The first miracle of Jesus as recorded in Scripture, was at a wedding in Cana of Galilee: "On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee" (John 2:1a). We are told simply that "the Mother of Jesus was there" (v. 1b). The text also adds that "both Jesus and His disciples (just five so far) were invited to the wedding" (v. 2). It would appear that the bride or the groom was either related to Mary or a friend of hers, as she was in charge of the kitchen staff, bringing food and wine to all the guests (vv. 3ff).
They ran out of wine; shear disaster at an event of this magnitude! Mary came to Jesus and said simply, "They have no wine" (v. 3). Jesus responded bluntly, "Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come" (v. 4). That seems a little harsh at first glance, especially considering He is speaking to His mother, but what Jesus was telling her is that it was not yet time to reveal Himself to the masses.
His mother turned to the servants and said, "Whatever He says to you, do it" (v. 5). Great advice! When you are walking with Jesus and hearing His call, and His still small voice speaks to your heart and mind, do it. Whatever it is, do as Jesus directs you. Don't hesitate. Just say, "Yes, Lord," and follow everything He asked of you.
"Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece" (v. 6). Note two things here: (1) These waterpots were certainly clean because they were used for holding the water used in purification ceremonies. In certain situations of life, the Law of Moses required the Jews to perform a ceremony of purification to make them clean again. The water used for this was held in these waterpots.
(2) These waterpots were made "of stone" (v. 6a). Stone does not absorb the liquid they contain. It does not absorb the taste of any liquid, thus ensuring that there could be no mistake concerning what was contained in these six large waterpots. Water in; Wine out! No mistaking that by these servants "who had drawn the water" (v. 9b). They knew the truth!
"Jesus said to them, 'Fill the waterpots with water.' And they filled them up to the brim" (v. 7). When Jesus reveals what He wants you to do, fill it up to the brim! Pour yourself completely into whatever He asks of you. Never do things just partway when it comes to serving the Lord Jesus.
"And He said to them, 'Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.' And they took it" (v. 8). Again, the servants immediately did what Jesus directed them to do. No hesitation. Immediate action should be taken by us as well.
"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!'" (vv. 9-10).
It was the best wine, the finest wine, that Jesus made from water. He does nothing partway. His work is the best. But take note, with this first miracle, He did not reveal who He was to the masses. Only He, His five disciples who were there, Mary, and the servants knew. No one else! His time had "not yet come" (v. 4b).
"This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him" (v. 11). The purpose was accomplished. He revealed Himself to just a few. The masses didn't know what happened. His disciples did know, and they "believed in Him" (v. 11b). Their faith was growing. Believe in Jesus and watch Him grow your faith. Amen.
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