At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus, His mother Mary, and His disciples were invited to a wedding in Cana. Its possible that Mary was related to the bride or groom. She had four boys and at least 3 daughters after Jesus, so it might be one of them, likely a daughter, was getting married. (Matthew 13:54-58) This would explain Mary’s concern with the wine, and the invitations to both Jesus and His disciples. And might also provide additional motivation for why Jesus turns water into wine.
Cana was approximately 5 miles North of their home in Nazareth. During the wedding celebration, Mary discovered that the couple had run out of wine. This could have been a very embarrassing moment at the start of their lives. But God knows what we need before we even ask. (Matthew 6:7-8) And Jesus already knew what to do. All He needed was someone who had faith in Him. It was there in Cana, in the midst of the celebration, Jesus turns water into wine. You can find the Biblical account of this Miracle in John 2:1-11.
ON THE third day there was a wedding at Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.
2 Jesus also was invited with His disciples to the wedding.
John 2:1-2 AMP
Our story begins on the third day of the week, when most Jewish weddings were held because of God’s double blessing in the Genesis account of creation. In Genesis 1:9, God separates the land from the water and saw that it was Good. This is repeated on the same day a second time after creating all the plants and trees. Again He, saw that it was Good. It was because of this double Blessing, that Jewish wedding celebrations often started on the 3rd Day of the week, or our Tuesday.
God Himself lay the foundation for marriage by forming a woman, Eve, for Adam, acknowledging that it is not good for man to be alone. (Genesis 2:18) And declaring that He would make a helper for him. The two would be united and become one flesh. (Genesis 2:24) Marriage is also a picture of Jesus and His Church. (Ephesians 5:20-33) And is symbolic of the End Times, especially the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. (Revelation 19:6-10) The many customs associated with Jewish weddings will help you understand some prophetic passages.
Jesus was 30 years old at the start of His ministry. He had called a handful of disciples, but had not done any public healings, or given any signs, according to John’s account. There were many things Jesus would do in the coming months, but for now, it was a time just to fellowship with friends and family at this happy occasion.
The marriage celebration would usually last 7 days. If it was a large guest list, that would mean quite a lot of food and wine might be consumed. Running out of either would be terribly embarrassing for both the couple and their families. It is for this reason some have assumed that Mary might have been related or involved, as she noticed the problem. She immediately went to Jesus and told Him, “They have no more of wine!” (John 2:3) The wedding was at the start of Jesus’ ministry, so nobody really knew what He might do, or if He would do anything. But Mary knew if someone could do something, it would be Jesus.
Jesus used “woman” with every adult female He met. Its similar to Lady or Ma’am in modern language. Its a very respectful title. Jesus never calls Mary “mother” because she did not create Him. He existed with the Father from the beginning. (John 1:1-5, 17:1-26, Philippians 2:5-11) She was his mother by FAITH, not flesh – as it was the WORD that she believed, that was then conceived in her. So she could give birth, and yet remain a virgin. And more importantly, Mary had to see Jesus like everyone else, a Savior, not a son.
Some have seen Jesus’ words as a rebuke. I see it differently, considering His later interactions. It was true that it was not His time. But that was not truly the barrier. The challenge was that Mary brought the PROBLEM to Him. Jesus needs our faith to bring Him on the scene. This can be confirmed by her very actions. She does not argue with him, or beg. She simply believes that Jesus will take care of it, and releases her faith.
3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. 4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. 5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
John 2:3-5 KJV
Mary instructed the servants to do whatever Jesus commanded. She didn’t try to figure it out, or make recommendations, she simply gave the problem to Jesus, and released her faith that He would provide a solution. Notice that after her statement to the servants, Jesus said nothing else to Mary. He instantly turned His attention to correcting the problem.
At a key point in her life, when Gabriel the angel announced that she was going to give birth to Jesus, Mary heard the Word, believed it, and confessed, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” This statement demonstrates how to respond to Jesus, and His Word. She told the servants at the wedding, “Do whatever He tells you!” These two statements together are a powerful reminder for all Believers. Agree with God’s Word. Believe it. And do whatever Jesus says. Make Him your Savior AND Lord of your life.
6 Now there were six waterpots of stone standing there, as the Jewish custom of purification (ceremonial washing) demanded, holding twenty to thirty gallons apiece.
