John’s gospel is structured differently than the other gospels and one of the ways it’s different is that John gives us a series of “signs” that unfold as we read the gospels. These “signs” help reveal not only Jesus’ power and identity but also reveal what he came to do on the earth. This is Jesus’ first “sign” and occurs at the beginning of his ministry. In the ancient world weddings were causes of great celebration often lasting several days. It would be seen as a major failure and cause of shame and embarrassment for the wedding to run out of food or drink. Jesus steps in and shows his unique power, but even more than that, the miracle points to a deeper truth: Jesus is the bridegroom and the new age he brings is better than the old age. Jesus’ ministry will be cause for celebration as he brings in this new age. 

John 2:1-12

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

Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. 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 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.” This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

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 2:1-12)

Questions (John 2:1-12)

1. What is the strangest or most surprising part of this story to you? 
2. This miracle illustrates that Jesus is bringing a new “era” in salvation history that is even better than the Old Testament era. Why would it be important to understand that in order to understand the gospels? 
3. One of the things this miracle illustrates is that Jesus’ coming is as the bridegroom is cause for great celebration. Why should celebration be a regular part of the Christian life? 
4. Mary asks Jesus to help and Jesus listens. What does this story say illustrate about bringing requests to Jesus?