Key Verse: “When the headwaiter tasted the water (after it had become wine), he did not know where it came from—though the servants who had drawn the water knew. He called the groom and told him, “Everyone sets out the fine wine first, then, after people are drunk, the inferior. But you have kept the fine wine until now.” Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.” (John 2:9-11 CSB)
The first sign or miracle of Jesus recorded by the Apostle John occurred at a wedding in a place called Cana. Jesus, along with His disciples, was in attendance, and Jesus’ mother was there as well. But there was a problem. They were out of wine. In that culture, this was no small deal. In fact, it would have been insulting to the guests for the hosts not to have enough wine to serve.
Jesus’ mother Mary came to Him with the problem. He responded by asking, “What does this have to do with you and me, woman?” (v.4). Jesus’ response may appear to be disrespectful or rude, but in fact it wasn’t. In first century Jewish culture, it would have been acceptable for Him to refer to His mother as “woman.” His response is more about why she was getting Him involved in the matter. Wine supply issues wasn’t why He had come.
Nevertheless, Jesus stepped in. He told the servants to take the six stone water jars that were used for purification and fill them to the brim with water. These were no small jars. They had a capacity of 20-30 gallons each or 120-180 gallons collectively. Then Jesus told them to “draw some out and take it to the headwaiter” (v.8).
When the headwaiter tasted it, he was stunned and called for the groom for an explanation. “Everyone sets out the fine wine first,” he said, “then, after people are drunk, the inferior. But you have kept the fine wine until now” (v.10). This wasn’t water he tasted. It was wine, and really good wine at that. Jesus has turned the large jars filled with water into very good wine.
Through this miracle, we see the transforming power of Jesus on display. Who else can do what He did? Who else can instantly turn water into wine and meet the need in the moment? Only Jesus can, because He is the Creator of all things and the sustainer of life. Everything is within His power and control.
Why did He do this? John tells us that in doing so Jesus “revealed his glory and his disciples believed in him” (v.12). Ultimately, this miracle wasn’t about helping save the day at a wedding in Cana. It was about revealing His glory so that people would believe. Greater faith is always the most appropriate response to a revelation of God’s power and glory in our lives. Jesus wants to reveal the greatness of His power and glory, so that we would believe in Him, just like the disciples did.
Reflect today on the power of Jesus. He has the power to transform the most hardened heart, the most broken relationship, and the most devastating situation into something new and good. There is nothing outside the realm of what Jesus can do.
In what ways do you need to see the transforming power of Jesus on display? In what situations or circumstances do you need Him to reveal His glory in this type of way? Invite Him into those places right now. Pray into it. Believe God for what He can do.
Prayer: Jesus, I believe in your power to transform the most desperate and hopeless situations. Reveal your glory to me today. I believe in you, but want to believe in greater ways. Increase my faith in what you are able to do. Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
