The First Miracle

Title: The First Miracle

Location: Cana of Galilee

Text: John 2:1-10

This morning I want to invite all of you to have a close look at Jesus' first miracle. It’s recorded in John 2:1-11. In the eleventh verse of this chapter it says, “This beginning of miracles did Jesus.” From this we know that this was His first miracle. We are told that He turned water into wine at a wedding in the city of Cana, in Galilee.

Most messages, based on this part of the scriptures, are mainly, and rightly so, focused on what Jesus did as a sign of His deity. That deserves much of our attention, but maybe this is not the whole story. Let’s move a little bit away from the focal point of the story to look at another person that was involved; Mary, Jesus’ mother. A glimpse of what Mary did is enough to be evidence for stating that there was good reason for her being respected throughout church history. As a Baptist, I am not intending to get in a debate about the supernatural aspects of Mary’s life. There’s a lot to say about Mary’s character as a sensible human being. So let’s have a down to earth look at what Mary did at the wedding in Galilee.

Let’s begin our study by reading verses 1 and 2. And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: and both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the Marriage.

Many Bible teachers believe that Mary was there because she was related to the bride, the groom or to one of the family members. This is superstition, but it could be true. The Lord Jesus and His disciples were also invited. It is usually said that the event being described took place in the year AD 30, probably in late February or early March. The location is in the city of Cana, in Galilee.

In verse 3, it says, And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.

I believe Mary was saying, “This is the time to perform a miracle.” This was a poor family. They just didn’t have enough refreshments to go around. It was very embarrassing for them to run out of wine. The point to be made here is this. When Mary became aware that there was a need at the wedding, she took steps to meet it. Once the need was met, it lead to a new revelation of who Jesus was, and thus the story came to its climax; and His disciples put their faith in Him. Verse 11, reads, “This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.”

This is Jesus first miracle. Moses first miracle was to turn water into blood. Jesus turned water into wine. Moses gave the law, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. What a contrast!

In verse 4, we read, Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? My hour is not yet come.

His hour did come. The resurrection proved that He was the Son of God and it also proved His virgin birth. That was important to Mary, because I am sure that she, at some point, told the disciples and others of the events that surrounded His birth. He was virgin born, but she could not prove it, until He rose from the dead, so until that occurred she lived in a shadow of doubt. Perhaps she thought that if He performed a miracle at the wedding, it would demonstrate who He was and help clear her name.

Then in verse 5, His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

This would be good advice for you and me. We should do what Jesus has commanded us to do through the word of God. Nothing would be wrong with that.

We read in verses 6 and 7, And there were set there six water pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the water pots with water. And they were filled up to the brim.

The water pots held 20-30 gallons. They were used in ceremonial cleansing, but this was a poor family so they were probably old and chipped. They may have been pushed to the side and covered in hopes that the guests would not notice them.

As we continue with the story, Jesus directs the servants, And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the govenor of the feast. And they bear it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew); the govenor of the feast called the bridegroom, and saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. (John 2:8-10)