John 2:1-11: Jesus’ Glory Demonstrated

Several years ago The New Yorker magazine ran an article about faith by Adam Gopnik who arrogantly opined: “We know … that in the billions of years of the universe’s existence, there is no evidence of a single miraculous intervention with the laws of nature.”

The Gospel writer, John, would disagree with Gopnik. He was an eyewitness to Jesus’ miracles including the very first one of His ministry where He turned the water into wine.

The narrative relates Mary, Jesus’ mother, was invited to a wedding feast. Also Jesus and His disciples were invited. In the course of the celebration the host ran out of wine. Although making no demands, Mary informed Jesus of that fact. Then asked the servants “To do whatever He says to you.”

Jesus then instructed the servants to fill six water pots which held 20-30 gallons each, with water. Then He said, “Draw some out and take it to the master.”

Upon tasting the water now turned into wine, the master exclaimed, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.”

John then noted, “This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.”

Here are a few lessons to consider.

#1 Jesus took time to enjoy himself.

In Bible times a wedding feast with a notable social event that could last for a week. It was joyous occasion that might include an entire village. And, of course, there was a need for plenty of food and wine for the guests.

Jesus was not a recluse or “stick in the mud.” Even with his limited time for ministry and the many people who needed to hear “The Good News,” Jesus attended a party and enjoyed the festivities.

Some folks have incorrectly pictured Jesus as a stern, finger-pointing, frowning person, who was aloof and opposed to having fun. The Scriptures reveal a total opposite description. Jesus enjoyed life. He went to parties. Ate with publicans and sinners. Mixed and mingled with the common folks, who gladly heard Him (Mk. 12:37).

We might learn a lesson from Jesus. You can’t be the “light of the world” and the “salt of the earth,” if you only hang out with other Christians. The command “be not conformed to this world,” does not prohibit social association with unbelievers. We may find opportunities to influence others through our clubs, hobbies, recreational interests, and yes, at a wedding.

#2 Jesus didn’t make the miracle all about Him.

While many of Jesus’ miracles were obvious and created public awareness, this one was done behind the scenes. Few were aware of Jesus’ turning the water into wine. Possibly he didn’t want to embarrass the host who ran out of wine. Or maybe He didn’t want to turn the attention to Him instead of the celebration of the newlyweds. Regardless, Jesus didn’t promote his miraculous prowess.

Maybe some of us preachers (as well as other Christians) could learn a lesson from this. We don’t always need to be in the forefront on every occasion. Furthermore, sometimes it’s better to do a good deed without calling attention it, especially if means causing embarrassment to someone else.

#3 Jesus’ miracle does not endorse or justify drinking alcoholic beverages.

Wine, a common drink of that day, was not like our beverages today. Their wine was nothing like beer, bourbon, brandy, vodka, whiskey, or tequila that folks drink today. Typically, it was more like our grape juice. The juice was usually mixed two parts of wine to three parts of water.

Of course, the wine could ferment and people could abuse it and become drunk. To do so, was a disgrace. The Bible warns against the abuse of strong drink and the sin of drunkenness.

#4 Jesus’ miracle served as a sign to His Deity.

John records this was His first miracle. There were many more. In fact, John concluded his book saying, “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (20:30-31).

Jesus’ miracles, unlike modern day fake healers and pseudo miracle workers was not to put on a show, draw large crowds, or as a money making scheme. They were to prove His Deity, to demonstrate He was the prophesied Messiah. And incite faith in the hearts of His followers.

This text is rich with many lessons for us to learn. One more, for those getting married, be sure to invite Jesus to the wedding.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman