John 2:1-11 A Different Take On That First Miracle

John wrote to reveal Jesus’ glory with the wedding feast story.  My commentary saw Him in three roles:  Guest, Son, and Host.

“Our Lord was not a recluse, as was John the Baptist.  He accepted invitations to social events, even though His enemies used this practice to accuse him.  Our Lord entered into the NORMAL experiences of life and SANCTIFIED them by His presence.”

I recall one of the first Wednesday night teachings Jason Atchley taught as youth minister at our church.  It was a one-man drama that started out with Jesus as a “roommate” to a guy.  The guy had decided to go to a party, so Jesus invited Himself to go along.  This wasn’t at all what the guy had planned, and he began making excuses as to why Jesus wouldn’t want to attend.  Jesus wasn’t to be dissuaded, and eventually the guy resorted to vicious attacks to keep Him from coming along, finally nailing Him to the cross to keep Him away from the guy’s intended sin.

Another role of Jesus, according to my commentary, was that of Son.  “Mary did not tell Jesus what to do.  She simply reported the problem.  His reply merely means, ‘Why are you getting Me involved in this matter?’ He was making it clear to His mother that He was no longer under her supervision, but that from now on, He would be doing what the Father wanted Him to do.”

Only Mary, Jesus, His disciples, and the servants knew what had happened.  This first miracle was chiefly for the six disciples who had trusted Jesus and started a lifelong walk with Him.  They needed to learn more about Him, and each day and each new event brought marvels that were difficult to understand, my commentary added.

This miracle was meant to reveal His glory (v. 11) and to give His disciples a stronger foundation for their faith. 

It’s worth noting that water was poured into the large jars and water was dipped out.  It was only upon serving it that the water became wine – when the servants cooperated with Jesus and obeyed His commands.  “Whether we pass out bread, wash away mud, or roll away the stone, we are assisting Him in performing a miracle,” my commentary said.

John didn’t use the word dunamis, which emphasizes power, but simeion, which means a sign.  Warren Wiersbe thinks the special sign or message intended here was for Israel – the nation pictured as married to God and unfaithful.  “The wine ran out, and all Israel had left were six empty wash pots!  They held water for external washings, but they could provide nothing for internal cleaning and joy.  In this miracle, our Lord brought fullness where there was emptiness, joy where there was disappointment, and something internal for that which was only external (water for ceremonial washings).”

Father, it’s so interesting to put myself in with those first six disciples, so that I may marvel with them in what they were learning about Jesus!  Thanks for putting newness into this story and for helping me to remember that as Your servant I too am to cooperate and obey, and in doing so, You will still perform miracles through me today!

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford