Bible Study And Devotional: John 2:1-10. Jesus, The Miracle Worker
1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
The first thing I notice here is “the third day.” Whenever you are reading the Bible, always pay close attention to what is going on when you see “the third day.” The third day usually has something to do with a miracle, an appearance of God, new life, growth, or resurrection (all those things are interrelated closely if you notice…)
The third day of creation, God brought forth all types of seed-bearing plants. On the third day, God came down on Mount Sinai to give the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19). On the third day, Esther approached the king of Persia and began her plan to expose the murderous plot of Haman (Esther 5).
Of course the greatest miracle, appearance of God, demonstration of new life and resurrection was what happened the third day after Jesus died and was buried!
2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
Marriages have always been seen as joyous occasions, and this was no different in ancient Jewish culture. In fact, it was considered a good deed and a command of God to rejoice with a bride and groom on their wedding day and to do everything possible to bring them even further joy.
3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
Wine is intimately tied to the concept of joy in many places within the Bible. The wedding party had run out of wine, and Mary knew that Jesus could contribute to the wedding in a very special way…
4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
Jesus was possibly saying that it was not necessarily the time he had planned to do a miracle to reveal himself to the greater public.
5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
This is the instruction to us as well! We must remember that if we want Jesus to do things, even miracles, in our lives it is important that we do what he instructs and have faith. In this way, there is the creation of a figurative vessel that he can then fill with all the good things he has for his people like you and me.
6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
There was such a thing as baptism among the Jewish people at this time and there had been since the time of Moses. However, this method of cleansing using water was for cleansing the body from ritual impurity, not for baptism as an outer sign of spiritual cleansing.
7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
There are no half measures. If we expect God to do a miracle, we should remember to put our everything into that faith and fill it up to the brim.
8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
The one in charge of the feast would be able to choose to approve the wine.
9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
We have to remember the symbolism that is present throughout the book of John. This miracle happened in the physical world, but it represented a spiritual reality. In other Gospels, Jesus talks about new wine and compares it to old wine (Matthew 9:14-17, Mark 2:21-22 and Luke 5:33-39). The new wine he was talking about was his teachings. We can also equate the wine in this miracle to Jesus’ parable.
Jesus did not come and reveal himself at the beginning of time. He did not arrive from heaven right after Adam and Eve sinned to save the day immediately. No, he came after a time, at the right time in God’s eyes, to do his appointed work and make his teachings clear. The good wine/Jesus’ teaching and miracles were “kept until now” i.e. were kept until the time that God chose, after the other old wine was already present in the world.
Prayer:
God, thank you for showing up at the right times in our world and in my life. I don’t always understand it, but I accept that your timing is best. Thank you for the miracles that shock us as well as for the miracles that happen every day. Help me to see your hand in everyday life and in every situation in my life that I may always have you and your goodness on my mind and my heart. Thank you for the teaching and example of Jesus, the new wine. Spirit, I ask that you will fill me up with the “new wine” that is better than anything else because it is directly from you.
Amen.
“For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.” – Proverbs 8:11
All Bible Verses are from the KJV Unless Otherwise Noted
All images used are in the public domain from Pixabay
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