The Wedding at Cana
Wedding, problem, miracle.
Jesus’s first recorded miracle.
Why turn water into wine?
The Wedding
Weddings are significant - symbolizing our relationship with Jesus. Covenant, union, joy.
God and Israel (Isaiah 54:4-5)
Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:25-30)
Final celebration of salvation (Revelation 19:7-9)
The Crisis
Not just inconvenient - shameful. Not prepared. Shameful to the guests. Could even lead to being sued.
We cannot sustain our own joy. We run out. We need Jesus to fill us with His joy.
Jesus hour
Not disrespecting His mother. Woman was a term of respect - like ma’am. Jesus would not break the 5th commandment.
His hour always points to His crucifixion.
He acts even though He is only giving a preview of His true mission.
Purification
Ceremonial washing was taken very seriously. Stone jars symbolize the old, rigid system.
Jesus transforms what is in the jars. The jars are the symbol, but Jesus fills it with substance.
Water purification pales in comparison to the cleansing love and forgiveness of Jesus.
Water into wine → law into grace → symbol into sacrifice.
Not everyone understood what happened, but Jesus’s disciples did and they believed in Him. God revealed His glory to those who were hungry for it. Faith comes from God - not just from seeing and knowing.