7 Jesus said to them, Fill the waterpots with water. So they filled them up to the brim.
John 2:6-7 AMP
Six in Scripture represents the best man can do without God. It falls short of God’s Spiritual Perfection (7). Man was created on the 6th day, and then God rested on the 7th. This represents our time on earth – 6,000 years, and then a final year (1,000 years) of rest with the Lord. In this particular sign, the water pots were used for ritual cleansing. Jews took great care to follow many laws on washing themselves and the utensils they used. But this did nothing to cleanse the inside. Now that Jesus was on the scene, things were changing. (Isaiah 1:1-31, Luke 4:14-21, John 15:1-17)
Many have attempted to estimate the quantity of water the pots could hold. It seems they were of varying sizes, which makes that process even more challenging. The pots contained between 2-3 firkins (G3355) – which was equal to about 9 gallons. This meant that each pot held 18-27 gallons, for a total of 108 to 162 gallons. Even at the low end, that would represent over 1,700 servings (8 oz.) from these six pots. This would be more than enough for the celebration, plus a very generous gift to the married couple. Get to know God and He will make sure your cup always runs over, and you shall not want any good thing. (Psalm 23:1-6, John 10:10, 2 Corinthians 9:6-12)
Jesus instructed the servants to fill the pots with water. They immediately did what they were told. They did not argue, or question how getting water solved the wine shortage. They simply did what Jesus instructed. They are humans, so they likely had some doubt. Maybe even laughed about the silliness of filling pots with water. They may have rationalized that their effort might mean less work for them in the future. However, the pots were filled as requested.
8 Then He said to them, Draw some out now and take it to the manager of the feast [to the one presiding, the superintendent of the banquet]. So they took him some.
9 And when the manager tasted the water just now turned into wine, not knowing where it came from—though the servants who had drawn the water knew—he called the bridegroom
John 2:8-9 AMP
Once the pots were full of water, Jesus instructed the servants to take the wine to the chief steward to inspect before serving. The servants never hesitated. They knew they poured water into the pots, but when they withdrew some, it was wine. People have debated about when the water changed, and if it changed in every pot. God is not stingy, and does not play games. Don’t make it too hard, or overthink it. This is the Creator. Changing some water into wine is quite minor compared to creating and filling the Earth. All things are possible if you believe. (Mark 9:23) And Mary by her faith, ordering the servants to do what Jesus says. And the servants in their quick obedience, made sure that everything was quickly done according to Jesus’ words.
I think its appropriate to acknowledge the role of the servants in this Sign. They quickly did exactly what Jesus asked without questions or any spoken doubt. They likely did not expect the change of fluid in the pots. And when Jesus told them to draw out some WINE, and take it to the manager, if they were going to rebel, that was the right moment. But they were obedient, and when they poured the liquid out, it was now wine. In fact, it likely took some faith in Jesus words to draw out wine, when they KNEW they had just filled the jars with water.
10 And said to him, Everyone else serves his best wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then he serves that which is not so good; but you have kept back the good wine until now!
John 2:10 AMP
Consider all the Bible heroes, and what they endured to get the final victory. Joseph was abandoned by his family, sold into slavery, then accused of adultery and tossed into prison to be forgotten. But he did not forget God, or the promises God made to him. Everyone else gave up on Joseph, except God, who took all those awful and demonic attacks and used them to position Joseph where he could save his family, and the entire world. There was a moment he was a slave in prison. And just one day later, Joseph was the 2nd most powerful man in the world, just behind Pharaoh. (Genesis 37 – 50)
In the 4th chapter of John, the author writes that Jesus HAD to travel through Samaria. He had a divine appointment with a woman. It was at Jacob’s well, near Sychar, while Jesus sat alone. He sent his disciples into the village to buy food. It was then a woman came to draw water. Jesus asked for a drink, a very strange request from a Jew to a Samaritan. From these small beginnings, Jesus revealed much about the woman. She had been married multiple times, and was now living with one that was not her husband. Immediately, religious folks want to assume she was a harlot, or some truly evil woman, but that was not how Jesus reacted. He commended her honesty for saying she did not have a husband.
Instead of running away ashamed by her past, she realized she was in the presence of a prophet, so she wanted to discuss religion – specifically the differences between Jewish and Samaritan worship, and why the division. Jesus raised her expectations to consider a higher Revelation – God was a Spirit. And we must worship in spiritual Truth, or in a TRULY SPIRITUAL manner. It was then something miraculous happened. The woman believed the Messiah was coming, and He would explain everything. Faith like that gets rewarded, so Jesus did what He rarely did, admitted that He was the Messiah. And the woman believed! And based on that Revelation, she brought her whole village to Jesus. So much for religious folks who want to keep women, even “notorious ones” silent. (John 4:1-43)
Just two quick examples of how God can save the best for last. Stick with God. Never stop believing. He can transform your life literally with just a Word. The wedding at Cana was at the edge of catastrophe, and then Jesus stepped in at the last moment. He took what would have been a disaster, and transformed it into a glorious moment. And rather than claim the Glory for Himself, Jesus was perfectly content to let the chief steward praise the bride and groom. It was their day, they got the Glory.
