Thematic Selections from the Bible

The miracle of Jesus turning water into wine was the first miracle that Jesus performed. It was also mentioned that this was, in fact, not meant to be the first miracle. This was evident when Jesus said to Mary, “Dear woman, why do you involve me? My time has not yet come.” From the way Mary mentioned the lack of wine to Jesus, it seemed that she had helped out in the festival and believed in Jesus’ ability to do something. In the past, for a host to run out of wine was not only rude, but also disrespectful behavior towards his guests. The host would have been humiliated if the wine had run out, and it seemed like it was Mary’s responsibility to ensure that this did not happen.

What Jesus did next sounds like a trick pulled out of a party hat. He got people to fill up stone jars with gallons of water, and turned this water into wine. Now, it was custom for people to bring out the best wine first, and when people were drunk and their senses were less sharp, they would serve the cheap wine. However, when the master of the house tasted the wine, he declared that it was the best wine served that night. There is a symbolism behind the wine steward's saying one "usually serves the best wine first, but you have saved the best wine for last". Jesus was saved for last, the people were given the prophets and teachers first but the best teacher, Jesus, was saved for last.

John 2:1-11

1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

2 and Jesus also was bidden, and his disciples, to the marriage.

3 And when the wine failed, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.

4 And 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 Now there were six waterpots of stone set there after the Jews' manner of purifying, 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 ruler of the feast. And they bare it.

9 And when the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and knew not whence it was (but the servants that had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast calleth the bridegroom,

10 and saith unto him, Every man setteth on first the good wine; and when have drunk freely, that which is worse: thou hast kept the good wine until now.

11 This beginning of his signs did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed on him.