Topical Encyclopedia The account of Jesus turning water into wine at the marriage feast in Cana is a significant event recorded in the Gospel of John. This miracle, often referred to as the first of Jesus' public miracles, is found in John 2:1-11. It holds theological and symbolic importance within the Christian tradition, illustrating Jesus' divine authority and the inauguration of His public ministry.Biblical Account The narrative begins with Jesus, His mother Mary, and His disciples attending a wedding in Cana of Galilee. During the celebration, the hosts encounter a predicament: they run out of wine. Mary, aware of the situation, approaches Jesus and informs Him, "They have no more wine" (John 2:3). Jesus responds, "Woman, why does this concern us? My hour has not yet come" (John 2:4). Despite this, Mary instructs the servants, "Do whatever He tells you" (John 2:5). Jesus then directs the servants to fill six stone water jars, each holding twenty to thirty gallons, with water. After they fill the jars to the brim, He tells them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet" (John 2:8). When the master of the banquet tastes the water that had been turned into wine, he is astonished by its quality. He remarks to the bridegroom, "Everyone serves the fine wine first, and then the cheap wine after the guests are drunk. But you have saved the fine wine until now" (John 2:10). Theological Significance This miracle is rich in symbolism and theological meaning. It demonstrates Jesus' power over the natural elements, affirming His divine nature. The transformation of water into wine signifies the new covenant that Jesus brings, surpassing the old covenant represented by the water jars used for Jewish purification rites. The abundance and quality of the wine also symbolize the overflowing grace and blessings that come through Christ. Furthermore, this event underscores the importance of faith and obedience. Mary's instruction to the servants, "Do whatever He tells you," highlights the necessity of trusting in Jesus' words and actions, even when the outcome is not immediately apparent. Cultural and Historical Context In the cultural context of first-century Judea, weddings were significant social events, often lasting several days. Wine was a central element of the celebration, symbolizing joy and festivity. Running out of wine would have been a social embarrassment for the hosts, making Jesus' intervention not only miraculous but also an act of compassion and social grace. Implications for Christian Life For believers, the miracle at Cana serves as a reminder of Jesus' transformative power in their lives. It encourages Christians to invite Jesus into their daily circumstances, trusting in His ability to bring about change and renewal. The event also calls believers to recognize the abundance of spiritual blessings available through a relationship with Christ, who provides not only for physical needs but also for the deeper, spiritual thirst of the soul. Nave's Topical Index John 2:9,10When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not from where it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, Nave's Topical Index Library The First Miracle in Cana --The Water Made Wine The Marriage Feast in Cana of Galilee - the Miracle that is a Sign ... The Marriage of Cana At the Marriage Feast Jesus Works his First Miracle at Cana in Galilee. The First Sign --The Marriage in Cana. Jesus the Joy-Bringer Whether Christ Began to Work Miracles when He Changed Water into ... The Waterpots at Cana John Chapter ii. 4-Jan Resources Why is the real presence of Christ in the Lord's Supper such a controversial issue? | GotQuestions.orgIs intinction the correct way to do communion? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about underage drinking? | GotQuestions.org Wine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Wine in Excess: Impairs the Health Wine in Excess: Impairs the Judgment and Memory Wine in Excess: Inflames the Passions Wine in Excess: Infuriates the Temper Wine in Excess: Leads to Remorse Wine in Excess: Leads to Sorrow and Contention Wine in Times of Scarcity, Was Mixed With Water Wine of the Abominations of the Apostasy Wine of the Blessing of the Gospel Wine of the Joys of Spiritual Matters Wine of the Wrath and Judgments of God Wine Press of the Judgments of God Wine Press: General Scriptures Concerning Wine Press: Treading The, of the Sufferings of Christ Wine Press: Trodden With Joy and Shouting Wine was Made of The Juice of the Grape Wine was Made of The Juice of the Pomegranate Wine was Used for Drink offerings in Idolatrous Worship Wine was Used for Drink offerings in the Worship of God Wine was Used: As a Beverage from the Earliest Age Wine was Used: At all Feasts and Entertainments Wine with Corn and Oil, Denoted all Temporal Blessings Wine: Abstinence from of Daniel Wine: Abstinence from of the Courtiers of Ahasuerus Wine: Abstinence from of Timothy Wine: Admonitions Against the Use of Wine: An Article of Extensive Commerce Wine: Cheap Wine (Like Vinegar) Given to Jesus at the Crucifixion Wine: Consequence of Putting (When New), Into Old Bottles Wine: Custom of Giving to Persons in Pain or Suffering, Mixed With Wine: Custom of Presenting to Travellers Wine: First Fruits of, to be offered to God Wine: First Mode of Making, Notice Wine: Forbidden to Nazarites During Their Separation Wine: Forbidden to Priests While on Duty Wine: Forbidden to the Priests While Engaged in the Tabernacle Wine: Generally Made by Treading the Grapes in a Press Wine: Given by Melchizedek to Abraham Wine: Given in Abundance to the Jews when Obedient Wine: Intoxication from the Use of Wine: Intoxication From: Ahasuerus Wine: Intoxication From: Amnon Wine: Intoxication From: Falsely Charged Against the Disciples Wine: Intoxication From: Joseph and his Brothers Wine: Intoxication From: Kings of Israel Wine: Intoxication From: Nabal Wine: Made by Jesus at the Marriage Feast in Cana Wine: Often Spiced to Increase Its Strength Wine: Places Celebrated For: Assyria Wine: Places Celebrated For: Canaan in General Wine: Places Celebrated For: Helbon Wine: Places Celebrated For: Lebanon Wine: Places Celebrated For: Moab Wine: Places Celebrated For: Possessions of Judah Wine: Recommended by Paul to Timothy Wine: Samson's Mother Forbidden to Drink Wine: Sometimes Mixed With Milk As a Beverage Wine: Sweet, Esteemed for Flavour and Strength Wine: Symbolical of the Blood of Jesus Wine: The Jews Frequently Deprived of, As a Punishment Wine: The Jews Frequently Drank, to Excess Wine: The Love of Christ to be Preferred To Wine: The Rechabites Never Drank Wine: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Wine: Water Miraculously Turned Into Related Terms |
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