Water wine - Jesus miracles

The water wine first miracle Jesus Christ performs during His

ministry is changing water into wine at a marriage feast in Cana

(John 2:1-11). When we compare what Christ and Moses each did

with water, Jesus' miracle shows the contrast between law and

grace. Moses changes water to blood, and Christ changes it into

wine. Earlier, in John 1:17, the apostle John writes, "For the

law was given through Moses, [and] grace and truth came through

Jesus Christ." Moses' turning of water into blood suggests

judgment (Exodus 7:14-17), while Jesus' turning of water into wine

implies health, generosity and joy. In John 3:17, John comments,

"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the

world [what the law does to sinners], but that the world through

Him might be saved [what grace does for those who repent]."

This miracle demonstrates at the earliest possible time that

Christ's ministry would be one of grace and truth, as an

extension and complement of the Law and the Prophets (Matthew

5:17-19). Jesus had come to fulfill God's law, that is, to teach

it and live it as an example of how to apply it to everyday life

(Luke 24:44-45).

1. Why is John's statement that this miracle was the

"beginning of signs" by Christ so important? John 2:11.

Comment: That we are told that the miracle in Cana is

the first Jesus performed discredits the false traditions that

He worked miracles during the thirty years before His public

ministry. It invalidates the miraculous accounts in the

apocryphal gospels, which have been excluded from the Bible

because of their contradictions to Scripture and their

counterfeit nature. All stories about Christ's alleged miracles

done prior to His public ministry are false.

2. Why does Jesus perform His first miracle at a marriage

ceremony? John 2:1.

Comment: Jesus heaps great honor on marriage by using

such an event to manifest His glory. The apostle Paul writes,

"Marriage is honorable among all" (Hebrews 13:4), but society

increasingly scorns marriage, a fact clearly seen in rampant

premarital sex and divorce upon demand. Like Christ's coming, a

wedding is a joyous celebration.

Jesus and at least six of His disciples were invited to

the wedding, suggesting that the wedding couple were concerned

about the character of their guests. As His blessing and

presence are essential to marital happiness, Christ must be

involved in our marriages. However, those who desire His

involvement must invite Him in. Had Jesus not been invited to

this wedding, a serious problem would have marred the marriage

feast. We can learn that couples in whose marriage Christ is

involved have a great advantage in solving problems that arise

later.

3. Why was running out of wine a problem? John 2:3.

Comment: Weddings in the ancient Near East included a

strong legal side, especially regarding providing the

appropriate wedding gift, of which the wedding feast was a part.

When the supply of wine failed at this wedding, more than social

embarrassment was at stake. The bridegroom and his family could

have become financially liable for inadequate wedding

provisions. The seriousness of the lack of wine (symbolizing a

lack of joy) helps us to appreciate the blessing contained in

the miracle Jesus performed (Ecclesiastes 9:7-9).

This situation relates to the common problems couples

experience in marriage, even among God's people. We cannot

always stop problems from developing, but we can overcome them

with the help of Christ who dwells in us and therefore within

our marriages (Romans 8:10).

4. Why does Jesus rebuke His mother for her seemingly

innocent request? John 2:4.

Comment: When Jesus reprimands Mary, calling her "woman"

(gunai) rather than "mother" (meter), He implies that He is not

conforming to her authority but acting under His Heavenly

Father's authority. This statement establishes that Mary, even

as His physical mother, has no authority over Jesus, destroying

any belief that urges us to pray to Mary to intercede for us. On

the two occasions in which Mary is seen intruding in His

ministry—here and in Matthew 12:46-50—Jesus verbally moves her

aside. His rebuke censures her assumption of authority she does

not have. She also seems to lack the humility with which we must

go to God with our requests.

Since the Father had already predetermined Jesus'

agenda, Mary's request is inappropriate because she tries to

determine what He should do. The Father would not have let Mary

change His plan, so He had probably already inspired Christ to

perform this miracle. Obviously, Jesus does not deny Mary a

solution, but He does mildly rebuke her for her attitude toward

Him and His purpose.

5. What does Mary's response demonstrate? John 2:5.

Comment: On behalf of the newlyweds and their families,

Mary prudently goes to Jesus to solve their wine problem,

emphasizing the value of friends and brethren praying for the

marriages of others. The strength of Mary's faith is exhibited

when she orders the servants to follow Jesus' instructions,

confirming her acceptance of what He had said to her in verse 4.

She demonstrates both meekness and faith by expressing a humble

attitude. This is what service to Christ is all about, living in

obedience to His every word.

© 2006 Church of the Great GodPO Box 471846, Charlotte, NC 28247-1846 (803) 802-7075

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