His First Miracle

["Click here for John's account"]

We have here the first recorded miracle that Jesus did. It is a very controversial miracle, water changed into wine. Whether this constitutes an endorsement on Jesus' part of wine or the drinking of wine, I cannot say, but obviously there was "drinkable" water available which discounts the reason commonly given for drinking wine. However, this was an occasion of a marriage and wine was commonly served.

The place was Cana in Galilee. The time was 3 days after He arrived in Galilee. Note the guests included Mary, Jesus' mother and Jesus and His disciples. No mention is made of Joseph. Most conclude that he had died by this time.

So what we have recorded is the story of a "need", the fact that it was wine is not important. They had prepared what they thought was sufficient but later found out it was not.. they ran out. The lesson of the miracle is that in spite of our preparations, we often find ourselves wanting. It is to these needs that Jesus attends.

Notice what was communicated to Jesus by His mother. She simply tells Him of her friends need. It is not clear what she expected Jesus to do. If this, in fact, was His first miracle, then we do not believe that she expected Him to do something miraculous. He then, in a sense, reprimands her by saying, "Woman, what have I to do with you?" Note He calls her "woman". Indicating, perhaps, that in the area of favors, she was no greater than any other woman. Perhaps He could see something in her request that we could not, knowing our hearts as He does. "Familiarity breeds contempt" and often the freedom that the covenant gives us (Perseverance of the Saints) breeds irreverence and a degree of presumption.

Why did He say He did not want to be involved in this problem? "My hour has not yet come." The time for the working of miracles out in public view, had not come. But then, perhaps, Jesus saw a need and could not help but meet it and also saw it as a way to strengthen the faith of His newly called disciples.

Notice Mary is not deterred and she confidently instructs the servants to do whatever He says. He directs them to fill 6 water pots. These pots were made of stone and were used by the Jewish people in the many rites and traditions that required water in the observance and they were many. There was a saying about them, "He who uses much water in washing will gain much wealth in this world." Even today, Jewish people pour water over their hands before eating even in a restaurant.

Each of these water pots contained 20 to 30 gallons of water. That's a lot of wine. The miracle is indicative of the abundance of Christ's blessings. The water pots were filled to the brim, not allowing for anything to be added and were immediately poured out, indicating how suddenly the miracle was done and that there was on room in the pots for anyone to add anything. Notice that there was no demonstration on His part, He quietly took care of the problem. This is indicative of the way Christ answers our requests even today, so quietly, we sometimes don't even know He had fulfilled them.

He then directs the servants to give it to the Stewart or Governor of the feast. The Stewart's job was to see that all had enough to eat and drink, but that none had an excess. Notice that the Stewart does not know who furnished the wine, but assuming that the Bridegroom did, he relates to him the excellence of it.

We are told as this portion of scripture closes that this was the beginning of the miracles that Christ did.

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