Topical Bible: Marriage: Jesus Present At

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The presence of Jesus at a marriage ceremony is a significant event recorded in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of John. This event is often referred to as the Wedding at Cana, and it holds considerable theological and symbolic importance within Christian teachings.

Biblical Account

The account of Jesus attending a marriage is found in John 2:1-11. The passage describes a wedding in Cana of Galilee, where Jesus, His mother Mary, and His disciples were invited guests. This occasion is notable as it marks the first recorded miracle performed by Jesus, setting the stage for His public ministry.

The Miracle at Cana

During the wedding feast, the hosts encountered a predicament: they ran out of wine. Mary, aware of the situation, approached Jesus and informed Him of the shortage. Jesus initially responded, "Woman, why does this concern us? My hour has not yet come" (John 2:4). Despite this, Mary instructed the servants to do whatever Jesus told them.

Jesus then directed the servants to fill six stone water jars with water. Afterward, He instructed them to draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet. Upon tasting the water that had been turned into wine, the master of the banquet was astonished by its quality, remarking, "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

The presence of Jesus at the wedding in Cana is rich with theological implications. Firstly, it underscores the sanctity of marriage, as Jesus chose to perform His first miracle in this context. His attendance and miraculous intervention highlight the importance of marriage as a divine institution.

Moreover, the transformation of water into wine symbolizes the transformative power of Jesus' ministry. It signifies the new covenant and the abundance of grace that Jesus brings. The miracle also serves as a manifestation of Jesus' glory, leading His disciples to believe in Him, as noted in John 2:11: "This, the first of His signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him" .

Cultural and Social Context

In the cultural context of first-century Judea, weddings were significant social events, often lasting several days. The provision of wine was a crucial element of the celebration, symbolizing joy and festivity. Running out of wine would have been a social embarrassment for the hosts, making Jesus' miracle not only a demonstration of divine power but also an act of compassion and social grace.

Symbolism and Typology

The Wedding at Cana is often viewed as a typological foreshadowing of the eschatological wedding feast of the Lamb, as described in Revelation 19:7-9. This future event represents the ultimate union between Christ and His Church, the Bride. The abundance and quality of the wine at Cana prefigure the joy and fulfillment found in the eternal kingdom of God.

Conclusion

The account of Jesus present at a marriage in Cana is a profound narrative that encapsulates the essence of His mission and the nature of His kingdom. It affirms the value of marriage, reveals Jesus' divine authority, and points to the greater reality of His redemptive work.

Nave's Topical Index

John 2:1-5
And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Marriage of Cana
... our Lord's turning water into wine at a marriage feast ... I design, at present, by God's
help, to make some ... instructions; that you, by hearing how Jesus Christ has ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the marriage of cana.htm

The First Sign --The Marriage in Cana.
... the place where they first met Him to Cana of Galilee was a distance of twenty-one
or twenty-two miles.[9] Thither Jesus repaired to be present at a marriage. ...
/.../v the first signthe marriage.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John ii. 2, "And Jesus Also was Bidden ...
... On the words of the Gospel, John 2:2, "and Jesus also was ... And what did He at this
marriage? ... Let those who were present remember; yet I will briefly run over it ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxxiii on the words.htm

Jesus the Joy-Bringer
... seem to have been invited to the marriage feast later ... is the new relation between
Mary and Jesus, the lesson ... His power to help, even in the small present need. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/jesus the joy-bringer.htm

Marriage of the Blessed virgin to Joseph
... her and gave her strength to consent to her marriage. ... exchanging remembrances of
the wedding of Jesus' parents, at which they had been present in their ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/vii marriage of the blessed.htm

The Marriage Feast in Cana of Galilee - the Miracle that is a Sign ...
... in this light, what passed at the marriage in Cana ... not literally to apply to the
present company, and ... what impression it wrought; how long Jesus remained; what ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the marriage feast.htm

The Marriage of the Lamb.
... of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the ... The marriage of the Lamb
is at the epoch when "the ... of water by the word, that he might present it to ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the marriage of the lamb.htm

The Birth of Jesus the Messiah was on this Wise...
... In the time when his mother was given in marriage to Joseph ... at the time when his
parents brought in the child Jesus, that they might [36] present for him a ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section ii the birth of.htm

The Question as to the Resurrection. Ch. 20:27-40
... In his reply Jesus declared that in the resurrection life ... larger laws than are known
in this present age. ... Marriage, which is now necessary for a continuance of ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/e the question as to.htm

Parable of the Marriage Feast of the King's Son. (Matt. , xxii. ...
The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion. ... here represented under the
figure of a marriage feast given ... a time when he shall no more be present on the ...
/.../section 255 parable of the.htm