The First Sign – John 2:1-12

Maybe it’s because something crazy happened, or because family drama was being played out, or because it was just perfect, weddings remain forever in our memories.  Would it surprise us to know, then, that Jesus performed his first miracle at a wedding?

Now on the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and Jesus’ mother was there.  Jesus and his disciples were also invited.  When the host ran out of wine Jesus’ mother said to him, “They’re out of wine.”  Jesus said to her, “What do we have to do with that, woman, my hour is not yet come.”  His mother said to the servants, “Whatever he says to you, do it.”  Now there were seven stone water jars there for the purpose of cleansing for the Jews there, each containing about ten gallons.  Jesus told them, “Fill the water jars with water.”  And they filled each one of them.  And he said, “Now draw some and take it to the master of the feast,” and they did so.  When the master of the feast tasted the water it had become wine and he did not know where it had come from (but the servants who brought him the water knew) and he called the bridegroom and said, “Everyone puts out the good wine first and then when everyone is drunk the lesser quality wine.  But you have kept the good wine for now.

This was the first sign Jesus did, in Cana of Galilee, and made known his glory.  And his disciples believed in him.  After this, he and his mother and disciples went down to Capernaum and he remained there a few days.  (John 2:1-12)

This is the first of seven miracles John shows us that Jesus did.  The word he uses for “miracle” is semeion, or ‘sign’.  It means a miracle that points to something important.  In this case, it points to Jesus as God’s Messiah.  Of course, only Jesus’ disciples and the servants knew what happened, but as we see, Jesus’ disciples believed in him because of it.

The master of the feast (the head server and master of ceremonies) who praises the host thinks the host was extraordinarily generous.  But it was Jesus.  Jesus says his time has not yet come to go public and call Israel to repentance and be crucified, so he initially resists his mother’s suggestion, but then quietly performs his first miracle (counter to the false gospels that say he did signs and wonders as a child).  Each sign he performs demonstrates his glory (recall John’s opening words, “We have seen his glory”) and it moves his disciples to faith. 

Running out of wine is a picture of running out of resources that would be ours if we were trusting God.  It speaks to spiritual barrenness in our lives that can only be counteracted by Jesus.  But Jesus does not only counteract our spiritual barrenness, doesn’t just bring us back to square one, he overwhelmingly provides.  That is who Jesus is.  He is “full” of grace and truth.  If we are spiritually barren this miracle should serve to stimulate our joy and belief.

Discussion Questions

1. Do you have any wedding experiences that stand out one way or another to you?
2. How did you understand your spiritual barrenness before coming to Christ?
3. What did Christ do to counteract your barrenness?
4. What does Mary’s remarks to Jesus tell you about her understanding of his mission?
5. Why do you think Jesus did this miracle in such a quiet way?
6. What miracles has Jesus done for you and why?

 

For further study:  sermon “Master of the Feast“