Chapter two of the book of John starts on the third day after Jesus’ baptism by John the baptist. The Holy Spirit was seen descending and remaining on him (1:32) and he has gathered disciples (1:35-51). Now on the third day after his immersion into water, he revealed his glory to his mother, disciples, and many oblivious guests. Chapter 2 verses 1-11 can be taken as a historical account of the first miraculous sign performed by the man Jesus. However, when reading the scriptures, it is important to remember that Jesus is a man of purpose and plan. In this gospel account, John reveals the history of Jesus as well as allowing readers to see that even small details can have great significance. Jesus’ character and identity is revealed through the obvious miracle, but his purpose and plan are shared through the interactions he has with individuals as well as the detail in setting.
Here is an overview of this first miraculous sign: Jesus, along with his mother and disciples are at a wedding (1). At some point of the celebration they ran out of wine (2). Jesus’ mother wants him to do something about it so she tells the servants to do whatever he says (3). Jesus tells the servants to fill six jars (4) with water. When the servants draw the water out it has turned to wine (5). Then the master of the banquet tells the bridegroom that, unlike most others, he has saved the best until last (6).
(1) The setting of this first miracle may very well be of no true significance. While I may be reading into text too much, I can’t help but think of the connotations of a wedding. This is a celebratory time. Two people have been brought together and united. A man and woman are making vows and a bond to last through time. A man is declaring to love her and provide for and protect his bride, while she is declaring to love him in return and respect and honor him. Many times in scripture, Christ is seen as the bridegroom while the church is his bride. What a great place for the first miracle of Christ- a party celebrating what Christ came to do- unite (himself to his church!)
(2) When Christ and his disciples are having the Last Supper, he tells them to drink the wine, which is his blood. Sure this is a party and there would be wine at such an occasion, but again I think about the symbol of wine. The people were having a good time and kept on drinking this mediocre wine. Then, it runs out. It can’t suffice…much like the animal sacrifices (blood/wine connection) used for centuries. The time came for this kind of wine to run out.
(3) Here is an excellent example of faith in action. She believes that her son can do something about this wine issue. There are so many other options of things she could have done, but she goes to Jesus and tells him about the problem knowing he can take care of it. She then acts upon her belief by telling the servants to do whatever he says. She knows that if they were to just listen, trust, and obey him, he would provide the wine for this celebration.
(4) I’ve found that numbers in the bible are more often than not significant and hold meaning. Here there are 6 jars that are to be filled with water. 6 represents incompletion/imperfection. It makes me think that the imperfection of man is being emphasized here, especially with the type of jars they are. These jars are not just any regular jars. They were some huge jars that were used in ceremonies of purification. What purifies all men? Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and resurrection, only his blood purifies man.
(5) So here it is, the first revelation of Jesus’ power. The servants draw the water out and it is wine! Jesus can do what is impossible for man to do. Jesus is faithful and he provides.
(6) So the man that puts all of this wedding celebration together, the one in charge of all of details, who would know his stuff, confesses that Jesus’ wine is the best. All of this time they’ve been drinking the so-so stuff, what we know as box wine. And perhaps, this wasn’t even so-so to them. Perhaps this is the best wine that people could come up with at that time. But even so, Jesus’ is better. He doesn’t serve box wine.
The other wine ran out and the best, most fulfilling wine is given by Jesus, straight from the purification jars, on the third day after his start of ministry!
The previous text is simply my thoughts from a close reading. I am studying John with my team and coordinator here in Italy and would like to post thoughts on some interesting things that come up. I will most likely not write from a mere historical perspective, but will look into small details to see just how amazing Christ is, with his plan that has been in place since the beginning.
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