At the end of time there will be a Marriage Supper of the Lamb. The Bridegroom is responsible for the wine at this event. Referring to this event,- Jesus told His disciples, “I will not drink from the fruit of the vine again until that Day when I shall drink it new with you in My Father’s Kingdom.” (Matthew 26:29) At the end of all things, we will see Jesus’ VERY BEST. We get a preview of life with Jesus here on Earth, filled with the Holy Spirit, with Jesus the Head of the Body of Christ. Jesus came to give us LIFE, in abundance, to the FULL, till it OVERFLOWS. Expect it, and RECEIVE this from your Heavenly Father.
11 This, the first of His signs (miracles, wonderworks), Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory [by it He displayed His greatness and His power openly], and His disciples believed in Him [adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Him].
John 2:11 AMP
Each Disciple had their own unique reason for following Jesus. Some were called directly by Jesus. Two heard the testimony of John the Baptist and followed Jesus. (John 1:34-39) One was brought to Jesus by his brother. (John 1:40-42) Yet another was led to Jesus by a friend, and was moved by Jesus’ spiritual knowledge of him, and his prayer life. (John 1:43-51) Jesus met them at their level, yet promised them that they would see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man. (John 1:51) That was bold words coming from a relatively unknown, itinerant teacher in an obscure village on the edge of the Roman Empire. They heard His Words and saw Him in action. They witnessed His power and Glory while on Earth, the fulfillment of prophecy in front of their eyes, the utter domination of demonic forces, and even heard the voice of God Himself proclaim, This is My beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased. (2 Peter 1:17) In light of all Jesus accomplished, Jesus turning water into wine seems almost insignificant. But it was the first SIGN. It was just a preview of what was to come.
If there were any doubts about Jesus from these first disciples, this experience likely shut those down. There was no denying that a great miracle had occurred, although it was done somewhat quietly, with only a handful of folks who knew what really happened. The disciples grew up with all the great miraculous stories – God providing water from a rock, manna from Heaven, Elisha and the widow’s oil. (Exodus 16:1-36, 17:1-7, 2 Kings 4:1-7) And now they were seeing even greater things with Jesus in their midst.
Some religious folks assume that Mary has some special control over Jesus. No. Jesus existed long before Mary, and as stated above, she was His mother by faith, not by flesh. No place in Scripture will you see Jesus address Mary as Mother. He always uses, “Woman” – a term of respect he uses towards all women. And if you read John 2 carefully, you will notice Mary never addressed Jesus a second time. She understood that she brought the problem to Jesus, not her faith. When she told the servants to do what Jesus told them, she released her faith and allowed Jesus to provide a solution. Believers need to appreciate what Mary accomplished. Learn from her life, especially when she said of Jesus, Do whatever He tells you to do. But Jesus is THE STAR of this story, He is the LIVING WORD. If you find yourself thinking Mary deserves more praise, or to be celebrated, or even worshiped, consider Jesus’ own words. A woman in the midst of a crowd called out, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the breasts which thou didst suck. This is the ideal moment for Jesus to lay out for Believers when, why, and how to worship Mary. Instead, Jesus replies, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. (Luke 11:27-28)
Later in His ministry, Mary and her other children tried to undermine Jesus’ work. While He was teaching, He was told that they were outside and wanted to see Him. It was then that He said, My mother and My brothers are those who listen to the Word of God and do it! (Luke 8:21) It was a mild rebuke, but one some of us need at times. There is an equality in the Body of Christ. And Jesus takes attacks against His Body personally, as Saul (later Paul) found out the hard way. (Acts 9:1-19) Jesus would later say, If My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. (John 15:7) That is a wonderful promise for EVERY Believer. Any person who BELIEVES can be assured that they are a child of God, that they are MADE ALIVE IN, COMPLETE IN, and ONE IN CHRIST, and joint-heirs with Jesus. (Romans 8:10-17, Galatians 3:26-29, Ephesians 2:1-10) No matter what title one has, or position they occupy, the Body of Christ operates differently than the world. Jesus told His followers, The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’ “But not so with you, but let him who is the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as the servant. (Matthew 18:1-5, 20:25–26, 23:1–39, Mark 9:33–42, 10:35–45, Luke 14:7–11, 22:24–30)
A Body is the perfect symbol of the Church. The Head of course is Jesus. And while many religious folks like to dress up in fancy costumes and call themselves the head of the Body, they are not. There is only ONE HEAD – JESUS. There are MANY parts. And God places each person into the Body as it pleases HIM. So we can be confident that if we allow God to do His job, everyone will have their proper place and purpose. (1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Colossians 1:9-23)
E. W. Bullinger points out the frequent use of Signs (G4592) often translated miracle(s) by mistake. It appears 17 times in the 4th Gospel, but is rendered SIGN only 4 times. It is important, as John records exactly 8 signs, enumerating them in such a way that they naturally have a connection. The first, turning water into wine, with the 8th, or last Sign – The 2nd Miraculous Catch of Fish. (John 21:1-14) The 2nd Sign with the 7th, 3rd with the 6th, and the 4th with the 5th.
