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." (John 2:1-12 ESV)


The First Sign: Revealing Jesus’ Glory

This passage marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry with His first miracle at the wedding in Cana. The transformation of water into wine was not merely an act of kindness to save the wedding hosts from embarrassment, but it was also a demonstration of His divine authority and glory. Jesus’ response to His mother, "My hour has not yet come," reveals that He operated on God’s divine timetable, but He chose to act in this moment to reveal His power in a subtle yet profound way. By performing this miracle, Jesus revealed His authority over creation and began to unveil His identity as the promised Messiah.

This miracle highlights Jesus' ability to bring transformation. Just as He turned water into wine, He transforms lives. The stone jars used for Jewish purification symbolize the old covenant, while the new wine points to the joy and abundance found in the new covenant through Christ. His disciples witnessed this sign and "believed in him," understanding more clearly that He was not just a rabbi but the Son of God, capable of doing what no ordinary man could do.

Scriptures to Study:

Isaiah 25:6, John 1:14, John 6:35, 2 Corinthians 5:17


Jesus’ Timing and Purpose

Jesus’ response to Mary, "My hour has not yet come," points to a theme that runs throughout the Gospel of John. Jesus was acutely aware of the purpose for which He came into the world: to redeem humanity through His death and resurrection. Throughout His ministry, Jesus remained sensitive to the timing and purpose of God’s plan. This moment at Cana was the beginning of a series of signs that would progressively reveal His identity, but the full revelation of His glory—His “hour”—would come at the cross.

As disciples, it is important to recognize that God’s timing is perfect. We may not always understand why certain things happen or why God delays in answering prayers, but we are called to trust that He knows best. Jesus acted in the fullness of time according to God’s will, and we are invited to surrender our plans to His perfect timing and trust in His purpose for our lives.

Scriptures to Study:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, John 7:6, Galatians 4:4-5, Romans 5:6


Faith and Obedience

Mary's words to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you," provide a powerful lesson in faith and obedience. Even though Jesus’ initial response seemed hesitant, Mary trusted in His wisdom and power. Her faith was rewarded as she witnessed Jesus work a miracle. The servants, too, played a vital role—they obeyed without question, filling the jars with water to the brim. Their obedience, though they did not know what Jesus would do, allowed them to witness firsthand His glory and power.

As followers of Christ, we are called to the same kind of obedience. Even when we do not understand how God is working, we must trust Him enough to "do whatever He tells us." This kind of obedience opens the door for God to work in and through our lives in ways we cannot imagine. It is often in the simple acts of obedience that God’s power is revealed.

Scriptures to Study:

James 1:22, Luke 11:28, John 14:21, Matthew 7:24-27


Summary of Key Points


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