John included seven attesting miracles – 7 signs – that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God; so that readers of his gospel would believe in Jesus and believing, would have eternal life!
Weddings are almost always joyous, gleeful, celebratory events! This was true in Jesus’ day as well.
But imagine going to an elaborate, expensive wedding only to get to the reception and find there is nothing to eat or drink. Maybe you did this on purpose at your wedding (or know someone who did), but for those who did not intentionally do so, this would cause great embarrassment. This also was true in the days of Jesus’ earthly life.
John, chapter 2, opens with Jesus, his mother, and his disciples at a wedding in Cana. The problem develops when they run out of wine at the party (or their equivalent). Several conversations ensue, providing the opportunity and occurrence for Jesus’ first attesting miracle – a sign of who He really is: the Messiah, the Son of God.
The first conversation was between Mary and Jesus.
When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother told Him, “They don’t have any wine.” “What has this concern of yours to do with Me, woman?” Jesus asked. “My hour has not yet come.” (John 2:3-4)
Mary’s remark was simple: “They don’t have any wine.” But why did she say it, and why to Jesus? What was her expectation?
Remember, this is Mary. Remember the angel who visited her; the shepherds and wise men; the angel who led them to Egypt and told them when it was safe to return; and Jesus at age twelve in the temple. Now, she observes these men following Him and referring to Jesus as, “…the One Moses wrote about…” (John 1:45).
Did she expect a miracle?
Probably not.
The Bible does not tell us much at all about Jesus’ first 30 years of life. So I want to presume for a moment. Jesus must have been a good son; an obedient child; a respectful young adult. Likely, Mary had early on developed a trust in Jesus as one she could depend on to take care of problems, to be even keeled and respond appropriately. To Mary, Jesus was dependable and trustworthy.
I believe it is these years of experience which prompted her remark. Mary does not expect a miracle (there is no Biblical evidence that Jesus performed any miracles until He began His earthly ministry). Mary does expect Jesus to help take care of the problem – to help solve it somehow, just like He always seemed to do at home.
[Some interpreters think Jesus and His disciples were a late addition to the guests list (see John 2:2). So perhaps Mary is blaming Jesus and His guys for there not being enough wine for everyone. Therefore, her remark is more like: “This is your fault. Do something!” I do not find this a satisfactory explanation of Mary’s remark.]
Jesus’ response to Mary’s request is not disrespectful. Addressing her as “woman” is a polite address and the way He addressed her from the cross and later at the empty tomb (see John 19:26; 20:15).
Jesus answered Mary, “My hour has not come.” What does this mean?
It can not mean that it was not yet time for Him to do miracles, because He does one in the next few verses. Jesus’ statement has a three-fold meaning.
1. Changing of a Relationship – Jesus gently begins the process of changing His relationship with His mother. He is officially beginning “My Father’s business.” He is no longer just her son, working at home in the family business. He now is stepping out onto the world stage, to minister and demonstrate who He really is – the Messiah, the Son of God!
2. Pointing to the Hour to Come – If Jesus was to be about His Father’s business, then His hour would come soon. The hour of total submission in Gethsemane; and the hour of total sacrifice on the cross faced Jesus across a short span of time.
3. Acknowledging God’ Timetable – His hour would come at the time appointed by God, not before. In his gospel, John uses this concept of “My hour” repeatedly. Jesus lived on a heavenly timetable, marked out for Him by the Father (see John 7:30; 8:20; 12:23; 13:1; 17:1; and note also the words of Jesus recorded in John 11:9-10).
Jesus’ response to Mary was a reminder of His purpose and destiny.
Despite His response, Mary is not deterred. She just turns to nearby servants and says: “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5). Mary did not understand the full implication of what Jesus had said. Yet, still based on that motherly trust, she told the servants to obey Him. Oh, if only we would live by her command! The servants did.
“Fill the jars with water,” Jesus told them. So they filled them to the brim. Then He said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the chief servant.” And they did. (John 2:7-8)
Notice, this first attesting sign was a semi-private miracle. No hocus-pocus; no special incantation; in fact, nothing out of the ordinary at all. Just filling empty jugs with water! The crowd did not notice for there was no public display or announcement.
Even the headwaiter (chief servant) did not know that a miracle had occurred (see John 2:9). Only Jesus, His mother, the disciples and the servants who filled the jugs knew what had happened.
Why? Because His hour had not yet come.
The headwaiter is obviously amazed and overwhelmed at the generosity of the bridegroom, and commends him for his unusual act. What had the bridegroom done?
Usually, the good wine was served first and once people were not as concerned, later in the celebration, the lesser wine was put out. But in this situation, the headwaiter commends the bridegroom for doing the opposite. “But you have kept the fine wine until now” (John 2:10).
Did the bridegroom do this? Did he deserve the headwaiter’s praise?
Of course the answer is no. The bridegroom was not aware the miracle had occurred. He had no idea the wine he had prepared had run out. He likely is a little taken aback, surprised by the headwaiter’s remark!
Quietly, unnoticed, without speaking a word Jesus had turned water into wine. And because of who Jesus is, the wine could be nothing but the best! Someone rightly has said:
“The water saw its Master, and blushed!”
Think about the remarkable circumstances God chose for Jesus to perform His first attesting miracle.
It was a simple miracle.
Seemingly, it was a relatively unimportant wedding.
Certainly, years later no one cared nor remembered.
It was of little value and totally insignificant.
You would think God could have done better. Why not something big? Why not something important? Why not something with eternal consequences? Why not…Why not…Why not?
Read John 2:11: Jesus performed this first sign in Cana of Galilee. He displayed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.
According to this verse, this first “little” miracle actually accomplished two very important things:
(1) Jesus displayed His glory; at least to those who were aware of His actions.
(2) His disciples believed in Him.
God’s glory and man’s faith are both displayed in this simple miracle event. And something else, just as important, also is clear.
Surely you have some “big” issues in your life that it would be nice for God to take care of miraculously. You might even have a list of such issues.
But let me ask you a question: What if you could trust God to not only take care of the BIG things, but to take care of the small and simple details of your life as well? That would be wonderful!
What would such trust in His provision give you? Hope. Joy. Peace. Assurance.
The Water to Wine miracle, as well as many other verses, prove that God is interested in providing every little thing you need each day. And providing not just the necessities, but also those things so you can enjoy the special moments of life.
Jesus not only turned water into wine – that was almost insignificant in itself – He demonstrated His concern and compassion for the mundane, routine, simple things in your life. He cares intimately for you and is willing and able to provide you with “little” miracles, as well as the rare big ones that you need!
Jesus cares for you and every detail on your life!
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