Two houses. Two groups of people in need. Two groups of people providing services. Two revelations of Christ’s glory.
The first time we see Jesus in a house it’s at a wedding, in the house of an unnamed host who is likely a relative of either the bride or groom. The guests are common people—family, friends, neighbors—in need of wine. The host and the servants do their best to provide for the guests, but, whether out of poor preparation or limited resources, they don’t have enough. Christ’s glory is seen in his miraculous provision, as well as his protection of the host’s reputation and everyone’s joy.
The second time we see Jesus in a house it’s at the Temple—the center of Jewish identity, during the most important worship week of the year—which he calls “my Father’s house.” Filing in and out of the Temple are people of every walk of life, every socioeconomic status. Most arrive empty-handed, coming in need of an acceptable animal to sacrifice. So, there were naturally vendors present, which wouldn’t be so wrong except for the Passover price gouging and inflated exchange rate. Christ’s glory is seen in his disruption of a system designed to exploit the poor.
If you are in need, when Christ shows up you can count on him to not only provide but to also deal out justice against oppressive systems.
If you are able to help, when Christ shows up, do you want to be found meeting others’ needs out of generosity or selfish gain?
