The Wedding at Cana by Scandinavia

THE AMAZING CARPENTER SERIES 1 more book to come...

A series to bring you up close and personal with the amazing life of Jesus! Experience how the Carpenter healed bodies, minds, and hearts as you take a journey to the very places He went. Meet the people that Jesus touched, and witness His amazing miracles first hand.

SPECIFICATIONS THE AMAZING CARPENTER SERIES: The Wedding at Cana ISBN: 9788771321128 Jairusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Daughter ISBN: 9788771324136 The Feeding of the 5000 ISBN: 9788771324853 Age: 7-11 Size (W x H): 165 x 240 mm Pages: 48 Full color Hardcover Retail price: US $12.99

The Amazing Carpenter Series

WEDDINGat

The

CANA

The Wedding at Cana Copyright 2012 © Scandinavia Publishing House Drejervej 15 3rd floor, DK 2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark Email: info@scanpublishing.dk www.scanpublishing.dk Author: Austin Sailsbury Illustrator: Daniel Fernández Cover design: Svetlana Uscumlic Graphic design: Gao Hanyu ISBN: 9788771321128 Printed in China

The Amazing Carpenter Series

WEDDINGat

The

CANA by

Austin Sailsbury

Illustrations: Daniel Fernรกndez

ong ago in the city of Cana, there lived a little girl named Adi.

Adi had long dark hair and green eyes that her father said were the color of â&#x20AC;&#x153;the sun shining

on the sea.â&#x20AC;? She was a very curious girl who asked a lot of questions. Adi was never afraid to talk to grown-ups. In fact, she talked to everyone in Cana - the shepherds coming in from the fields, the women in the market,

and even old Rabbi Eli. Adi loved to talk and ask questions because she wanted to know all about how the world worked. But the only thing Adi loved more than learning was her family.

rowing up, Adi wanted a sister more than anything in the whole world. She wanted a sister to play with and to be her best friend.

Ben was tall with dark hair and a big smile. He was very smart and always liked to laugh and play jokes on their mother. Ben was helpful, but he often needed reminders to do his chores, like sweeping But Adi didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a sister. She only had her big brother, the stairs and getting water Benjamin, who she called Ben and from the well in the morning. who was ten years older than her.

Adi’s father used to say Ben would “forget his feet if they weren’t attached to his legs.” And their mother would laugh and say, “Poor Benjamin, what girl is ever going to want to marry such a silly young man!”

hen Ben would go to the village market, he would take Adi and her friend Esther along to see the shops. Their favorite game to play at the marketplace was to hide and make funny animal noises and then watch the old ladies trying to find where the sounds were coming from. Ben would make the sound of a donkey, Esther would be an old dog barking, and Adi would be a noisy cat. If they got caught by the old ladies, they would run home laughing and making more animal noises. Even though Ben wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite the same as a sister, Adi loved him very much and was glad she had him for a brother.

ne night, when Adi was seven years old, something very strange happened. Around bedtime there was a knock at the door. It was unusual to have a visitor so late in the evening. Watching from behind the stairs, Adi was filled with a mixture of curiosity and fear as she wondered who it could be. When Adi’s father answered the door, she saw that the visitor was Rabbi Eli…, but what could he want so late at night? Adi’s father shook hands and greeted the rabbi. Both men had serious looks on their faces. Then Adi’s father called for Benjamin. When Ben had joined them, all three stepped outside the house and into the streets of Cana. Adi moved toward the door quickly hoping to follow them to wherever they were going. She was worried about Ben. Was he in some kind of trouble? But Adi’s mother stopped her at the door. “Where do you think you’re going?” she asked. “But, Mother, what’s going on? What’s happening to Ben?” Her mother gave her no answers and sent her straight to bed. That night Adi stayed awake as long as she could, hoping to talk to Ben when he returned home. But she could not stay awake long enough and fell into a troubled sleep as she worried about her brother and what would happen when she awoke in the morning.

arly the next morning, Adi rushed from her room to see what had happened. Her parents were in the kitchen talking to Ben. They looked like they were having a serious conversation.

