📖 Passage

John 2:1–12 Read John 2:1–12 (NKJV)

🧠 Context & Background

John records the first of Jesus’ signs at a wedding in Cana of Galilee, where He turns water into wine. This miracle reveals His glory and deepens the faith of His disciples. In first-century Jewish culture, weddings were multi-day celebrations of great social and familial importance, and running out of wine would bring shame to the hosts. By meeting this need, Jesus demonstrates His compassion, His power over creation, and His role as the bringer of the new covenant blessings. Mary’s interaction with Jesus underscores the transition from familial relationship to His public messianic mission.

🌿 Key Themes

• First Sign — Jesus’ miracles reveal His glory and confirm His identity.
• Compassionate Provision — Christ meets human needs in a way that brings honor to God.
• New Covenant Symbolism — Water for purification becomes wine, symbolizing the joy of the kingdom.
• Faith Deepened — The disciples believe more fully after witnessing the sign.

📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary

John 2:1–2

"On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there..." - Wedding Setting — Represents joy, covenant, and community celebration.
- Jesus’ Presence — Sanctifies ordinary life events with His participation.
- Family and Disciples — Both Mary and the disciples are present, linking His private and public worlds.

John 2:3

"When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, 'They have no wine.'" - Social Crisis — Running out of wine would bring shame to the host.
- Mary’s Concern — She approaches Jesus with the problem, showing trust.
- Invitation to Act — Though unspoken, her statement invites divine intervention.

John 2:4

"And Jesus said to her, 'Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.'" - Respectful Distance — “Woman” is a polite form of address, signaling a shift in relationship roles.
- Divine Timing — Jesus acts according to the Father’s will, not human agendas.
- Hour Reference — Points ahead to His death and ultimate glorification.

John 2:5

"His mother said to the servants, 'Do whatever he tells you.'" - Faith in Action — Mary trusts Jesus to act appropriately.
- Servant Obedience — True readiness to respond to Christ’s word.
- Model for Disciples — Trusting submission to Jesus’ instructions.

John 2:6–7

"Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification..." - Purification Water — Symbolic of the old covenant system.
- Large Capacity — Six jars hold 20–30 gallons each, highlighting abundance.
- Jesus’ Command — Servants fill them to the brim, preparing for transformation.

John 2:8–10

"Now draw some out... 'Everyone serves the good wine first... but you have kept the good wine until now.'" - Transformation — Water becomes wine instantly, demonstrating creative power.
- Exceeding Expectations — The wine is of superior quality.
- Spiritual Symbolism — The best is saved for last, reflecting the joy of the Messianic age.

John 2:11

"This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him." - Purpose of Signs — To reveal Jesus’ identity and lead to faith.
- Manifested Glory — Displays divine power and authority.
- Faith Strengthened — Witnessing the miracle deepens the disciples’ trust.

John 2:12

"After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples..." - Transition — Jesus moves to Capernaum, a central location in His ministry.
- Family and Disciples Together — Shows unity at the beginning of His public work.
- Short Stay — The focus is on the journey toward the Passover.

🔍 Trusted Insight

Spurgeon observed that Christ’s first miracle was not raising the dead or healing the sick, but supplying joy at a wedding — a reminder that His kingdom is not only about removing sorrow but also about bringing abundant joy.
Summary: Jesus’ first sign reveals His glory, shows His compassion, and points to the greater joy of the new covenant.

🧩 Review Questions

1. Why is it significant that Jesus’ first miracle took place at a wedding?
2. How does the transformation of water into wine symbolize the new covenant?
3. What does Mary’s instruction to the servants teach us about discipleship?
4. How did this miracle impact the disciples’ faith?

🔍 Definitions

• Sign — A miracle that reveals spiritual truth and points to Jesus’ identity.
• Purification Jars — Stone vessels used for ceremonial washing under the law.
• Hour — A reference to the divinely appointed time for Jesus’ death and glorification.
• Manifested Glory — Visible display of divine majesty.

🙋 Application Questions

1. How can you apply Mary’s advice, “Do whatever He tells you,” in your daily life?
2. What areas of your life need Jesus’ transforming power?
3. How can you reflect the joy of the kingdom to those around you?

🔤 Greek Keywords

• Sēmeion (Sign) — A miracle pointing beyond itself to divine truth.
• Hōra (Hour) — Appointed time of divine action, often referring to Jesus’ death.
• Metatithēmi (Transform/Change) — To alter completely in nature or form.
• Doxa (Glory) — Visible manifestation of God’s character and power.

📚 Cross References

• Exodus 12:46 — Passover lamb imagery, pointing to Christ’s fulfillment.
• Amos 9:13–14 — Abundant wine as a picture of the Messianic age.
• Isaiah 25:6 — Feast imagery tied to God’s salvation.
• Mark 2:22 — New wine representing the new covenant.
• Revelation 19:7–9 — The marriage supper of the Lamb.

📦 Next Study

Next Study → John 2:13–25