I wonder how long it took the servants to tell John what had happened?
Isn't God amazing?
Stuart
Sunday, November 9, 2008
John 1-3
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