Jesus first miracle .. the very first ...
Mary, Jesus and his disciples were all invited to a wedding …
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. John 2:1-2
To the family of a very rich man … for he had stone jars, not common clay ones. Stone jars had to be chiselled out by a stone mason - very labour intensive and costly, and he had 6 of them !
These stone jars contained water … not as may be supposed, for drinking, but for ceremonial use
Now there were set there six water pots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. John 2:3
For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders. When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other things which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and couches.
Jesus - For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.” Mark 7:3-8
The law - the 10 commandments -- had been so added to by tradition and ceremony.
Cleanliness – yes, but so over done and added to, as to become merely ceremonial
It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience — concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation Hebrews 9;9,10
Then - consternation and drama - the wine ran out … what had gone wrong ?
And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.”
What acute embarrassment to a host, and especially to the family of a rich and noble man – it was the ultimate calamity at such a wedding. And the guests knew all about it and undoubtedly mocked their host for allowing such a thing to happen on his families big occasion
Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.”
Jesus was looking ahead to the fulfilment of his earthly mission – to when his blood would be shed - the heavenly 'wine'
His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”
At least his Mother had seen Gods blessing on her son previously and from his inception
Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!”
Now, as any wine maker / grower will know, wine matures as it ages - the very best wine has matured for 10, 20, 30, 40 years or even longer ! Just check the prices at a local wine retailer !
Not only had the water been turned into wine, but it was “superior' – not inferior - it was the “good wine” - the very best
The miracle included making the wine mature – aged. For God is the master of time – he controls earthly time itself. He can mature wine in an instance.
So, there is a deeper meaning and analogy in this story and happening ..
The water represents LAW which had become largely ceremonial by then
Evidently about 600 traditions had been added to the basic 10 Commandments, and which the Pharisees often judged that Jesus had broken Mark 7:2
continual washing of the hands and utensils can not fully cleanse the conscience
no amount of water and washing can fully atone with God Mark 12:33
WINE represents the Sacrifice of Jesus and the Gospel of GRACE that he came to usher in with his death and resurrection.
So this story and Jesus first miracle has a very deep meaning, which summed up his entire mission to this earth - to replace the LAW with GRACE
For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17
Paul knew it also ….
But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24
P S
Wine in moderation is associated with joy and merriment – it helps to make the heart glad and so was often used at joyous happy occasions, celebrations and festivals
But used in excess it leads to drunkenness and loss of control
Grapes are crushed to produce the wine - traditionally trampled my mens feet - even as Jesus was crushed and broken on our behalf
So, wine - the “blood” of the grape is also representative in the sacrament of communion 1 Corinthians 11:25. 26
For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remissionofsins. Matthew 26:28
But the wine-press used in the process has a deeper meaning – it is representative of Gods eventual judgement upon sin, rebellion and idolatry Revelation 19:15
