OC – 017 – Jesus Attends a Wedding

Lesson Objectives

We will look at the quality of Jesus’ work and how if should influence our work.
We will see the results of obeying what Jesus expressly tells us to do.

There are parallels between Jewish wedding traditions and the Church as the Bride of Christ.

Lesson Commentary

Read John 2:1-12

This is the first of 35 miracles of Jesus that are recorded in the Gospels. John is the only Gospel writer to mention this event. Evidently, Jesus hasn’t yet called the other apostles. We will notice similarities to the Eucharist, the Lord’s Supper, in this miraculous event. We will also see Jesus replacing the institutions of Judaism with the New Covenant symbols. Some parallels that we will see include: this marriage ceremony. As Israel is God’s bride, the Church is the Bride of Christ. Also, his event takes place near to the Passover (verse 13), which has great significance to John’s account. As God provided for Israel’s needs through Moses in the wilderness, so Jesus will more than supply our spiritual needs in the wilderness of this sinful earth.

This event takes place on the third Day, which is the culmination of a week of activities reported to us by John. Jesus’ public ministry quietly begins at a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee. There is a symbolism between this and the last week before the crucifixion. Just as Jesus will be in the grave and rise on the third day, John separates this event from the earlier events of this week. The day prior to this one is probably involved in travel from Bethany to Cana. We will find much symbolism in the stories that are related to us by John that is left out of the other Gospels.

Cana is a place mentioned only in the Gospel of John (2:1-11; 4:36-54; 21:2). It is called “Cana of Galilee” to differentiate it from Cana of Phoenicia. Its location isn’t absolutely known, but is believed to be about five miles northeast of Nazareth in the higher elevations of Galilee. It is definitely a higher elevation than Capernaum. Christ’s first miracle is performed in a small corner of the region, not in Jerusalem, which is the capital of the Jewish religion. He does not seek the honor of men, but will often find association with the lowly. How much does this is contrast to the leaders today, who prefer the company of the “rich and famous”. The Galilean Jews will also be much more ready to receive His miracles and teachings than the Jews in Jerusalem are. Map showing Jesus' route from Nazareth to Cana (about 9 miles) and then from Cana to Capernaum (about 17 miles
by air, closer to 20 miles by road). Map Courtesy of Logos Bible Atlas

Jesus Performs the First Recorded Miracle

The Event

Jn. 2:1 – Jesus’ presence at the marriage is a further endorsement of God’s divine approval for the institution of marriage. Marriage conveys much higher thoughts to the Jew than mere festivity and merriment. It can often last up to a week, and is almost regarded as a sacrament in its rituals and their significance. The relationship of the bride to the groom is paralleled to that between God and the Israelites, and later to the relationship between Christ and the Church. In this context, all that is connected with the marriage ceremony is planned with great care. To be less than thoroughly prepared is very embarrassing.

Does Mary have a part in the marriage or feast? Her coming to Jesus for help suggests that she has some degree of responsibility. Is this the wedding of a close relative? Mary’s presence is significant to the spiritual symbolism of this sign. As Eve (which means “life”) was the mother of all “life”, so Mary is the mother of “new life”, through Jesus Christ her son, who is also the SON of God. The church where the wedding was supposed to have taken place. Photo courtesy of Glen & Sylvia Copple

Jn. 2:2 – Jesus only has about 5 known disciples at this point. His mother, never called Mary by John, as well as some of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter, Phillip, Nathanael, and John, are present. We have no knowledge if any of the others are there. These are His “family” while He is on this earth. They will soon to find out that, though He is poor, those who feast with Him shall fare as He fares. He has bountiful resources for our provisions.

The Problem

Jn. 2:3 –Mary notices a problem and asks Jesus to help. What caused His mother to seek His help? Did she expect Him to go to the store and get more wine? Why is she even concerned about it? If this is the first miracle done by Jesus, then Mary would have no grounds or reason to expect Him to do something miraculous. If she is the “wedding coordinator”, she may be merely expecting Jesus to assist her in resolving this problem. Either way, we will see that she has complete confidence in Jesus’ ability to resolve the problem.

Jn. 2:4 – Jesus’ comment makes us wonder about his attitude and relationship with His mother. “Woman” is not really an unkind response, but more like an expression of kindness and compassion, somewhat like “madam”. He might also be stating that His relationship to her is not of her son, but moving into the arena as her Lord. From this day forward, she is no longer addressed as His mother. This is partly as a rite of passage, but more so in recognition of Jesus relationship with His heavenly Father.

