What I Learned About Jesus Turning Water into Wine (John 1:35-2)

A Few Thoughts to Consider

Why would Jesus turn water into wine with his first miracle?

On the surface, it seems strange that this would be the first miracle Jesus would perform in place of healing the sick or raising the dead. John 2:1-3 says, ¹ “On the third day a wedding took place in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’s mother was there, ² and Jesus and his disciples were invited to the wedding as well. ³ When the wine ran out, Jesus’s mother told him, ‘They don’t have any wine.’”

There are many details of this event that we don’t know. Was this a relative or close family friend? Was Mary responsible for some of the catering? It’s hard to say. However, as N.T. Wright points out, “The wedding itself, in the town where Nathanael came from, would probably involve almost the whole village, and several people from neighbouring ones too; which is why Mary, her son and his friends were invited. Running out of wine was not just inconvenient, but a social disaster and disgrace.”^[1]

“Of the various sites proposed by archaeologists, the most likely is Khirbet Qana, an uninhabited ruin about nine miles north of Nazareth, and lying in the Plain of Asochis.”^[2] In an honor and shame society, running out of wine would have been devastating—potentially even opening the groom’s family to the possibility of a lawsuit. D.A. Carson writes, “The ‘wine’ (oinos) that was needed was not mere grape juice…wine in the ancient world was diluted with water to between one-third and one-tenth of its fermented strength, i.e. something less strong than American beer. Undiluted wine, about the strength of wine today, was viewed as ‘strong drink’, and earned much more disapprobation.”^[3]

This miracle was significant for several reasons. First, it marked the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. Second, it demonstrated his compassion and willingness to address human needs. But there is a third factor that deserves consideration. In his sermon titled “Lord of the Wine,” Timothy Keller makes the case that Jesus is both looking backward and looking forward. He believes Jesus remembered that God had once, through Moses, turned water into blood when the Israelites were in Egypt as a curse. But now, Jesus is turning this water into wine—which Jesus said in Matthew 26:28 symbolized his blood.[4]

So Jesus is doing more than just turning water into wine. He’s thinking of the time when his hour does come, recognizing that his blood will be poured out as forgiveness for sins. As Keller writes, “Jesus sat in the midst of joy sipping the coming sorrow, so we can sit in the midst of sorrow and sip the coming joy.”[5]

A Meditation to PRAY

Praise | Jesus, I praise you for the significance of your first miracle at the wedding in Cana. I praise you for your compassion and willingness to address human needs, preventing social disaster and disgrace. I praise you for the deeper meaning of your miracle, turning water into wine and foreshadowing the joy and salvation you bring through your sacrifice.

Release | I release my doubts about your concern for the details of my life, trusting that you care deeply about my needs. I release my worries about scarcity and social pressures, believing in your abundant provision and grace. I release my fear of future sorrows, finding comfort in the joy you promise.

Ask | Jesus, I ask for the faith to see the significance of your actions and miracles in my life. I ask for the understanding to recognize the deeper meanings in the events you orchestrate. I ask for the strength to trust in your compassionate intervention, knowing you bring joy and salvation.

Yield | I yield my limited understanding to your greater wisdom, trusting in your plans and timing. I yield my personal needs to your care, confident in your abundant provision. I yield my heart to be transformed by your presence, living in the joy and salvation you bring through your ultimate sacrifice.

A Challenge to Act Like Christ