Water To Wine

In this text, Jesus turns In this text, Jesus turns water to wine!water to wine!

““On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee,

and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to

the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the

mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And

Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what does this have to do withJesus said to her, ‘Woman, what does this have to do with

me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the

servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’

““Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites

of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said

to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them

up to the brim. And he said to them, ‘Now draw some out and up to the brim. And he said to them, ‘Now draw some out and

take it to the master of the feast.’ So they took it. When the take it to the master of the feast.’ So they took it. When the

master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did

not know where it came from (though the servants who had not know where it came from (though the servants who had

drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the

bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine

first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine.first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine.

“‘But you have kept the good wine until now.’ This, the

first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and

manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him” (Jn

2:1-11, ESV).

How could the perfect Son How could the perfect Son of God make wine?of God make wine?

The people of Jesus’ day had four ways to keep wine from The people of Jesus’ day had four ways to keep wine from fermenting. fermenting.

The people of Jesus’ day had four ways to keep wine from The people of Jesus’ day had four ways to keep wine from fermenting. fermenting.

Since the term “wine” in Gr references both alcoholic and Since the term “wine” in Gr references both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, it’s certainly possible that Jesus non-alcoholic beverages, it’s certainly possible that Jesus made this kind of wine.made this kind of wine.

Grape juice left to itself is going to ferment.Grape juice left to itself is going to ferment.

Grape juice left to itself is going to ferment.Grape juice left to itself is going to ferment. Plutarch said, “We call a mixture ‘wine’ although the larger of Plutarch said, “We call a mixture ‘wine’ although the larger of

the component parts is water.”the component parts is water.”


the component parts is water.”the component parts is water.” ““It is harmful to drink wine alone, or again, to drink water It is harmful to drink wine alone, or again, to drink water

alone, while wine mixed with water is sweet and delicious, and alone, while wine mixed with water is sweet and delicious, and enhances one’s enjoyment.”enhances one’s enjoyment.”




The water and wine were mixed at ratios between 3-to-1 to even The water and wine were mixed at ratios between 3-to-1 to even 20-to-1.20-to-1.




The water and wine were mixed at ratios between 3-to-1 to even The water and wine were mixed at ratios between 3-to-1 to even 20-to-1.20-to-1.

Robert H. Stein, “It is possible to become intoxicated from wine Robert H. Stein, “It is possible to become intoxicated from wine mixed with three parts of water, but one’s drinking would mixed with three parts of water, but one’s drinking would probably affect the bladder long before it affected the mind.”probably affect the bladder long before it affected the mind.”

““Those who tarry Those who tarry long overlong over wine” (Prov 23:30, ESV). wine” (Prov 23:30, ESV).

The Jews added nothing to wine to increase its effect.The Jews added nothing to wine to increase its effect.

The Jews added nothing to wine to increase its effect.The Jews added nothing to wine to increase its effect. The alcohol content was very, very minimal.The alcohol content was very, very minimal.

The Jews added nothing to wine to increase its effect.The Jews added nothing to wine to increase its effect. The alcohol content was very, very minimal. It was The alcohol content was very, very minimal. It was NOTHING NOTHING

like what we call wine.like what we call wine.


like what we call wine.like what we call wine. Greeks added herbal toxins to wine in order to become drunk.Greeks added herbal toxins to wine in order to become drunk.


like what we call wine.like what we call wine. Greeks added herbal toxins to wine in order to become drunk. Greeks added herbal toxins to wine in order to become drunk.

Devout Jews abhorred this practice.Devout Jews abhorred this practice.


like what we call wine.like what we call wine. Greeks added herbal toxins to wine in order to become drunk. Greeks added herbal toxins to wine in order to become drunk.

Devout Jews abhorred this practice.Devout Jews abhorred this practice. The wine Jesus made—whether or not it contained some The wine Jesus made—whether or not it contained some

alcohol—could not have led to drunkenness.alcohol—could not have led to drunkenness.

The significance is the effect this sign had on the disciples.The significance is the effect this sign had on the disciples.

The significance is the effect this sign had on the disciples.The significance is the effect this sign had on the disciples. ““This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and

manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him” (v 11, manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him” (v 11, ESV).ESV).

The significance is the effect this sign had on the disciples.The significance is the effect this sign had on the disciples. ““This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and

manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him” (v 11, manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him” (v 11, ESV).ESV).

““Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (Jn 20:30-31, ESV).(Jn 20:30-31, ESV).

Jesus believes in weddings!Vv 1-2

““On the third day there was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, On the third day there was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples” (vv 1-2, ESV).to the wedding with his disciples” (vv 1-2, ESV).