“My time has not yet come” is a phrase used by Jesus 5 times in John (2:4; 7:6, 8, 30; 8:20). Later, the fact that His time had come is mentioned three times (John 12:23; 13:1; 17:1). The “time” appears to be a reference to His pending death on the cross for our salvation. The wine could also be symbolical of the Lord’s Supper that is yet to be instituted. Jesus is reluctant to take on this project, however, He is not going to do it second rate.

Jn. 2:5 – Jesus’ answer to His mother is not an outright refusal. His mother trusts Him to spearhead the solution to this problem and He is fully capable of doing it. She has no idea what He is going to do, but she knows she can trust Him. Can people trust you to handle a responsibility and know that you will complete the task?

The Solution

Jn. 2:6 – There are six stone jars nearby. These jars hold about twenty to thirty gallons a piece. The water in these jars is used for Jewish purification rites. The Jews practice a ritual of washing before a meal and also after the meal. The water jars is kept outside for that purpose. Being made of stone, they will be unlikely to carry any odor or trace if wine were ever to be put in them. Only Jesus knows what He is about to do. With little more than a spoken word, a dramatic change is about to take place. There is no mention about when, in this process, the water becomes wine. There is no fanfare, no ritual, or ceremony. All that occurs is just a transformation of the contents in the pots. Water pots similar to those used at the wedding in Cana Photograph courtesy of Glen & Sylvia Copple

It is the Gentile custom that a relative or honored wedding guest be in charge of the festivities. This person is known as the “The Master of the banquet”. Jews, especially in Galilee, will likely adapt such a custom. Can you think of some customs that you have adapted to that did not originate in your history?

Jn. 2:7 – Jesus gives very simple instructions that can be easily obeyed. It seems apparent here that we are receiving this information from an eyewitness account. The person relating this story to us (John) is writing as if he is at this event. We don’t have any right to expect Christ’s blessings if we will not heed His orders.

Jn. 2:8 – To do what Jesus tells them to do requires an act of faith. What if the water is only water? What if it is like a very watered down wine? Either way, the servants will not be liable but they may well be embarrassed if it is only water. We will insert just a short note here regarding the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Though this is an alcoholic wine, (the Greek word is “onios” which refers to a fermented grape juice or wine,) it is not to justify the consumption of alcoholic beverages without regard to the dangers of over-indulgence and/or alcoholism. The Bible does not condemn alcoholic beverages, but it does warn about the dangers of over consumption.

Jn. 2:9 – Surprise! The master of the banquet does not know what Mary has done. He does not know he is drinking the water from the purification jars either. For a Jew this would be unthinkable. The Master of the banquet, who knows nothing about its origin, gives testimony to the excellence of the wine. The servants know where the wine has come from and might have been hesitant to taste it, but the master of the banquet is not so informed. All he knows is what he tastes. When God does something, He always does His best. He never settles for second rate.

The Results

Jn. 2:10 – Is the Master of the banquet criticizing, or commenting, or commending? As the best wine is saved for the last, so Jesus is the best “Wine” of salvation than the Old Testament law could offer. God has kept His “best” until now. Salvation through Christ far surpasses the rolling back of sin through Judaic sacrifice.

Jn. 2:11 – This is the first miracle performed by Jesus to give some evidence as to Who He is. He is beginning to show Himself as, not just an ordinary man, but as the Son of God. Jesus is the New Wine of our faith. God has truly saved the best for last. With this the disciples are starting to see His power. They don’t know anything about His Death and Resurrection. They don’t yet know much about His teaching and ministry, but they are getting acquainted with Him and what He can do.

In the Old Testament, Moses turned water into blood to show God’s judgment. Here, Jesus turns water into wine to show God’s glory. This first miracle is a transformation like unto what Jesus does in the lives of those who choose to follow Him. This sign is also significant of one of the many ways in which Christ replaces the institutions of Judaism with a better covenant. There is more to come!

John avoids the use of the word “miracle” preferring to use the word “sign”. He seeks to point to the significance of the event rather than to the miracle itself. A miracle is also a “wonder” (teras), a “power” (dynamis), and a “strange event” (paradoxos). John only records seven of Jesus “signs”. All of them are related to the “Word of Life” that is found in the New Testament.