In the first sign, Jesus manifested His Glory. (John 2:11) In the latter, He manifested Himself. (John 21:14) In the first, they had no wine. And in the 8th, they had no meat, even after toiling all night. Jesus is the source for both. The water pots for purification demonstrate the futility of religion, as they could not change the inner man. The interactions in Chapter 3 with Nicodemus, and Chapter 4 with the woman at the well reinforce the need for a Spiritual rebirth, and to worship God in spiritual Truth! And in the last, Jesus makes it clear to Love Him above the world, and follow Him. In the 20th chapter, John would write:
30 There are also many other signs and miracles which Jesus performed in the presence of the disciples which are not written in this book. 31 But these are written (recorded) in order that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of God, and that through believing and cleaving to and trusting and relying upon Him you may have life through (in) His name [through Who He is]. John 20:30-31 AMP
If you have a need, no matter how big or small, give it to Jesus. But do it in faith, believing that He will do what He says He will do. Find Scriptures relevant to your situation to build your faith. If your request is something the Bible does not cover, you can still rely on His more general promises – especially Mark 11:12-26, Luke 11:9-13, John 14:1-14, 15:1-17.
Jesus changes water into wine – John 2:1-12
Children’s Bible Stories – Scriptures and Adaptations on Wedding at Cana story
The Wedding In Cana – Jesus’ First Miracle – A short version of the water to wine story.
Children’s Stories – Original Fiction Based on the Water Into Wine Story
Murple the Purple Flurple’s Adventure In Cana – The Wedding in Cana story through the eyes of a Flurple.
Children’s Activities, Crafts, Coloring Pages, Music & Poetry for the Water Into Wine Miracle
Jesus Turns Water Into Wine – Coloring page and activity pages on Jesus’ first miracle
Water To Wine – A coloring page
Jesus Turns Water Into Wine – A fun coloring page featuring the servant and the wine steward
Water Into Wine Miracle – A crossword puzzle based on the water to wine story
Jesus Turns Water Into Wine – A fill in the blanks quiz based on the wedding feast at Cana miracle
Water Into Wine – Match words with the correct statement and learn about the first miracle of Jesus
Jesus Turns Water Into Wine – Multiple choice quiz to teach the water into wine story
Wedding At Cana – Word search for terms related to the water to wine miracle
From Water Into Wine – Study questions for John 2
Water Into Wine – A coloring page from Children’s Chapel
Water Into Wine – A coloring page of the wedding feast miracle
Water into Wine – A song based upon the water to wine miracle.
Children’s Sermons & Lessons on the Wedding at Cana Miracle
Saving The Best For Last – Group activities based on the water to wine miracle
Miracle In Cana – A children’s lesson from John 2:1-11
Devotions, Discussions & Sermons and Other Resources About Jesus Turning Water To Wine
Jesus Goes To A Wedding – More links for the water to wine story
The First Sign: Jesus Turns Water Into Wine – A lengthy article by Bob Deffinbaugh
Why Did You Come To Me? My Time Has Not Yet Come – A post on Jesus and Women – scroll down for module on the water to wine miracle
Why Did Jesus Turn Water to Wine? – A good summary of the meanings behind Jesus’ first sign
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Water Into Wine (Part One) – A Bible study based on John 2
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Water Into Wine (Part Two) – A Bible study based on John 2
Miracle of Jesus at Cana Wedding – A Bible study based on the water to wine miracle
The Wedding at Cana – The story behind the painting by the Italian painter Paolo Veronese
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Suggested Search Terms: Jesus, Miracles of Jesus, Wedding Feast at Cana, Gospel of John, Mary, Water Into Wine, John 2
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