Two possible sites of Cana.Two possible sites of Cana.

Two possible sites of Cana.Two possible sites of Cana. One site is three miles from Nazareth & the other is eight.One site is three miles from Nazareth & the other is eight.

Two possible sites of Cana.Two possible sites of Cana. One site is three miles from Nazareth & the other is eight.One site is three miles from Nazareth & the other is eight. With either location, it’s likely that Jesus & his family knew the With either location, it’s likely that Jesus & his family knew the

bride & groom’s family.bride & groom’s family.

In the ancient world, you did not elope!In the ancient world, you did not elope!

In the ancient world, you did not elope!In the ancient world, you did not elope! You wanted as big a wedding as possible.You wanted as big a wedding as possible.

In the ancient world, you did not elope!In the ancient world, you did not elope! You wanted as big a wedding as possible.You wanted as big a wedding as possible. You especially wanted to invite Jewish teachers such as Jesus.You especially wanted to invite Jewish teachers such as Jesus.

In the ancient world, you did not elope!In the ancient world, you did not elope! You wanted as big a wedding as possible.You wanted as big a wedding as possible. You especially wanted to invite Jewish teachers such as Jesus.You especially wanted to invite Jewish teachers such as Jesus.

The fact that Jesus attends this wedding demonstrates his The fact that Jesus attends this wedding demonstrates his approval of weddings.approval of weddings.

Jesus also approves of weddings, for he turns the water Jesus also approves of weddings, for he turns the water into wine.into wine.

Jesus also approves of weddings, for he turns the water Jesus also approves of weddings, for he turns the water into wine.into wine. Weddings lasted for seven days, and the host was expected to Weddings lasted for seven days, and the host was expected to

have enough wine for all his guests for that length of time.have enough wine for all his guests for that length of time.


have enough wine for all his guests for that length of time.have enough wine for all his guests for that length of time. Running out of wine at your wedding was a MAJOR faux pas.Running out of wine at your wedding was a MAJOR faux pas.



This couple & their parents would have been subject to jests for years This couple & their parents would have been subject to jests for years to come.to come.



This couple & their parents would have been subject to jests for years This couple & their parents would have been subject to jests for years to come.to come.

Jesus spares them that embarrassment by turning the water to wine.Jesus spares them that embarrassment by turning the water to wine.

God thinks highly of marriage!God thinks highly of marriage!

God thinks highly of marriage!God thinks highly of marriage! It was God himself who performed the first wedding ceremony.It was God himself who performed the first wedding ceremony.

God thinks highly of marriage!God thinks highly of marriage! It was God himself who performed the first wedding ceremony.It was God himself who performed the first wedding ceremony. Jesus spoke highly of marriage.Jesus spoke highly of marriage.

God thinks highly of marriage!God thinks highly of marriage! It was God himself who performed the first wedding ceremony.It was God himself who performed the first wedding ceremony. Jesus spoke highly of marriage:Jesus spoke highly of marriage:

“‘“‘A man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, A man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’[.] So they are no longer two but and the two shall become one flesh’[.] So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate” (Mt 19:5-6, ESV).separate” (Mt 19:5-6, ESV).

God thinks highly of marriage!God thinks highly of marriage! It was God himself who performed the first wedding ceremony.It was God himself who performed the first wedding ceremony. Jesus spoke highly of marriage:Jesus spoke highly of marriage:

“‘“‘A man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, A man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’[.] So they are no longer two but and the two shall become one flesh’[.] So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate” (Mt 19:5-6, ESV).separate” (Mt 19:5-6, ESV).

““I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery” (Mt 19:9, ESV).and marries another, commits adultery” (Mt 19:9, ESV).

What is our view of marriage?

Jesus cared deeply for his mother.

Vv 3-5

““When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you’” (vv 3-5, ESV). tells you’” (vv 3-5, ESV).

Mary informs Jesus that the wine was gone.Mary informs Jesus that the wine was gone.

Mary informs Jesus that the wine was gone.Mary informs Jesus that the wine was gone. At ancient weddings, the women’s quarters were near where At ancient weddings, the women’s quarters were near where

the wine was kept.the wine was kept.


the wine was kept.the wine was kept. Mary’s words likely express an expectation that Jesus will do Mary’s words likely express an expectation that Jesus will do

something about the situation.something about the situation.



something about the situation.something about the situation. Weddings in the ancient world were quite expensive & guests were Weddings in the ancient world were quite expensive & guests were

expected to help defray the cost.expected to help defray the cost.



something about the situation.something about the situation. Weddings in the ancient world were quite expensive & guests were Weddings in the ancient world were quite expensive & guests were

expected to help defray the cost.expected to help defray the cost. Some have suggested that Mary may not be asking Jesus to do Some have suggested that Mary may not be asking Jesus to do

anything miraculous but simply to go buy wine.anything miraculous but simply to go buy wine.

