Introduction

The miracles of Jesus are a testament to His divine authority and compassion, serving as signs that reveal His identity as the Son of God. The first recorded miracle of Jesus is the transformation of water into wine at the wedding in Cana, an event that marks the beginning of His public ministry. This miracle is documented in the Gospel of John and holds significant theological and symbolic meaning.

Biblical Account

The account of Jesus turning water into wine is found in John 2:1-11. The narrative begins with Jesus, His mother Mary, and His disciples attending a wedding in Cana of Galilee. During the celebration, the hosts encounter a predicament: they run out of wine, a situation that could lead to social embarrassment.

Mary, aware of the situation, approaches Jesus and informs Him, "They have no more wine" (John 2:3). Jesus responds, "Woman, why does this concern us? My hour has not yet come" (John 2:4). Despite His initial response, Mary instructs the servants, "Do whatever He tells you" (John 2:5), demonstrating her faith in His ability to address the issue.

Jesus then directs the servants to fill six stone water jars, each holding twenty to thirty gallons, with water. After they fill the jars to the brim, He instructs them to draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet. When the master tastes the water that had been turned into wine, he is astonished by its quality and remarks to the bridegroom, "Everyone serves the fine wine first, and then the cheap wine after the guests are drunk. But you have saved the fine wine until now" (John 2:10).

Theological Significance

This miracle, the first of Jesus' public signs, reveals His glory and divine nature, leading His disciples to believe in Him (John 2:11). The transformation of water into wine symbolizes the new covenant and the abundant blessings that come through Jesus Christ. It signifies the transition from the old order of Jewish purification rituals, represented by the stone jars, to the new order of grace and truth brought by Jesus.

The miracle also highlights Jesus' compassion and willingness to intervene in human affairs, even in seemingly mundane situations. By performing this miracle at a wedding, Jesus affirms the sanctity of marriage and the joy of communal celebration.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the cultural context of first-century Jewish weddings, wine was an essential element of the celebration, symbolizing joy and festivity. Running out of wine would have been a significant social faux pas, reflecting poorly on the host's hospitality. Jesus' intervention not only averts potential embarrassment but also elevates the occasion by providing wine of superior quality.

Conclusion

The miracle at Cana is a profound demonstration of Jesus' divine power and His concern for human needs. It sets the stage for His subsequent miracles and teachings, establishing His authority and mission. Through this act, Jesus begins to reveal the transformative power of His ministry, inviting all to partake in the new life He offers.John 2:1-11
And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
Nave's Topical Index

The Gospels in General
... in consideration as much as possible the chronological order in which ... This beginning
of miracles did Jesus in Cana of ... on Him." John views the miracles of which ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the gospels in general.htm

On the Interpretation of Scripture
... The recent chronological discoveries from Egyptian monuments do ... words, Believe on
the Lord Jesus Christ and ... who maintain the continuance miracles or spiritual ...
/.../on the interpretation of scripture.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... The order of the liturges [or deacons] is that which ... was moved to tears, and he said:
"Jesus Christ, whom ... But as he stepped into the baptismal water, the saint ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

[Endnotes]
... drawn together by the fame of His miracles. ... must all have been younger than Jesus,
seem to ... less than twenty of the highest chronological authorities, including ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

What is the difference between miracles and magic? | GotQuestions.org

What were the miracles of Jesus? What miracles did Jesus perform? | GotQuestions.org

Does God still perform miracles? | GotQuestions.org

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