“What is it? What’s happening to Ben? What’s wrong?” Adi asked her father. “Nothing is wrong, Adi. Everything is wonderful! Your brother is getting married!” Ben smiled and Adi said, “I can’t believe it. That means you’re going to have a wife, and … I’m going to have a sister!” Ben hugged Adi very tightly and said, “Yes, you’re finally going to have that sister you’ve always wanted.” But then Adi pulled away with a sudden sense of worry. “But wait – who is she? Is she nice? Is she pretty?” Adi’s father looked around at his family and said, “I guess you’ll find out tonight when you meet her.”

he next day, Adi’s family went to meet Ben’s future bride. Adi had overheard Ben telling his father that he was nervous about becoming a husband and taking care of a wife. Adi was nervous to know if Ben’s new wife would be her friend and the sister she wanted so much. When they arrived at the house, Adi’s family was greeted by a woman who welcomed them inside. Then a large, serious man appeared who must have been the girl’s father. Adi hid behind her mother as he began to speak. “Shalom, and welcome to our home,” he said. “This is my oldest daughter, Sarah.” The most beautiful girl Adi had ever seen walked into the room. Sarah had brown eyes and a bright smile and long black hair in a braid. Adi wanted to run and hug her, but her mother held her back. Adi’s father gave Ben a little shove, and he stepped toward Sarah and held her hand. As everyone moved toward the dinner table, Sarah let go of Ben’s hand and bent down to speak to Adi. “Hello, Adi. Father

says I am going to marry your brother,” Sarah said with a playful smile. “Do you think I should?” Adi nodded and said, “Yes, I do.” Then Sarah stood up, and still holding Adi’s hand, she said, “Then I think I should too.”

or the next few weeks, both Ben’s family and Sarah’s family were very busy making plans for the wedding. Because the bride’s father would be the “master of the feast,” it was important that every detail was organized perfectly. Any mistakes at the wedding would embarrass Sarah, her family, and especially her father. The wedding and celebration would last for seven whole days – so there was a lot to do and everyone had to help.

Adi’s mother arranged the food, and Adi helped her father invite all the guests. But Ben had the most important job of all. He was in charge of the wine, making sure there was enough wine for all seven days of the wedding celebration. Providing the wine for the wedding was a symbol of how Ben would provide for and take care of his new wife. If the wine ran out at the wedding, it would be a serious insult to Sarah and her family. All of these preparations made Ben more than a little nervous.

Adi asked her father, “Can Esther come to the wedding, Father?” Adi’s father smiled, “Of course Esther can come. Guests will be coming from far and wide, but it wouldn’t be a real party without Esther, would it?” Over the next few weeks, news of the wedding spread excitedly throughout Cana. Everyone was very happy for Ben and Sarah.

ne night at dinner, Adi’s mother told her that her old friend, Mary, was coming to the wedding. “We’ve known each other for a long time,” her mother said. “Mary lives in Nazareth, and she’ll be coming with her son, Jesus – he’s a carpenter.” “A carpenter – that means he makes and fixes things, right?” Adi asked. Her mother nodded.

And then Ben spoke up. “Isn’t Jesus the one who taught in the temple when he was only a little boy? Isn’t he the one they say is even wiser than a rabbi? I heard he was born under a great star!” Ben’s questions surprised Adi. She had never heard of Jesus before, but obviously Ben had. “What do you mean ‘born under a great star,’ and how can a little boy teach in the temple?” she asked with great curiosity.

Their mother answered, “It’s true – there are many stories about Mary and Jesus and his father Joseph. Maybe you can learn more about them when you meet them at the wedding.” Adi had never been so curious about anyone in her life. One thing was for sure - Adi couldn’t wait to meet the mysterious carpenter from Nazareth!

ut then Adi had to wait. She had to wait and wait and wait. Days became weeks, and weeks became months.

While Ben and Sarah waited patiently, taking long walks and talking about their future together, Adi felt like the wedding would never come ... like she might not ever have a sister to live in her house. Adi would ask her mother, “How many days until the wedding?” And her mother would say, “Not too many days.” But to Adi, it felt like forever. It felt like the big day would never come, and she kept waiting and waiting and waiting...

hen after eight long months, the wedding day finally came. Early in the morning, Adi ran through the streets of Cana and told each guest that it was time for the celebration! She told friends, family, and even strangers in the market. She wanted everyone to know that today was the big day! When she went to Sarah’s house, she peeked through the window and saw Sarah’s mother combing her long black hair. Adi saw Sarah’s beautiful wedding dress hanging against the wall, and she saw that Sarah looked very happy. Back at her own house, Adi gave Ben a big hug and many kisses. She was proud of him even though he was such a silly brother.

Then at sunset, there was a loud knock at the door. The rabbi had arrived. The wedding was beginning.

s the sunlight faded on the horizon, Ben and Rabbi Eli walked side by side to Sarah’s house. In front of them were men carrying torches, and in the distance a voice was shouting, “The bridegroom is coming! The bridegroom is coming!”