Jn. 2:12 – Jesus’ primary place of residence during His three years of ministry is Capernaum. As we study the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, we will notice that His mother is with Him on frequent occasions. Nothing is said about His earthly father, Joseph. Has he already died?

Jesus leaves Cana to go to Capernaum, which, though it is northeast of Cana, it is referred to as “down” because it is located on the coast of the Sea of Galilee and at a considerable lower elevation.

Next week, Jesus is going to cause some considerable havoc at the temple! Can you imagine going into K-mart or a 7-11 store and throwing stuff off the shelves and telling the managers that they are being dishonest? You will want to come, watch how Jesus officially starts His ministry. It’s definitely going to raise some eyebrows.

Read John 2:13-25 and see what Jesus does at the Temple.

“Walking With Jesus”

Lesson Commentary

LOC – 017 JESUS ATTENDS A WEDDING
How to Get God’s Best for Your Life

Isn’t a wedding a fun event to attend? Do you remember your wedding? Have you attended someone else’s wedding lately? I declared at our wedding (after a SONday morning worship service) “We want to get married!” We almost ran out of food at the reception! Wedding customs vary in other countries and cultures.

We are in John 2:1-12. Jesus and His followers attend a wedding. What does this teach us about how to get God’s best for our life?

Go Where Jesus Is! – John 2:1-2

Jesus is visiting in Cana of Galilee, about 5 miles N. of Nazareth. At this time, we only know of 5 disciples that are traveling with Him.

Jesus’ presence at the wedding further establishes God’s endorsement of the institution of marriage (which has always been undisputed as the union of one man and one woman for life)!This modern notion that same sex couples can “get married” is an abomination to the life of Jesus and the teachings of God’s word! We will deal with that later in “Walking With Jesus”.

Have you ever gone to a party and they didn’t have enough food or beverage? My wife and I have been to such and once or twice hosted one.

In the middle of this wedding, well before the festivities are over, they run out of wine. This will be an extremely bad reflection on the groom who hasn’t prepared enough for the guests. How embarrassing to run out of something to drink before the crowd has even started to leave!

Trust His Wisdom! – John 2:3-5

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is somehow be involved in the serving of food at the feast for the wedding. She believes that her Son can do something about it. So she challenges Jesus to find a solution.

Jesus addresses His mother as “woman” instead of “mother”. This may be a statement that He is now a grown man and not a “son”.He is now transitioning from “son” to “Lord”! The reference may be somewhat in humor, but it is definitely not in disrespect.

Jesus’ reply to His mother reflects that it is not time for Him to be doing anything that is miraculous. “My time has not yet come” will be used four more times in John’s Gospel.(“My time has come” will later be mentioned 3 times.)

Jesus appears to refuse to help His mother with this problem. However, she trusts His ability to do something so she tells her helpers to do what ever He says. She knows that she can trust her Son to find a solution to the situation. Nothing indicates that she is expecting the miracle that follows.

Obey His Commands! – John 2:6-8

Jesus instructs the helpers to fill six water jugs that are nearby with water. These jars hold from 20-30 gallons of water that is normally used for purification rites. They go to the community well and fill the jugs. Meanwhile, some of the guests are getting thirsty! Completely out or just low?

Upon returning, Jesus tells them to take some of it to the person who is in charge of the feast. Somewhere between drawing the water and it arriving before the master of the feast, it becomes a very fine wine!

Reap His Blessings! – John 2:9-12

Normally, the best wine is served first. The guests will be somewhat under the influence when the cheaper wine comes out and won’t notice the inferior quality as much. Not so in this situation. The master of the feast comments (criticizing or commending?) to the groom that the new wine is better than the first. That is not how things are normally done. Sometimes, breaking the routine is the solution to the problem!

The wine that Jesus has just made is better than that which was served first. Jesus could not do less than the best. To create a “regular” or “inferior” wine is against His nature as God’s Son. This is the first sign that Jesus does to establish who He is as the Son of God! Much greater miracles are yet to be seen.

CONCLUSION

John only records seven of Jesus’ “signs”. All of them are related to Jesus as the “Word of Life”.

Next Week: After the wedding, Jesus goes to Capernaum where He will “reside” during most of the next three years. His mother and disciples accompany Him. We will accompany Him also as we continue “Walking With Jesus”! This event took place just before the first Passover after Jesus was immersed. Three years from this Passover, He will die on the cross for your sins and mine!