Jesus The Creator
John 2:1-11
Turning Water Into Wine
1. When did the miracles happen? On the seventh day.
Day 1: “The Pharisees question John the Baptist” (1:19-28).
Day 2: “The next day John saw Jesus coming” (1:29).
Day 3: “The next day John stood with two of his disciples” (1:35).
Day 4: “The day following . . . Jesus found Philip” (1:43).
Day 7: “On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee” (2:1).
2. What was Mary doing? She was a kitchen manager. “A wedding . . . and the mother of Jesus was there” (2:1). “His mother said to the servants” (2:5).
3. How many extra people did Jesus bring? Six. Jesus, Andrew, John, Peter, James, Philip, Nathaniel (Bartholomew).
4. What happens when the wine is gone? “They have no wine” (2:3).
5. Why did Mary tell Jesus about the wine?
? To go get some from the store.
? To take His new friends and leave.
? To offer religious exhortation (Calvin).
? To do a miracle.
? She knew Jesus could do something.
6. Why was Jesus abrupt with Mary? “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me?” (2:4).
? 30 is the age of independence.
? The term “woman” was respectful.
? She could not exercise authority over His Messianic work.
? “Don’t worry, leave things to me” -Barclay.
7. What did Jesus mean “My hour is not yet come” (2:4)?
? The guests had not finished their wine.
? Jesus wanted the host to ask Him.
? This is not the time to start miracles.
? Not big enough for Jesus’ introduction as miracle worker.
? “My hour” used as fulfillment of Messianic expectation.
8. Why did Jesus choose “rain barrels” to do miracles? “According to the manner of the purification of the Jew” (2:6).
? Symbols of inadequate Old Testament law.
? Six is the number of man.
9. How much wine did Jesus create? 120 to 180 gallons. “Containing twenty to thirty gallons apiece” (2:6).
? Jesus, creator of quantity.
? Jesus, creator of quality “best till last.”
10. When did the miracle happen? “Draw out now and take it to the master of the feast” (2:8).
? The word “draw” means serve.
? They had already “filled them up to the brim” (2:7).
? An aorist active imperative. Instant obedience.
11. Did Jesus create fermented wine?
? NO! “The Passover of the Jews was at hand” (2:13). At Passover Jews could not drink anything with leaven or have it in the house.
? Inappropriate at family celebration.
? The Old Testament prohibits strong drink (Prov. 23:32).
? Jesus created by life’s cycle, not rotten leaven.
12. Why did Jesus begin with a miracle that was “private” and “unnecessary” and “non-spectacular?”
? His stamp of approval on marriage and the family.
? Both Old Testament and New Testament begin with acts of creation and seven days.
? Jesus showed evangelism and education begins with home and family.
? Symbolically, the Old Testament laws were insufficient as contrasted with the abundance of Christianity.
? Wine the symbol of joy replaces the stern law.
? Jesus identified with common people and their activities.
? So, His disciples would believe. “This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him” (2:11).
13. What can we apply to our life from this miracle?
? Our first witness should be to our family.
? Family is very much involved in our faith.
? Jesus is concerned about my everyday activities.
? Jesus approves of our enjoying life.
? We should bring small problems to Jesus, not just big ones.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
