John 2:1-11 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: (2) And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. (3) And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. (4) Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. (5) His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. (6) And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. (7) Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. (8) And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. (9) When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, (10) And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. (11) This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
Introduction: In these few verses Christ, by his actions, commends marriage, celebration, and the rightful use of wine in addition to demonstrating the power of God in his first miracle.
Verse 1: And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
The third day: either from his discourse with Nathaniel (John 1:43) or of the marriage feast.
Jewish wedding feasts lasted seven to eight days.
Two Canas, therefore the mention of Galilee, about 6 mi. from Nazareth.
Verse 2: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
Andrew, and the other disciple, that followed Jesus, and Simon Peter, and Philip, and Nathanael
Verse 3: And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
The wine either had run out or was running out.
Embarrassment to the host
An additional six people did not make things any better.
Mary had as yet seen no miracles, so why did she put Jesus on the spot?
Verse 4: Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
Use of woman vs. mother — not a disrespectful address
“Woman, what have I to do with thee?” — What is that between us? It is not our responsibility to provide the food and wine.
“mine hour is not yet come.” — to perform miracles
Verse 6: And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
Waterpots of stone. Many fragments of clay pots existed into recent history; none of stone.
Stone pots were used for purification because they were less susceptible to contamination
1 firkin = 8.5 to 9 gal. These pots would hold about 20 gal + or -.
Verses 7-9: No actions of Jesus are recorded. The liquid went in as water and came out as wine.
This miracle was done by the will of God alone. Jesus willed it and it happened.
Verse 10: And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
This description proves the wine was wine and not grape juice.
Good wine is always served first. Once the taste buds have had sufficient alcohol to become somewhat dulled, the lesser quality wine is served and most will not know the difference.
This wine was so good that it was immediately noticeable.
“well drunk” ≠ to being drunk, but to having imbibed enough to have destroyed “the keenness of their taste” (Barnes).
“worse” = inferior
“good wine” refers to quality, not to alcoholic content.
Verse 11: This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
This is Jesus’ first miracle. Fantastic stories (such as found in the Gospel of Thomas) of childhood miracles are complete fabrications and insulting to the dignity of the Savior.
Only God could have performed this miracle.
The disciples faith was cemented and confirmed.
Conclusion:
Jesus was sociable.
Jesus approved of marriage, finding it honorable.
Jesus was not an ascetic, but approved of the festivities of the wedding.
Jesus was gracious in performing this miracle.
The turning of water into wine was a “sign” that Jesus was truly the Messiah, the Son of God.
NEXT SUNDAY: Some thoughts on marriage and some things you can do to foster a long and happy marriage.
Sunday 11/14: Some thoughts on the use on non-use of alcohol.
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