Topical Bible: Jesus, the Christ: Miracle at Cana of Galilee

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The Miracle at Cana of Galilee is a significant event in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, marking His first recorded miracle. This event is detailed in the Gospel of John, specifically in John 2:1-11. It is celebrated as a manifestation of Jesus' divine authority and His compassion for human needs.

Context and Setting

The miracle took place in Cana, a small town in Galilee, during a wedding feast. Weddings in Jewish culture were significant social events, often lasting several days. The presence of Jesus, His mother Mary, and His disciples at the wedding indicates the importance of the occasion and possibly a close relationship with the family hosting the event.

The Problem

During the celebration, a potentially embarrassing situation arose: the wine had run out. In the cultural context of the time, this would have been a major social faux pas, reflecting poorly on the host's ability to provide for the guests. Mary, aware of the situation, approached Jesus with the problem, saying, "They have no more wine" (John 2:3).

Jesus' Response

Jesus' initial response to Mary was, "Woman, why does this concern us? My hour has not yet come" (John 2:4). This response, while seemingly abrupt, reflects a deeper theological significance. The term "woman" is a respectful address, and Jesus' mention of His "hour" alludes to the future culmination of His mission through His death and resurrection. Despite this, Mary instructed the servants, "Do whatever He tells you" (John 2:5), demonstrating her faith in His ability to address the situation.

The Miracle

Jesus instructed the servants to fill six stone water jars, each holding twenty to thirty gallons, with water. After they filled them to the brim, He told them to draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet. When the master tasted the water that had been turned into wine, he was astonished, not knowing its source. He remarked 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).

Significance

This miracle is rich in symbolism and theological meaning. It signifies the transformative power of Jesus, who can change the ordinary into the extraordinary. The abundance and quality of the wine also symbolize the new covenant and the joy and fulfillment found in Christ. Furthermore, this miracle serves as a sign of Jesus' glory and divine authority, leading His disciples to believe in Him (John 2:11).

Theological Implications

The Miracle at Cana is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the Eucharist, where Jesus transforms the elements of bread and wine into His body and blood. It also highlights the role of Mary as an intercessor, pointing believers to her Son. The event underscores the importance of faith and obedience, as demonstrated by the servants who followed Jesus' instructions without question.

In summary, the Miracle at Cana of Galilee is a profound demonstration of Jesus' divine nature and His concern for human joy and dignity. It marks the beginning of His public ministry and sets the stage for the many signs and wonders that would follow, ultimately revealing His identity as the Messiah and the Son of God.

Nave's Topical Index

John 2:1-12
And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Jesus Works his First Miracle at Cana in Galilee.
... 11 This beginning of his signs did Jesus in Cana ... traditions which tell of miracles
performed by Christ in his ... The value of the miracle was in what it signified ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxii jesus works his first.htm

The First Miracle in Cana --The Water Made Wine
... THE FIRST MIRACLE IN CANA"THE WATER MADE WINE. 'This beginning of miracles did Jesus
in Cana of ... The Evangelist regards Christ's first miracle as the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the first miracle in canathe.htm

The Second Miracle at Cana.
... of without them; and when the Baptist's faith in Christ himself wavered ... in that he
felt that the presence of Jesus was required to perform the miracle. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxviii the second miracle at.htm

The Marriage Feast in Cana of Galilee - the Miracle that is a Sign ...
... Discourse to Nathanael - His first sermon - Jesus had made ... was the primary purpose
of the miracle of Cana ... appeared at the very commencement of Christ's Ministry ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the marriage feast.htm

The First Miracle.
... A miracle is a supernatural act, in which a higher power employs ... Peter says: "In
the name of Jesus of Nazareth, arise and walk." Christ says: "Young man ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the first miracle.htm

The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah
... THE MISHNAH AND TALMUD - THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST - THE DAWN ... OF JOHN - THE FIRST SABBATH
OF JESUS'S MINISTRY - THE ... FEAST IN CANA OF GALILEE - THE MIRACLE THAT IS A ...
//christianbookshelf.org/edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/

The Four-Fold Gospel
... An Object in View. Part First. The Period of Christ's Life Prior to His Ministry. ...
XXII. Jesus Works His First Miracle at Cana in Galilee. XXIII. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/

Further Journeying About Galilee.
... If so, the second miracle at Cana explains the devotion of Joanna to Jesus. ... The
ministration of these women shows the poverty of Christ and his ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlvii further journeying about galilee.htm

The Marriage of Cana
... notable miracle which Christ performed, and thereby gave proof of his eternal power
and Godhead. "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the marriage of cana.htm

The First Sign --The Marriage in Cana.
... was nourished with Old Testament ideas, called Christ the Bridegroom ... Must not Jesus
also have thought of those who ... So that in His first miracle He no doubt saw ...
/.../v the first signthe marriage.htm