Page 56 - Advanced Life of Christ - Student Textbook

(John 1:43). Although He had never performed a miracle in public, it was time to demonstrate who He
was.

Why would Jesus choose the wedding of Cana for His first miracle?

It seems that Jesus’ family had close connections to the event in Cana. The fact that Jesus’ mother,
Mary, is concerned with the lack of wine (John 2:3) suggests that she was involved in the planning and
organization of the wedding. The fact that after the wedding Jesus’ brothers travel with Him to
Capernaum (John 2:13) indicates that Jesus’ whole family was present for the wedding. Could the
wedding have been that of a relative of Jesus or a family friend? It is quite possible. Such a connection
would explain Jesus’ presence at the wedding but not His decision to perform His first miracle there.

One consideration is that of honor. In those days, family honor was of vital importance. Weddings
usually lasted for seven days, during which time food and wine supplied by the bride’s and groom’s
families flowed freely. To run out of either implied a thoughtless or impoverished host. Running out of
wine would bring dishonor upon the family name. As a personal favor, Mary turned to her divine Son for
help. Her family was about to be shamed in the community, and she knew her Son could do something
about it. She came to Jesus and asked him to do something to help, and He tells the servants to fill six
jars with water (about 20 gallons each) and take it to the director of the feast. The director of the
wedding tastes what is given to him and is astonished at the fine quality of the wine.

It is interesting that the quality of wine He supplied was superior to anything that had been served thus
far (John 2:10). The quality of the wine stunned the host. The miracle made a strong impression on
Jesus’ new disciples, Peter, Andrew, Philip and Nathanael. He was teaching them from the start that He
could take care of them (Isaiah 46:4; Matthew 6:8). Jesus was not ready to openly reveal who He was,
except to these men and perhaps His mother. He turned the water into wine to prove His real nature to
them. The ultimate purpose of the miracle was to reveal His Glory, with the result that those who
accompanied Him would have faith in Him.

Jesus’ creation of wine may be significant, prophetically. Jeremiah had foretold that in the Messianic age
“they will rejoice in the bounty of the LORD—the grain, the new wine . . .” (Jeremiah 31:12). Amos said
that Israel “will plant vineyards and drink their wine” (Amos 9:14). The association of the Messiah with a
time of plenty—including freely flowing wine—makes Jesus’ first miraculous sign all the more
meaningful.

The fact that the miracle was performed at a wedding is also significant. By His attendance, Jesus places
His stamp of approval on the marriage covenant, and with His miracle He shows from whence the
blessings in a marriage spring. The love and joy inherent in a wedding ceremony are also characteristic
of the ministry of Christ, who came into this world because of love (John 3:16) and brought joy to all
who believe (Luke 2:10). Also, Jesus may have chosen this family situation to perform this miracle
because it is something everyone in every culture can relate to. An ordinary setting became the
showcase for His supernatural power. Perhaps that is another lesson He wants us to learn from it. He
wants to do something supernatural in the everyday events of our lives, as well.
(https://www.gotquestions.org/wedding-at-Cana.html)

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