As he walked toward Sarah’s house, Adi could tell that Ben was nervous. She remembered her father saying Ben was concerned if he could make Sarah happy and if the wedding would be a success. Adi knew Ben was probably also wondering if he had forgotten

anything. She hoped not! But when Sarah came out of her house, Ben’s face changed from looking worried to looking very happy. Ben took Sarah’s small hand, and, together, they walked through Cana to the wedding tent where they would become man and wife.

cried and held Adi’s hand tightly. Even Adi’s father had tears in his eyes though he tried to hide them. Adi didn’t feel like crying – she felt full of excitement. None of the guests spoke until Rabbi Eli said “amen” and shouted “mazel tov!” And then everyone shouted “mazel tov,” which meant that the party could begin!

The wedding ceremony was short and very serious. Adi’s mother

nd what an incredible party it was! People filled the houses, streets, and alleys around the bridal tent with life and activity. There were so many delicious foods to taste: fresh fruits, bread, lamb, exotic teas, and colorful sweets. Adi ate so much that she thought she might pop. And there was always some kind of music playing. Adi felt like the whole world was singing and dancing for Ben and Sarah.

The first few days of the celebration were full of activities. Adi was constantly stuck talking to relatives she had never met before, running errands for her mother, and looking after the little kids who had lost their parents at the party. Whenever she could find a few minutes, she would ask about Jesus. Had anyone seen him? Where was he staying? But her mother constantly called her and needed her help, so Adiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s search would have to wait a little longer.

inally, on the fifth day of the celebration, Adi saw him. Sitting at a long table with several others was the stranger from Nazareth. From the first moment she saw him, Adi could tell that he was not like the other guests at the wedding. She wanted to ask him about “the star,” and if he really taught in the temple when he was a boy. Adi felt that even though she had never seen him before, Jesus was her friend. Adi was very excited as she walked toward the crowded table. She didn’t know exactly what she would say to Jesus,

but she would start by saying hello. Before Adi could open her mouth to say anything to Jesus, though, she felt a strong hand on her shoulder that quickly spun her away from the table.

or an instant, Adi was very afraid ... until she realized it was her mother who had turned her around so abruptly.

Her mother asked, “Have you seen Benjamin? Do you know where he is?” She was clearly very upset. Adi said she didn’t know where Benjamin was, and she began to ask what was wrong, but her mother had already hurried away. Clearly something was very wrong, and Adi was worried that her brother might be in some kind of trouble. So, she secretly followed her mother. When Adi’s mother found Benjamin, they went into an alleyway away from the guests and began to speak with great emotion. They all became even more upset when Adi and Ben’s father arrived. When Adi’s mother began to cry, it became clear that something must be very wrong. Adi stayed hidden and wondered what could be so serious to make mother cry and make father so angry? Was the wedding over ... or even worse, was it somehow ruined? Adi knew that whatever had happened was very bad ... and it was Benjamin’s fault.

di figured out that the trouble was all about the wine at the party. It was running out. It had been Benjamin’s responsibility to order the wine, but he hadn’t ordered enough to last through the final two days of the party. The celebration would have to end early. Adi remembered hearing her parents discuss the embarrassment both families would feel because of such a mistake. Adi’s mother said, “Sarah’s father will be very angry, Benjamin.” Sarah’s father was a strict man and would be

very upset that his daughter’s wedding had been ruined. Ben suggested that they look for more wine in Cana, but his father said, “None of the shops will have enough for so many people for two whole days of celebrating.” Ben sat back onto the ground and looked very upset. His mother continued to cry, and his father looked up at the sky above the alleyway and said, “What can we do? Who can help us fix such a problem as this?” Adi could only think of one person who could help, so she took off running to find him.

di quickly found Esther and told her that they needed to find Jesus of Nazareth, the carpenter. Off they ran, back to where Adi had first seen Jesus. Since they couldn’t find Jesus in the crowd, they approached the woman they thought was his mother, Mary.

The woman looked down and said, “Yes, I am.”

“Are you the mother of Jesus?” Adi asked.