Jesus says to Mary, “Woman, what does this have to do Jesus says to Mary, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come” (v 4, ESV).with me? My hour has not yet come” (v 4, ESV).

Jesus says to Mary, “Woman, what does this have to do Jesus says to Mary, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come” (v 4, ESV).with me? My hour has not yet come” (v 4, ESV). ““Woman” sounds harsh in our vernacular.Woman” sounds harsh in our vernacular.


““WomanWoman do this” or “ do this” or “WomanWoman do that.” do that.”


““WomanWoman do this” or “ do this” or “WomanWoman do that.” do that.” Yet, in Jesus’ day, “woman” was something like “ma’am.”Yet, in Jesus’ day, “woman” was something like “ma’am.”



““What does this have to do with me?”What does this have to do with me?”



““What does this have to do with me?”What does this have to do with me?” Lit: “What to me and to you?”Lit: “What to me and to you?”



““What does this have to do with me?”What does this have to do with me?” Lit: “What to me and to you?”Lit: “What to me and to you?” The idea is: “It’s not my problem.”The idea is: “It’s not my problem.”




Jesus isn’t concerned about the lack of wine, for his “hour has Jesus isn’t concerned about the lack of wine, for his “hour has not yet come.”not yet come.”




Jesus isn’t concerned about the lack of wine, for his “hour has Jesus isn’t concerned about the lack of wine, for his “hour has not yet come.”not yet come.” ““Hour” in Jn’s Gospel refers to the cross.Hour” in Jn’s Gospel refers to the cross.




Jesus isn’t concerned about the lack of wine, for his “hour has Jesus isn’t concerned about the lack of wine, for his “hour has not yet come.”not yet come.” ““Hour” in Jn’s Gospel refers to the cross.Hour” in Jn’s Gospel refers to the cross. ““Mom, when I start doing miracles, I’m on my way to the cross.”Mom, when I start doing miracles, I’m on my way to the cross.”

Mary tells the servants, “Do whatever he tells you” (v 5, Mary tells the servants, “Do whatever he tells you” (v 5, ESV).ESV).

Mary tells the servants, “Do whatever he tells you” (v 5, Mary tells the servants, “Do whatever he tells you” (v 5, ESV).ESV).

Mary knows her Son, knows that he loves her, and knows Mary knows her Son, knows that he loves her, and knows that he is going to honor her.that he is going to honor her.

Jesus didn’t really want to do this miracle.Jesus didn’t really want to do this miracle.

Jesus didn’t really want to do this miracle: (a) His signs Jesus didn’t really want to do this miracle: (a) His signs need to be more important than helping a bride & groom need to be more important than helping a bride & groom avoid embarrassment.avoid embarrassment.

Jesus didn’t really want to do this miracle: (a) His signs Jesus didn’t really want to do this miracle: (a) His signs need to be more important than helping a bride & groom need to be more important than helping a bride & groom avoid embarrassment; (b) It’s not yet time to begin avoid embarrassment; (b) It’s not yet time to begin moving toward Golgotha.moving toward Golgotha.

Jesus didn’t really want to do this miracle: (a) His signs Jesus didn’t really want to do this miracle: (a) His signs need to be more important than helping a bride & groom need to be more important than helping a bride & groom avoid embarrassment; (b) It’s not yet time to begin avoid embarrassment; (b) It’s not yet time to begin moving toward Golgotha.moving toward Golgotha.

But, Jesus performs this sign because he respects his But, Jesus performs this sign because he respects his mother.mother.

Respect for mothers is so important.

““Cursed be anyone who dishonors his father or his Cursed be anyone who dishonors his father or his mother” (Deut 27:16, ESV).mother” (Deut 27:16, ESV).

““Cursed be anyone who dishonors his father or his Cursed be anyone who dishonors his father or his mother” (Deut 27:16, ESV).mother” (Deut 27:16, ESV).

““The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be picked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by will be picked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures” (Prov 30:17, ESV).the vultures” (Prov 30:17, ESV).

Do we honor our mothers?

Prayer is Powerful

In the most literal sense, there isn’t a prayer in our In the most literal sense, there isn’t a prayer in our passage.passage.

In the most literal sense, there isn’t a prayer in our In the most literal sense, there isn’t a prayer in our passage. However, Mary asks Jesus to do something & he passage. However, Mary asks Jesus to do something & he does it.does it.

