John 2
- And (on) the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
- And both Jesus and his disciples were called, (were invited) to the marriage.
- And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
- Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? (Literally what —- to me and to you). Mine hour is not yet come.
- His mother said unto the servants, Whatsoever he says unto you, do it.
- And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing, measuring two or three firkins apiece.
- Jesus said unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
- And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor or master of the feast. And they bare it.
- When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom
- And said unto him, Every man at the beginning sets out good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse or inferior : but you hast kept the good wine until now.
- This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
- After this he went down to Ca-per-neum, he, and his mother, and his brothers, and his disciples: and they continued there a few days.
- And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
- And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
- And when he had made a scourge, a whip of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables;
- And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things from here; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.
- And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of you house has eaten me up.
- Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign do you show unto us, seeing that you do these things?
- Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
- Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt you raise it up in three days?
- But he spake of the temple of his body.
- When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
- Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
- But Jesus did not believe them or commit himself unto them, because he knew all men.
- And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
Frequently Asked Questions on John 2
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What is the significance of the Wedding at Cana?
John 2 Verse 11 explains the significance of the Miracle at Cana — This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
The seven miracles recorded by John have a common purpose : that we may believe that Jesus is Christ (the Promised Messiah), the Son of God (not a mere man, not a man of God, but the only begotten Son) and believing we might have eternal life.
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How did Jesus turn water into wine?
Miraculously.
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Why did Jesus address his mother as “woman” in John 2:4?
The Greek term “γύναι” (gynai) which is translated into English as “Woman” does not carry an implication of disrespect. It is a term that aligns with the cultural norms of expressing respect and affection toward close family members such as for one’s mother, sister or wife.
Similar conventions exist in other cultures – for instance, in southern United States, parents teach their children to use “Sir” and “Ma’am” in addressing elders (including themselves) as a way of instilling values of politeness, respect and courtesy. This practice is celeberated as ‘southern hospitality’ and manners.
Jesus uses the very term again from the cross (John 19:26) (interestingly, not many question if he was disrespectful there..)
Further evidence supporting that Jesus did not disrespect his mother (or he wished Mary to understand that he was breaking off from her control, as some commentators wrongly suggest) can be found in Verse 12 after the miracle. It states that Jesus, along with his mother, brothers, and disciples, went down to Capernaum and continued to stay there for a few days.
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What is the symbolism of turning water into wine?
John, in Chapter 1, tells us that Jesus Christ is God—the Creator of all things.
Turning water into wine is impossible for man, but not for God, who created everything in six days (Genesis 1). Nothing is impossible for God!
Some scholars draw a parallel between Moses and Jesus Christ (Deuteronomy 18:15). Moses’ first miracle involved turning water into blood, bringing sorrow, distress, and misery. In contrast, Jesus Christ’s inaugural miracle was turning water into wine—a symbol of joy and celebration
(John 1: 17 “For the law (condemnation) was given by Moses. But grace and truth (eternal life) came by Christ”. 2 Corinthians 3:6 For the letter (of the law) kills, but the Holy Spirt gives life)
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How does the ‘Wedding at Cana’ demonstrate Jesus’ divinity?
John tells us in Chapter 20:30-31 that Jesus performed many other signs in th presence of his disciples which are not recorded in this book – but these (seven) were written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and by believing you might have life in His name.
The Miracle at Cana is the first miracle – that points to Jesus Christ as God the Creator, who “spoke” things into existence. You can see the glimpse of that power in him turning plain water into aged wine. He bypassed the entire process (No need for a vineyard, farmer, fertilizers, sunlight, crushing of the grapes, fermentation / maturation period, bottling etc)
For a human it would have taken many years to make wine. God could do it (from farm to table) instantly.
From a human perspective, it would take billions of years to create the earth. For God, a mere six days.
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What do six water pots signify?
Number 6 = Incomplete, Insufficient.
The Number 6, from a Biblical standpoint, is an incomplete number. It is one short of perfection, which is Number 7. It is also the number of man.These water pots were kept for ‘purification’ purposes according to the Jews rites — The Law required human effort, / works, and Romans 3:20 tells us, ‘For by works of the law, no human being will be justified in His sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.’
Our works (rites) of purification and law keeping = insufficient / incomplete. Can anything good come out of these jars / rituals / law keeping? Come (to John 2) and see.
The stone water jars were ignoble vessels kept at the door and did not hold ‘drinking water’ but water for washing feet, etc.
‘Not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong’ (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).”
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Why did Jesus Say “Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come – my hour has not yet come” to his mother in John 2:4?
A literal translation: “What… to me and to you?”
What concern is (the problem of the wine running out) to me and to you?The next part of His answer, “My hour has not yet come,” reveals that Mary tried to make it her concern to help Jesus see this great opportunity and showcase his ‘works.’
We see a similar thing happen with Jesus’ half-brothers in John 7, where they tell him to leave Galilee and go to Judea—to do his works not in secret but openly—to his disciples AND the world!
In both these instances, Jesus’ reply was the same. “Mine hour is not yet come” Jesus was not seeking the glory that would come from men. “The hour” when Jesus would be glorified and involved crucifixion, death, and resurrection. And that had not come yet (John 7:30; John 8:20, John 13:1, John 17:1). (This is not the “glory” that Mary or Jesus’ half brothers had in mind)