John 2:1-12 | What's happening (and who's involved)?

This section highlights a very important moment in Jesus' ministry as it marks the beginning of His earthly ministry. It takes place at at wedding banquet. Typically, in those days, wedding feasts would go on for about seven days. It was an essential thing for the hosts of the feast to ensure that all provisions were taken care of. There had to be plenty of food and there certainly had to be enough wine. If any of these things would run out, it would bare shame on the bridegroom and the bride for years to come.

As the narrative takes off, we see the worst come to pass in that regard. They had run out of wine. Mary, the mother of Jesus, approaches Jesus concerning this matter. The response that Jesus gives is not as abrupt as we may read in our modern culture, but it still always gives me a little bit of a chuckle.

“Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come."
-John 2:4

I would not recommend using this on your mother or wife. It does not go over well.

In any case, the passage highlights an important moment here. Jesus is recognizing that His hour has not yet come. Nevertheless, He goes to the servants that Mary addresses and gives instructions to fill the waterpots that were used for Jewish purification with water. He then commands them to draw the water out and and bring it to the master of the feast who receives it gladly, highlighting that the good wine was now brought out.

The account here recognizes that the master was unaware of what took place, but the servants, along with Jesus' disciples, took note of the miracle that took place. This is the account that marks the beginning of the ministry of Jesus. From this point moving forward, we will continue to see how Jesus is set apart and the incredible workings that He works.

A few notable moments within this passage still stands out to me as I am reading through the passage. The first is that this miracle demonstrates the grace and mercy of Jesus. The shame of not having enough wine would have fallen on the bridegroom, but as Mary approaches Jesus, even against His own preference (so it seems), Jesus works a miracle that not only covers the shame of the couple, but exalts them. It was recognized that they held out on the best wine.

Another matter that stands out is the faith of Mary. When this detrimental moment took place, Mary went to her eldest son to help address the situation. Understanding that this would be in good hands, she tells the servants simply to do whatever Jesus says. She trusted that Jesus would work this together for the good of this couple. And indeed He did.

One final matter that captures my attention is what Jesus made the wine from. He used the waterpots of stone for the Jewish purification rituals. In short, it was with "holy water" that Jesus made this wine. This naturally would not have sat well with the Jewish leaders of the day, but Jesus highlights something important here. That which He cleanses with is better than the old. This theme will continue to play out in the book of John.

What observations are you making through this passage?