And so Adi told Mary who she was, and she also told her about the wine running out and how

“Of Jesus the carpenter who makes and fixes things with his hands?” “Yes, he is my son. And who are you?”

it would embarrass Ben and Sarah and shame both of their families. She told Jesus’ mother that Sarah’s father would be angry at Ben and that the wedding would be ruined. Most of all, Adi was afraid she might lose her new sister! Then Adi cried and held on to the mother of Jesus. And Esther held on to Adi and cried, because whenever Adi cried Esther cried too. But Jesus’ mother told them not to worry anymore. She had an idea. She knew someone who could fix anything.

esus’ mother called to him, and he came to her. She told him what Adi had said about the wine running out. Jesus asked his mother, “What does this have to do with me?”

But Mary told the servants from the banquet to do whatever Jesus told them to do. Adi watched Jesus closely, but she could not have imagined what was going to happen next. Jesus told the servants to take six stone jars and fill them with water from the well. Each jar was very large, and the servants filled them all the way to the top so that they were very heavy. Then they brought the jars of water back to where Jesus was. He told them to dip a cup into the jar and fill it. When the servants brought the cup out of the jar, the water had turned red. It was no longer water – it was wine! All who saw this happen were amazed – especially Adi! How could it be? Surely this was a miracle! Quickly, the servants took the new wine to Sarah’s father. Only the master of the feast could decide if the wedding celebration would continue.

hen the servants reached Sarah’s father, the music and dancing stopped, the guests became quiet, and everyone waited to see if the master of the feast would approve of the new wine.

first and the poor wine later, but you have kept the good wine until the end.” He gave Ben a big hug, turned to the other guests and shouted, “Mazel tov!”

Everyone shouted “mazel tov” back, the music started again, and people began dancing and Sarah’s father took the cup, singing again. The celebration looked at the color of the wine, continued – better than ever then closed his eyes and tasted before – with plenty of wine and it slowly. Everyone was silent. Then, after a few seconds (that felt plenty of happy guests. Ben and Adi’s mother and father sat down like a lifetime to Adi), he smiled greatly relieved. The wedding and took another long drink. celebration had been saved! He called out to Ben, “My son, everyone serves the good wine

t didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take long for the story about the water and wine to spread. All who saw it happen were eager to share the story with other guests. Those who had not seen it were curious to meet this amazing carpenter themselves. Adi wanted to thank Jesus for what he had done for Ben and

Sarah. She wanted to hug him and tell him that he had saved the wedding from disaster. But when she returned to where he had been, she did not find Jesus or Mary. They had gone away. Adi did not know why Jesus left the celebration so soon, but she knew she would never forget how he had done the impossible by turning water into wine.

hen the wedding ended, Sarah came to live at Adiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house. Ben and Adiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father had built an extra room onto the back of the house for them. The newlyweds ate all their meals with Adi and their parents, and they always spent their Sabbath days together. Sarah helped Adi

with chores, and they often went to the market together. Sarah taught Adi how to braid her hair, and Adi taught Sarah how to play the best tricks on Ben. Adi finally had the sister she had always wanted ... and Sarah was a very good sister.

lthough Adi never saw Jesus or Mary or their companions ever again, she heard many stories about them - how they traveled everywhere talking about love, how Jesus healed sick people and made the blind see, how he fed thousands with only a few fish, and how he even raised people from the dead! It’s true that Jesus went on to do many other great miracles, but Adi always thought it was very special that his very first miracle happened in her town at her brother’s wedding and at a time when it seemed like all hope was lost. Who would have thought that a carpenter from Nazareth could change water into wine? Or that he would save a wedding from

disaster? Then again, that’s what a carpenter does – a carpenter fixes things and makes them like new. And after all, Jesus was more than just a carpenter... He was the Amazing Carpenter!

Jesus at a Wedding in Cana John 2:1-12

Three days later Mary, the mother of Jesus, was at a wedding feast in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited and were there. When the wine was all gone, Mary said to Jesus, “They don’t have any more wine.” Jesus replied, “Mother, my time hasn’t yet come: You must not tell me what to do.” Mary then said to the servants, “Do whatever Jesus tells you to do.” At the feast there were six stone water jars that were used by the people for washing themselves in the way that their religion said they must. Each jar held about twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants to fill them to the top with water. Then after the jars had been filled, he said, “Now take some water and give it to the man in charge of the feast.”

The servants did as Jesus told them, and the man in charge drank some of the water that had now turned into wine. He did not know where the wine had come from, but the servants did. He called the bridegroom over and said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The best wine is always served first. Then after the guests have had plenty, the other wine is served. But you have kept the best until last!â&#x20AC;? This was Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first miracle, and he did it in the village of Cana in Galilee. There Jesus showed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him. After this, he went with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples to the town of Capernaum, where they stayed for a few days.