Jesus changes his mind here!

It’s odd to think that Jesus changed his mind.It’s odd to think that Jesus changed his mind.

It’s odd to think that Jesus changed his mind. Yet, it’s It’s odd to think that Jesus changed his mind. Yet, it’s clear that Jesus doesn’t want to do this.clear that Jesus doesn’t want to do this.

It’s odd to think that Jesus changed his mind. Yet, it’s It’s odd to think that Jesus changed his mind. Yet, it’s clear that Jesus doesn’t want to do this.clear that Jesus doesn’t want to do this. He says to Mary, “What does this have to do with me?”He says to Mary, “What does this have to do with me?”

It’s odd to think that Jesus changed his mind. Yet, it’s It’s odd to think that Jesus changed his mind. Yet, it’s clear that Jesus doesn’t want to do this.clear that Jesus doesn’t want to do this. He says to Mary, “What does this have to do with me?”He says to Mary, “What does this have to do with me?” He also says to her, “My hour has not yet come.”He also says to her, “My hour has not yet come.”

God has a long history of answering prayer!

Abraham & Sodom.Abraham & Sodom.

Abraham & Sodom.Abraham & Sodom. ““The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is

working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit” (Js 5:16-18, ESV).fruit” (Js 5:16-18, ESV).

King Hezekiah was ill & at the point of death.King Hezekiah was ill & at the point of death.

King Hezekiah was ill & at the point of death.King Hezekiah was ill & at the point of death. ““Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not

recover” (2 Ki 20:1, ESV).recover” (2 Ki 20:1, ESV).


recover” (2 Ki 20:1, ESV).recover” (2 Ki 20:1, ESV). Hezekiah turns his face to the wall, prays, and weeps.Hezekiah turns his face to the wall, prays, and weeps.


recover” (2 Ki 20:1, ESV).recover” (2 Ki 20:1, ESV). Hezekiah turns his face to the wall, prays, and weeps.Hezekiah turns his face to the wall, prays, and weeps. ““Before Isaiah had gone out of the middle court, the word of Before Isaiah had gone out of the middle court, the word of

the LORD came to him: ‘Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the the LORD came to him: ‘Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the leader of my people, Thus says the LORD, the God of David leader of my people, Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD, and I will add fifteen years to your life’” (2 house of the LORD, and I will add fifteen years to your life’” (2 Ki 20:4-6, ESV).Ki 20:4-6, ESV).

I almost feel sorry for Isaiah!

God gave Isaiah a difficult assignment—go tell the King God gave Isaiah a difficult assignment—go tell the King he’s going to die!he’s going to die!

God gave Isaiah a difficult assignment—go tell the King God gave Isaiah a difficult assignment—go tell the King he’s going to die!he’s going to die!

Isaiah did what the Lord told him, he’s on his way back Isaiah did what the Lord told him, he’s on his way back home, & the Lord says, “Wait! I’ve changed my mind—home, & the Lord says, “Wait! I’ve changed my mind—go back and tell the King that he’ll live.”go back and tell the King that he’ll live.”

““The angel fetched Peter out of prison, but it was prayer The angel fetched Peter out of prison, but it was prayer that fetched the angel.” that fetched the angel.”

Do we believe in the power of prayer?

Miracles Produce Faith

““This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him” (v 11, ESV).him” (v 11, ESV).

““This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him” (v 11, ESV).him” (v 11, ESV).

It’s often the case that we use circular reasoning when we It’s often the case that we use circular reasoning when we talk about miracles.talk about miracles.

How do we get around that circular reasoning?

The Gospels were written shortly after the events they The Gospels were written shortly after the events they narrate.narrate.

The Gospels were written shortly after the events they The Gospels were written shortly after the events they narrate. People could have said, “Wait a minute! That’s narrate. People could have said, “Wait a minute! That’s not the way things happened!”not the way things happened!”


Jesus did his miracles in public.Jesus did his miracles in public.


Jesus did his miracles in public. He didn’t use any kind of Jesus did his miracles in public. He didn’t use any kind of sleight of hand.sleight of hand.



Jesus’ miracles were often performed on people who had Jesus’ miracles were often performed on people who had been diseased since birth.been diseased since birth.



Jesus’ miracles were often performed on people who had Jesus’ miracles were often performed on people who had been diseased since birth. How different from modern been diseased since birth. How different from modern “faith-healers”!“faith-healers”!

Do you believe?

Water To Wine

Business

mixture wine

good wine

term wine

kind of wine

poor wine

wine jesus madewhether

parts of water

mother of jesus