The first recorded miracle of Jesus’ earthly ministry occurred in Cana of Galilee. Sometimes the place of the miracle is overlooked and not considered when John chapter two is examined. John 2:1 says, “On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.” In the Hebrew language the word “Cana” can be translated as “place of reeds.”

When one examines the origins of Moses, the imagery and supposed link to Christ becomes clearer. Exodus 2:5 tells the Bible student where Moses was found. “Then the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river. And her maidens walked along the riverside; and when she saw the ark among the reeds, she sent her maid to get it.”

Moses was found “among the reeds,” and Christ started His ministry in the “place of reeds.” Thus, the two greatest law bestowers among God’s people started in the same place—among the reeds. Moses was the one who revealed the Old Testament law, and Christ was the One who fulfilled that law (Matthew 5:17) and established a new covenant (Hebrews 1:1-3).

Nevertheless, Moses understood that Christ would be the greatest law giver of the two, and he knew that Jesus was the one who need to be obeyed in all things. Acts 3:22-23 says, “For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever he says to you. And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’” Those still laboring under the Old Testament Law are misguided in not obeying and acknowledging the very one that Moses pointed towards—Jesus Christ.

During His ministry, Jesus is described as one who would not bruise a reed or extinguish smoldering flax. Matthew 12:14-21 reads, “Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him. But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all. Yet He warned them not to make Him known, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased! I will put my spirit upon him, and he will declare justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel nor cry out, nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets. A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench, till he sends forth justice to victory; and in His name Gentiles will trust.” The last portion of this passage is a quote from Isaiah chapter forty-two.

This passage is exegeted in different ways, but it seems to have reference to the humanity of Christ acting compassionately among those who are “bruised” with the cruelties of life. Christ, our High Priest, knows what humankind faces and the difficult circumstances of life. Hebrews 4:15 teaches, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

Similarly, the smoking flax might have reference to those who are struggling with their faith. That is, He will not quench the remaining ember in their struggle. At various times, the people of God have struggled with problems that seemed insurmountable. Elijah ran away because he feared the threat posed by Jezebel (I Kings 19:1-4). Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles, doubted the resurrection of Jesus until he witnessed Christ in the flesh (John 20:24-29).

In each case, God sought to strengthen them in their time of uncertainty.

Furthermore, Jesus was given a reed at His crucifixion. Matthew 27:29-30 records, “When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.” This reed served as a mockery of Christ. The true King of the universe was given an object symbolic of a scepter that royalty might carry as an official authority or ruler in a kingdom. Their cruelty with the reed culminated with a blow to the head in disdain of His true nature.

Finally, a reed with vinegar was given to Him at the cross. Matthew 27:48 says, “Immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink.” This reed with a sponge dipped in vinegar was offered in derision too. Luke 23:36-37 says, “The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, and saying, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself." Even an act that seemed like compassion was offered in scorn to the dying, sinless King.

The greatest Law Giver was Christ and His death was the purchase price of our souls. The sinless King was willing to be mocked and ridiculed for the completion of God’s plan of redemption. How great a symbol does a simple reed represent to the children of God.