Water into Wine
An odd choice for a first miraculous sign, no?
Even besides the idea that Jesus can turn water into wine (pretty cool, actually), there are a number of intriguing things about this first sign in the gospel of John.
The resonating themes with the book of Genesis. John begins his gospel with the same words (In the beginning…) and then tells how Jesus is the light of the world on the first day of creation (the first motion of God the creator - making light). Then here, Jesus’ first sign is to tell water what to do, as on the second day in the creation story.
His mother’s role in the sign. At first, Jesus seemingly rejects her idea. Then he doesn’t. Her confidence in his ability, even before it’s known.
This is quite different from what we understand to be Jesus’ miraculous output. It just feels different than restoring sight or raising someone from the dead. What is the necessity of providing more wine? Some commentators lean on the notion of avoiding social embarrassment for the groom’s family. Perhaps this is true. But it doesn’t seem as crucial as his other signs, does it?
Jesus provided more alcohol for a situation in which many people were likely already sauced (and a lot of it - some 120-180 gallons).
Jesus used handwashing jars instead of wine skins. Ew?
John 2:1-12
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They don’t have any wine.”
Jesus replied, “Woman, what does that have to do with me? My time hasn’t come yet.”
His mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby were six stone water jars used for the Jewish cleansing ritual, each able to hold about twenty or thirty gallons.
Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water,” and they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some from them and take it to the headwaiter,” and they did. The headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine. He didn’t know where it came from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew.
The headwaiter called the groom and said, “Everyone serves the good wine first. They bring out the second-rate wine only when the guests are drinking freely. You kept the good wine until now.” This was the first miraculous sign that Jesus did in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
After this, Jesus and his mother, his brothers, and his disciples went down to Capernaum and stayed there for a few days.
Prayer
God,
In a way I can’t completely describe, I receive a certain joy and comfort in that Jesus cared enough in a particular way to provide wine at a wedding feast where it had run out.
Jesus wants to be sure everyone had a good time?
Jesus cares about a particular embarrassment that could come upon a family?
I don’t know. I just like to think that you are more attentive to the situations of humanity than ills, aches, and griefs. I hope this doesn’t sound uncompassionate. Quite the opposite, for me Lord, it makes Jesus feel more accessible and loving in a particular way (and I don’t even drink alcohol!).
So help me, God: give me attentiveness toward people toward the concern of all their needs, even if they are things that would normally matter to me. Help me care about what others care about.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.