Topical Encyclopedia The miracle of turning water into wine is one of the most well-known and significant miracles performed by Jesus Christ, as recorded in the New Testament. This event is detailed in the Gospel of John and marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, showcasing His divine authority and power over the natural elements.Biblical Account The miracle took place at a wedding in Cana of Galilee, as described in John 2:1-11. Jesus, along with His mother Mary and His disciples, was invited to the wedding. During the celebration, the hosts ran out of wine, a situation that could have caused embarrassment and social disgrace. Mary, aware of the situation, approached Jesus and informed Him, saying, "They have no more wine" (John 2:3). Jesus responded to His mother, "Woman, why does this concern us? My hour has not yet come" (John 2:4). Despite this, Mary instructed the servants, "Do whatever He tells you" (John 2:5), demonstrating her faith in Jesus' ability to address the problem. Jesus then instructed the servants to fill six stone water jars, each holding twenty to thirty gallons, with water. After they filled the jars to the brim, He told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet" (John 2:8). When the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine, he was astonished by its quality, remarking 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 significant for several reasons. Firstly, it is the first recorded miracle of Jesus, marking the commencement of His public ministry and revealing His glory to His disciples, who believed in Him as a result (John 2:11). The transformation of water into wine symbolizes the transformative power of Christ, who brings new life and joy, much like the new wine that was superior to what had been served before. Secondly, the miracle underscores Jesus' authority over creation. By turning water into wine, Jesus demonstrated His divine power to alter the natural order, affirming His identity as the Son of God. This act of creation echoes the creative power of God in Genesis, where God spoke the world into existence. Lastly, the setting of a wedding feast is significant in biblical symbolism. Weddings often represent the relationship between God and His people, and the abundance of fine wine at the wedding in Cana foreshadows the Messianic banquet and the joy of the Kingdom of God. This miracle, therefore, points to the future fulfillment of God's promises and the ultimate celebration of the union between Christ and His Church. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the miracle at Cana highlights the importance of faith and obedience. Mary's faith in Jesus' ability to resolve the situation and her instruction to the servants to obey His commands serve as a model for believers. The servants' obedience, despite the seemingly mundane task of filling jars with water, resulted in witnessing a miraculous transformation. Furthermore, this miracle illustrates the concept of divine timing. Jesus' initial response to Mary, "My hour has not yet come," suggests a divine timetable for His actions and the unfolding of His mission. This theme of timing recurs throughout the Gospel of John, culminating in the "hour" of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. In summary, the miracle of turning water into wine at Cana is a profound demonstration of Jesus' divine authority, His transformative power, and the joy and abundance found in the Kingdom of God. It serves as a testament to the faith and obedience required of believers and the divine timing inherent in God's plan. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 2:7-9Jesus said to them, Fill the water pots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Jesus the Joy-Bringer The Waterpots at Cana Authenticity and Credibility of the Gospel Narratives. The Season of Epiphany. Miracles Granted to the Prayer of Friends. The Marriage Feast in Cana of Galilee - the Miracle that is a Sign ... The Conversion of the Jailor of Philippi. The Nobleman's Son. The Touch of Faith and the Touch of Christ Our First Proposition Was, that There is Satisfactory Evidence ... Resources Did Jesus change the water into wine or grape juice? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the meaning of Jesus walking on water? | GotQuestions.org Do the news reports of rivers turning blood red have anything to do with the end times? | GotQuestions.org Water: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Water in Times of Scarcity, Sold at an Enormous Price Water of Bitterness or of Jealousy Water of Separation or of Uncleanness Water of the Gifts and Graces of the Holy Spirit Water was Used by Jews for Culinary Purposes Water was Used by Jews for Legal Purification Water was Used by Jews for Washing the Person Water was Used by Jews: As Their Principal Beverage Water: (Covering the Sea) of the General Diffusion of The Water: (Deep) of Counsel in the Heart Water: (Deep) of Severe Affliction Water: (Deep) of the Words of the Wise Water: (Difficulty of Stopping) of Strife and Contention Water: (Its Instability) of a Wavering Disposition Water: (Its Weakness) of Faintness and Cowardice Water: (Many) of a Variety of Afflictions Water: (Many) of Different Nations and People Water: (Noise of Many) of the Word of Christ Water: (Poured Out) Faintness by Terror Water: (Poured Out) the Wrath of God Water: (Pouring, out of Buckets) a Numerous Progeny Water: (Rapidly Flowing Away) the Career of the Wicked Water: (Spilled on the Ground) Death Water: (Still) the Ordinances of the Gospel Water: Artificial Mode of Conveying, Into Large Cities Water: Collected in The Clouds Water: Covered the Whole Earth Water: Drops from the Clouds in Rain Water: Frequently Brackish and Unfit for Use Water: God Originally: Collected Into One Place Water: God Originally: Created Fowls and Fishes From Water: God Originally: Created the Firmament to Divide Water: Kept for Purification in Large Waterpots Water: Miracles Connected With: Brought from the Jaw-Bone of an Ass Water: Miracles Connected With: Brought from the Rock Water: Miracles Connected With: Consumed by Fire from Heaven Water: Miracles Connected With: Divided and Made to Stand on Heap Water: Miracles Connected With: Healing Powers Communicated To Water: Miracles Connected With: Iron Made to Swim In Water: Miracles Connected With: Our Lord Walking On Water: Miracles Connected With: Trenches Filled With Water: Miracles Connected With: Turned Into Blood Water: Miracles Connected With: Turned Into Wine Water: Miraculously Supplied: To Jehoshaphat's Army Water: Miraculously Supplied: To Samson Water: Miraculously Supplied: To the Israelites Water: Necessary to the Comfort and Happiness of Man Water: Necessary to Vegetation Water: One of the Elements of the World Water: Rises in Vapour to the Clouds Water: some Plants Particularly Require Water: The Want of, Considered a Great Calamity Water: The World and Its Inhabitants Once Destroyed By Water: The World not to be Again Destroyed By Water: Wearing the Hardest Substances Related Terms Water-springs (12 Occurrences) |