John 2 (The Wedding at Cana), Jesus’ First Miracle
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. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.”
John 2:1-3, ESV
In the second chapter of the Gospel of John, we read about Jesus’ first miracle. During a wedding at Cana of Galilee, Jesus fills six waterpots of water (twenty or thirty gallons each!) into wine when the supply ran out. This miracle was performed at the wedding to help the bride and groom celebrate their special day, making sure the best wine ran into the night, where typically a wedding would turn to “the poor wine” as more wine for the guests was needed.
In this chapter summary, we will discuss the significance of this miracle and what it means for us today.
Now there were six stone water jars there 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.” This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
John 2:6-11, ESV
How would you caption the chapter?
The first miracle of Jesus: turning six stone water jars into wine during a wedding at Cana in Galilee.
What are the contents?
In John chapter two, we see Jesus’ first miracle – turning stone water jars into wine at a wedding celebration at Cana in Galilee. In the latter half of the chapter, Jesus cleanses the temple in Jerusalem of the money-changers and those who sold oxen, sheep, and pigeons. While foretelling his great sacrifice on the cross, Jesus speaks of his body as the new temple to be risen up in three days.
But he was speaking about the temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.
John 2:21-22, ESV
Who are the important figures?
The important figures in this chapter are Jesus, his disciples, and the master of the feast.
Which verse best represents, or stands out, in the chapter?
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
John 2:9, ESV
Any key words you may or may not understand.
The key words in this chapter are “signs” and “glory.” Jesus performed this miracle as a sign of his glory. This is significant because it shows us that Jesus is not only powerful, but he is also good. When we see the signs that Jesus performs, we can have faith that he is who he says he is.
Do you take issue with anything in the chapter?
When Jesus’ mother says to the servants “Do whatever he tells you.” after Jesus said “…what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” and he fills the jars, was she calling his bluff? Did he want to fill the jars for the servants or was this a favor to his mother?
Cross-reference the chapter against others, are there any other passages connecting to this chapter?
The theme of miracles performed by Jesus is present throughout the Gospels. In each of the four Gospels, we see Jesus performing various miracles – from healing the sick to feeding the hungry. These miracles serve as signs of Jesus’ power and goodness. Jesus very specifically speaks of his body as a temple in John chapter two, a temple that would eventually be destroyed and raised again. This is significant because it foreshadows Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.
John 2:19-22, ESV
How is Jesus Christ involved or tied to this chapter?
Jesus is the focus of this chapter. The chapter begins with Jesus attending a wedding in Cana and ends with him speaking about his body being a temple. In between, we see Jesus perform his first miracle – turning water into wine. As displayed in this chapter, when we put our trust in Jesus, he is faithful to help us – even in the little things.
What are the central themes and lessons?
The central themes of this chapter are miracles and faith. Through the miracle of turning water into wine, Jesus shows us his power and goodness. This act also serves as a sign for us to have faith in him. Just as his disciples believed, we must too.
How can you apply what you’ve learned to your own life?
We can apply what we’ve learned in this chapter by having faith in Jesus and we can look to Him as an example of power and goodness. Through his miracles, he shows us that he is capable of anything. And through his act of having the jars filled with good wine, he shows us that he is a generous and caring God. So, whenever we are in need, we can turn to Jesus with the assurance that he will help us.
This doesn’t mean that he will always give us what we want, but it does mean that he will always be there for us. We can also apply the lesson of miracles by looking for signs of God’s power and goodness in our own lives. Jesus is concerned with the details of our lives. He knows when we need help, even before we do, and is willing to go above and beyond to meet our needs.
John 2 shows us this is significant because not only is he the Son of God, but he is also God himself. So, the next time you’re feeling down or need some help, remember to turn to Jesus. And, the next time you see a miracle, take a moment to reflect on how good and powerful our God is.
