As a Christian Pastor, I have a deep love and appreciation for the Gospel of John. This book is not only beautifully written but also profoundly reveals the true identity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Today, we’re going to dive into the first of Jesus’ miraculous signs recorded in the Gospel of John, the turning of water into wine.
The Significance of the “Third Day”
John sets the stage by telling us that this miraculous event took place “on the third day.” Now, this may seem like a minor detail, but in the Gospel of John, the number seven and references to specific days hold great significance. The “third day” is not just any ordinary day; it is the seventh day, a day of completion and fullness.
As we explore the Scriptures, we see that the “third day” is often associated with Jesus’ resurrection. In Luke 9:22, Jesus foretells that “the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” This pattern of death and resurrection is central to the gospel message.
Mary’s Faith and Trust in Jesus
The wedding takes place in Cana, a small town in Galilee, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, is present. When the wine runs out, Mary immediately turns to Jesus for help. This highlights Mary’s deep faith and trust in her son, even though she may not have fully understood his divine mission at the time.
Mary’s actions reflect the words of the angel Gabriel, who had declared that Jesus would be the “Son of the Most High” and that “of his kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:32-33). She had also treasured the words of the shepherds and Simeon, who had spoken of the significance of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:19, 33-35).
Jesus’ Seemingly Harsh Response
When Mary informs Jesus of the wine shortage, his response may seem a bit harsh: “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come” (John 2:4). However, this is not a sign of disrespect, as Jesus uses the term “woman” in a respectful manner when addressing other women, such as the Samaritan woman and the woman caught in adultery.
Jesus’ response implies that he has a specific plan and timing for the revelation of his true identity and the fulfillment of his mission. He is cautious about performing signs and wonders too early, as it could jeopardize the larger purpose he has been called to achieve.
The Miraculous Transformation of Water into Wine
Despite Jesus’ initial hesitation, Mary demonstrates her unwavering trust in him by instructing the servants to “do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5. This act of faith sets the stage for Jesus’ first miraculous sign – the transformation of water into wine.
The quantity of wine produced is staggering – approximately 600 bottles’ worth! This abundance speaks to the generosity and abundance that characterize the work of God. Furthermore, the quality of the wine is described as superior, with the master of the feast commenting that the best wine has been saved for last.
Seeing Beyond the Sign to the Source
It is important to note that John does not refer to these miraculous events as “miracles” but rather as “signs.” This is a crucial distinction, as the signs in John’s Gospel are not merely displays of power but rather pointers to the true identity of Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God.
The master of the feast is captivated by the quality of the wine but fails to investigate the source of this remarkable transformation. This is a common tendency – to become so enamored with the signs that we miss the Savior they are meant to reveal.
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not.'” (Exodus 16:4)
Just as the Israelites were in awe of the manna that God provided, yet often missed the deeper significance of God’s provision, we too can become distracted by the signs and fail to see the Savior they are pointing to.
Jesus’ Identity Revealed through His Signs
John makes it clear that this miraculous sign is the first of the signs that Jesus performed, and that it “manifested his glory” (John 2:11). The purpose of these signs is not merely to display Jesus’ power but to reveal his true identity as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the mediator of the New Covenant.
While Moses’ first sign was the turning of water into blood, a sign of judgment, Jesus’ first sign is the transformation of water into wine, a symbol of joy, celebration, and the abundance of the New Covenant. This contrast highlights the grace and truth that have come through Jesus Christ (John 1:17).
“Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.” (Hebrews 9:15)
A Challenge for You
As we reflect on this first miraculous sign of Jesus, I want to challenge you to look beyond the signs and see the Savior. It’s easy to become captivated by the extraordinary events and miss the deeper significance of who Jesus is and what he has accomplished for us.
I encourage you to pause and consider how the signs in the Gospel of John – whether it’s the turning of water into wine, the healing of the nobleman’s son, or the feeding of the five thousand – are all pointing to the truth that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and the mediator of the New Covenant.
As we partake in the bread and the cup during communion, let us allow these elements to draw our gaze to the person and work of Jesus. May we not miss the Savior for the signs, but instead, see the signs as a means of understanding and worshiping the one true God who has come to redeem us through his Son.