Topical Bible: Water: Changed to Wine

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The miracle of Jesus turning water into wine is one of the most well-known events in the New Testament, recorded exclusively in the Gospel of John. This event marks the first of Jesus' public miracles and serves as a significant demonstration of His divine authority and glory. The account is found in John 2:1-11.

Context and Setting

The miracle took place in Cana of Galilee during a wedding feast. Weddings in Jewish culture were significant social events, often lasting several days. Running out of wine at such a celebration would have been a major social faux pas, reflecting poorly on the host's hospitality. The presence of Jesus, His mother Mary, and His disciples at the wedding underscores the importance of community and fellowship in His ministry.

The Miracle

When the wine ran out, Mary, the mother of Jesus, informed Him of the situation. Jesus' initial response, "Woman, why does this concern us? My hour has not yet come" (John 2:4), indicates a distinction between His earthly relationships and His divine mission. Despite this, Mary instructed the servants, "Do whatever He tells you" (John 2:5), demonstrating her faith in His ability to address the problem.

Jesus instructed the servants to fill six stone water jars, each holding twenty to thirty gallons, with water. After filling them to the brim, He told 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, noting that the best wine had been saved for last (John 2:9-10).

Theological Significance

This miracle is rich in theological symbolism. The transformation of water into wine signifies the inauguration of the new covenant, where Jesus brings fulfillment and abundance, surpassing the old covenant's rituals and limitations. The use of stone jars, typically used for Jewish purification rites, further emphasizes the transition from the old to the new.

The miracle also reveals Jesus' glory and divine nature, as stated in John 2:11, "This, the first of His signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and He manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him" . The disciples' belief following this miracle highlights the role of signs in affirming Jesus' identity as the Messiah and Son of God.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In the cultural context of first-century Judea, wine was a staple at celebrations, symbolizing joy and blessing. The abundance and quality of the wine Jesus provided would have been seen as a sign of divine favor and generosity. This miracle, therefore, not only met a practical need but also conveyed a deeper spiritual truth about the kingdom of God.

Interpretations and Reflections

Throughout Christian history, this miracle has been interpreted as a testament to Jesus' compassion and His willingness to intervene in human affairs. It also serves as a reminder of the transformative power of Christ, who can bring about change and renewal in the lives of believers. The event encourages Christians to trust in Jesus' provision and timing, even when circumstances seem dire.

The miracle at Cana continues to inspire and challenge believers to recognize the presence and power of Jesus in their daily lives, inviting them to experience the joy and abundance that comes from a relationship with Him.

Nave's Topical Index

John 2:1-11
And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Whether Water Should be Added in Great Quantity?
... Miss.) says, the more probable opinion is that which holds that the water
is changed into wine, and the wine into blood. Now, this ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether water should be added.htm

Whether Christ Began to Work Miracles when He Changed Water into ...
... OF THE MIRACLES WORKED BY CHRIST, IN GENERAL (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether Christ began
to work miracles when He changed water into wine at the marriage feast? ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ began to work.htm

Whether Plain Water is Necessary for Baptism?
... and this is when by a natural process water enters into the substance of a mixed
body: thus water changed into the juice of the grape is wine, wherefore it has ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether plain water is necessary.htm

The Change of Water into Wine. --Character and Import of The
... But we are not justified in inferring that the water was changed into manufactured
wine; but that, by his direct agency, he imparted to it powers capable of ...
/.../section 116 the change of.htm

The First Miracle.
... For as what the servants put in the water-pots was changed into wine by the operation
of the Lord, just so what the clouds pour forth is changed into wine by ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the first miracle.htm

Jesus the Joy-Bringer
... The 'water' of our ordinary lives is changed into 'wine.' Jesus became 'acquainted
with grief' in order that He might impart to every believing and willing ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/jesus the joy-bringer.htm

The First Miracle in Cana --The Water Made Wine
... no wine."' The world's banquet runs out, Christ supplies an infinite gift. These
great water-pots that stood there, if the whole contents of them were changed, ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the first miracle in canathe.htm

S. Cyril's Writings.
... in the sky:" (2) "The Homily on the Paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda:" and (3)
Fragments of Sermons on the Miracle of the water changed into wine, and on John ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/chapter xi s cyrils writings.htm

Do Then the Bread and Wine Become the Very Body and Blood of ...
... Do then the bread and wine become the very body and blood of Christ? Not at all:
[228] but as the water in baptism is not changed into the blood of Christ ...
/.../various/the heidelberg catechism /question 78 do then the.htm

Verse 1. Let Him Kiss Me with the Kisses of his Mouth.
... It is as when a drop of water is let fall into a cup of wine; it loses its own
appropriate form and character, and is apparently changed into wine; but its ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/verse 1 let him kiss.htm