The Wedding at Cana: A Lesson in Faith and Obedience
How Mary's Example of Trust and Jesus' First Miracle Teach Us to Embrace God's Timing
The Wedding Feast at Cana.
1 On the third day, there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee. The mother of Jesus was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited. 3 When the wine was exhausted, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 Jesus responded, “Woman, what concern is this to us? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
6 Now standing nearby there were six stone water jars, of the type used for Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. 7 Jesus instructed the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When they had filled them to the brim, 8 he ordered them, “Now draw some out and take it to the chief steward,” and they did so.
9 When the chief steward tasted the water that had become wine, he did not know where it came from, although the servants who had drawn the water knew. The chief steward called over the bridegroom 10 and said, “Everyone serves the choice wine first, and then an inferior vintage when the guests have been drinking for a while. However, you have saved the best wine until now.”
11 Jesus performed this, the first of his signs, at Cana in Galilee, thereby revealing his glory, and his disciples believed in him. 12 After this, he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brethren, and his disciples, and they remained there for a few days.
Jesus Casts the Merchants Out of the Temple.
13 When the time of the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, as well as money changers seated at their tables. 15 Making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, including the sheep and the cattle. He also overturned the tables of the money changers, scattering their coins, 16 and to those who were selling the doves he ordered, “Take them out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” 17 His disciples recalled the words of Scripture, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”
18 The Jews then challenged him, “What sign can you show us to justify your doing this?” 19 Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews responded, “This temple has taken forty-six years to build, and you are going to raise it up in three days!” 21 But the temple he was talking about was the temple of his body. 22 After he had risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.
Jesus in Jerusalem.
23While Jesus was in Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, many people saw the signs he was performing and came to believe in his name. 24 However, Jesus would not entrust himself to them because he fully understood them all. 25 He did not need evidence from others about man, for he clearly understood men.
Commentary on John 2
Jesus Turns Water into Wine (John 2:1–12)
In John 2, we see Jesus perform His first public miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. This miracle is significant not just because it marks the beginning of His public ministry, but also because of what it reveals about His character and mission.
Verses 1-2:
"On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples."
The setting is a wedding feast, a joyful and communal celebration. The presence of Jesus and His disciples at this event highlights the importance of community and the value Jesus places on relationships and social gatherings.
Verses 3-5:
"When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, 'They have no wine.' And Jesus said to her, 'Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.' His mother said to the servants, 'Do whatever he tells you.'"
Mary’s request shows her faith in Jesus’ ability to solve the problem. Jesus’ response, while seemingly abrupt, indicates a deeper divine timing and purpose behind His actions. Mary’s instruction to the servants to follow Jesus’ directions reflects her unwavering trust in Him.
Verses 6-10:
"Now there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, 'Fill the jars with water.' And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, 'Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.' So they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, '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.'"
The miracle itself is extraordinary. Jesus transforms ordinary water into wine, and not just any wine, but the best wine. This act signifies the abundance and quality of the new covenant He brings. The use of stone jars meant for purification underlines a transformation from old Jewish purification rituals to the new, transformative power of Jesus’ ministry.
Verse 11:
"This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him."
This miracle, referred to as a “sign,” reveals Jesus’ glory and leads to faith among His disciples. It sets the stage for His ministry, emphasizing His divine authority and the transformative power.
How to Apply John 1 to Your Life
1. Trust in Jesus’ Timing
Reflection: Jesus' response to Mary when she informed Him about the wine shortage “My hour has not yet come”—indicates the importance of divine timing. Sometimes, we may feel the urgency of our needs, but God’s timing is perfect.
Application: In your life, especially in moments of stress or urgency, trust that God’s timing is perfect. Whether it's in your family life, your work, or your personal goals, maintain faith that God will act at the right time. Pray for patience and discernment to align your actions with His timing.
2. Obedience and Faith
Reflection: Mary’s instruction to the servants—“Do whatever he tells you”—is a call to obedience and faith in Jesus, even when the outcome is uncertain or the instructions seem unconventional.
Application: Apply this by being open to God’s guidance in your daily life. When you feel prompted to take a certain action or make a decision that aligns with your values and faith, do so with trust. This can manifest in how you interact with your family, how you approach your work, or how you pursue personal growth.
3. Jesus Cares About Everyday Needs
Reflection: The miracle of turning water into wine shows that Jesus cares about our everyday lives and needs. This act wasn’t about a grand theological statement but about helping a family avoid embarrassment at a wedding.
Application: Recognize that God is concerned with all aspects of your life, big and small. Bring your everyday concerns and needs to Him in prayer. Whether it's balancing your responsibilities at work, managing family dynamics, or pursuing your personal projects, remember that God is interested in and cares about these details.
4. The Importance of Joy and Celebration
Reflection: Jesus' first miracle occurred at a wedding feast, a time of joy and celebration. This highlights the importance of joy and the goodness of celebrating life’s blessings.
Application: Ensure that you make time for joy and celebration in your life. Celebrate milestones and achievements with your family and friends. Create joyful memories with Lisa, Brianna, and Nathan, and cherish these moments as gifts from God.
5. Transformation
Reflection: Jesus transformed water into wine, symbolizing the transformative power He brings into our lives. Just as He transformed the water, He can transform our situations, our hearts, and our lives.
Application: Reflect on areas in your life where you desire transformation. Invite Jesus into these areas and trust in His power to bring change. This could be in developing new habits, overcoming challenges, or growing spiritually. Embrace the belief that through Jesus, you can be transformed into the best version of yourself, aligning with your vision of being a faithful servant and a loving husband and father.
Arthur’s Notes
When we read this chapter, there appears to be a gap between the moment Mary tells Jesus there is no wine and when Jesus instructs the servants to fill the jars with water. Here’s my interpretation of what happened in that gap:
Mary approached Jesus and informed Him that they had run out of wine. Jesus responded that His time had not yet come. I imagine that Mary, being His mother, gave Him a look—a look we all recognize as the one that says, "Oh no, I’m in trouble." I can picture Mary saying something like, "You might be God, but I’m your mother." While this is a lighthearted take, it highlights Mary's influence and significance in the Catholic faith.
Mary's importance is not just about her influence, but her obedience. When God told her she would conceive a child, she said yes, despite not fully understanding what was happening. This unwavering faith and obedience are what make Mary so vital in our faith.
There are times in our lives when we don’t understand what’s happening, but we know that God is behind it. In those moments, we need to have faith and say yes, trusting that God is in control and working for our good.