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Sermon Introduction

Wedding celebrations during that time and place could last several days. Such was the tradition. The mother of Jesus approached Jesus with concern. There was no more wine. No wine meant embarrassment for the groom and probably a lawsuit from the bride’s family. John did not name Mary, although we know who she was from the other synoptic gospels.

Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

John 2:1-12

1 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

6 Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. 9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” 11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

12 After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days.

Notes

Wedding celebrations during that time and place could last several days. Such was the tradition. The mother of Jesus approached Jesus with concern. There was no more wine. No wine meant embarrassment for the groom and probably a lawsuit from the bride’s family. John did not name Mary, although we know who she was from the other synoptic gospels.

1. Mary seeks help

   Mary approached Jesus about the situation. She probably knew that Jesus could
   save the groom from embarrassment. But His answer did not sound affirmative.
   Nevertheless, He turned the water into wine, which saved the groom’s family.
   
   1 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2:1-5).
   
   
   

2. Wine Miracle

   Jesus instructed the servants to fill the jars to the brim with water. There could be no doubt that there was no more wine inside. He told the servants to bring it to the master of the feast. The master acknowledged that it was excellent wine.
   
   6 Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. 9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now” (John 2:6-10).
   
   
   

3. His Glory

   John, the evangelist and the writer of the account, referred to his statement in the prologue. He wrote earlier that they beheld His glory (John 1:14). Now John wrote that He manifested His glory, then the disciples believed.
   
   11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory.
   And his disciples believed in him.

   12 After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and
   his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days (John 2:11-12).
   
   
   
   
   

Application

1. Pay attention

   Not everyone noticed that a miracle had taken place. The Lord was at work, yet only the disciples, the mother, and the servants knew about it. We now know through the Scriptures, but we also know in the present through the community.

   
   

2. See His glory

   The author mentioned that they saw His glory (John 1:14). John mentioned that Jesus manifested His glory, and one way was to display signs and wonders. So let us see His glory as revealed by the Holy Scriptures.
   
   Focus on the glory of Christ. Some misuse this text to reflect the divine influence of Mary on Christ. Take note that she was not the only person or woman who persisted and received. The text also does not say that she was divine.
   

3. Believe in the witness

   Believe in the witness of John about Jesus. We believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Word of God, and the Creator of the universe. In this text, we read that He turned water into wine. We believe the Scriptures; thus, we believe this happened.
   
   

Reflection & Discussion

1. What happened in the wedding in Cana in Galilee?

2. Using textual clues, describe the dynamics between Jesus and Mary.

3. What was the text mainly about? Connect it to the prologue.