January 24

Lesson 8

A Wedding in Cana

Devotional Reading: Matthew 5:12-16

Background Scripture: John 2:1-12

JOHN 2:1-12

1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the

mother of Jesus was there:

2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.

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.

6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of

the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.

7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled

them up to the brim.

Photo: sedmak / iStock / Thinkstock

8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.

9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the

servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,

10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk,

then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.

11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples

believed on him.

12 After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they

continued there not many days.

KEY VERSE

This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. —John 2:11

LESSON AIMS

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

1. Outline the salient features of Jesus’ first miracle.

2. Explain the purpose of Jesus’ miracles.

3. Explore ways to develop an apologetics ministry in his or her church to help strengthen believers’ faith.

LESSON OUTLINE

Introduction

A. A Daughter Is Married

B. Lesson Background

I. Village Wedding (JOHN 2:1, 2)

A. Mary the Helper (v. 1)

B. Jesus the Guest (v. 2)

II. Social Crisis (JOHN 2:3-10)

A. Running out of Wine (vv. 3-5)

A Messed-Up Banquet

B. Filling up Containers (vv. 6-8)

C. Wondering at Quality (vv. 9, 10)

III. First Sign (JOHN 2:11, 12)

A. Revealing Divine Glory (v. 11)

Whose Glory?

B. Departing for Capernaum (v. 12)

Conclusion

A. Miracles and Me

B. Prayer

C. Thought to Remember

Introduction A. A Daughter Is Married

I have performed dozens of weddings in my ministerial career. These have ranged from very simple affairs (one

time the bride wore her high school prom dress and the groom wore his work uniform) to elaborate

extravaganzas (sit-down reception dinners for more than 200 guests at $80 each). Circumstances were reversed

recently, as my oldest daughter married. My wife and I experienced many things as the parents of the bride:

great expense, tenseness that everything be “just right,” and a strange mixture of sadness and joy as we saw our

little girl all grown up and entering into her own family status. “All eyes were on the bride,” as they say, and

ours certainly were.

Today’s lesson is dramatically situated in a wedding, but the focus of the story is not the bride or the groom. In

fact, we don’t even know their names or anything about them. But that’s not important since the wedding serves

only as a backdrop to Jesus’ first miracle.

B. Lesson Background

The Old Testament is loaded with wedding language. Some of it is literal (example: Genesis 29:22-28, lesson

5), and some is figurative (example: Psalm 19:5). Some is positive (example: Isaiah 62:5), and some is negative

(example: Jeremiah 7:34). A wedding was always a big deal in the world of the Bible, and some of Jesus’

teachings drew on imagery from wedding celebrations (see Matthew 9:15; 22:2-14; 25:1-3; Luke 12:35, 36;

14:7-11). Jesus used such illustrations because marriage celebrations were a well-known and popular feature of

village life, allowing a pause in the grind of a difficult existence that required long hours of work. Weddings

were cherished occasions.

There were variations in the way village weddings were celebrated, but a regular feature was a large, festive

meal, where the guests were treated to abundant food and drink. Dancing and singing of traditional songs were

also staples. The cost of hosting such an event was high, and the bridegroom might hire a coordinator or steward to manage things.

Since customs of honor and status naturally led to comparisons with other wedding celebrations, no bridegroom

would have wanted to be seen as miserly for scrimping on this very public event. Villages had long corporate

memories! Instead, the tendency was to provide a wedding feast so lavish that the bridegroom would be thought

of as a generous person who met his village’s expectations in abundant ways.

I. Village Wedding (John 2:1, 2)

A. Mary the Helper (v. 1)

1. And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there.

The phrase the third day indicates the elapse of time from the previous incident, the calling of Philip and

Nathanael (John 1:43-51). That took place near the Jordan River at a place called Bethabara, where John the

Baptist was ministering (1:28-43).

Jesus’ mother, Mary, is present at this marriage in Cana of Galilee. Her trip from Nazareth, about nine miles

due south of Cana, makes it probable that she has a family connection with someone in the wedding party. She

may have come early to help out.

There is no mention of Mary’s husband, Joseph, making it likely that he has passed away. We thus see her as an

independent woman who is not homebound by her widow’s status. With Jesus being about age 30 at this time

(see Luke 3:23), Mary is in her mid- to late-40s.

B. Jesus the Guest (v. 2)

2. And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.

HOW TO SAY IT

Bethabara Beth-ab-uh-ruh.

Cana Kay-nuh.

Capernaum Kuh-per-nay-um.

Galilee Gal-uh-lee.

Nathanael Nuh-than-yull (th as in thin).

If Mary is related to the bride or the groom, then so too is Jesus. So there may be a family expectation involved

in His presence, and He is accompanied by a group of disciples. This is presented like a teacher with his chosen

students, as a rabbi with his followers (John 1:35-39). At this early point, this group includes Andrew (1:40),

Peter (1:42), Philip (1:43), Nathanael (1:49; known as Bartholomew in the other Gospels), and the unnamed

disciple of John the Baptist (1:35-40). The latter has been proposed to be John the Evangelist, author of the

fourth Gospel. If he is present, then it is likely that his brother, James, is already part of Jesus’ entourage

(compare Matthew 4:21, 22). So possibly half of the eventual 12 accompany Jesus to Cana.

The term called has the sense of being invited. Jesus and His band of disciples are collectively invited to

participate in this joyous celebration, and they accept. Nathanael is from Cana (John 21:2), so it is likely he is

acquainted with the family hosting the wedding.

II. Social Crisis (John 2:3-10)

A. Running out of Wine (vv. 3-5)

3. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.

Mary has her finger on the pulse of the event, and she is quickly aware when there is a problem with the wine

supply. We see the importance of this fact to her when she turns to her extraordinary son Jesus for help.

We should read the first part of this verse carefully. To “want” wine does not mean the guests are demanding

their beverages. It means the wine supply has been exhausted, as in “found wanting.”

The likely reason for having run out is that there are more guests than expected. The half dozen or so disciples

of Jesus may account for part of this. Perhaps unanticipated guests, even freeloaders, have come and are not

turned away. This can indicate that the celebration has been budgeted too tightly, and there is no extra “just in

case” wine.

I have been at banquets where the caterers cut things too close and there was not enough food. It is

embarrassing. There is not much that can be done except admit the shortfall and hope the guests are forgiving.

But in Jesus’ day, to run short is a grave social error. The bridegroom and his family have doubtlessly attended

other village weddings where there was abundant food and drink. They now fail to reciprocate, and the guests

will end up feeling cheated. This lack of hospitality will not be forgotten!

There probably are no ready supplies of wine that can be purchased quickly in a small village like Cana. Even if

more wine is available from a larger town a few miles away, by the time it arrives (several hours), the banquet

will have fizzled—the guests muttering and going home. This is a crucial moment, and the mother of Jesus

understands what is at stake. So she presents the problem to her son, believing Him to be capable of providing a

solution. There is much unsaid here, but Mary understands that Jesus is able to provide the fix.

A MESSED-UP BANQUET

I worked in one of my university’s educational offices during my time in graduate school. One of my

responsibilities was to coordinate a two-week summer academic institute that concluded with a banquet. The

academic program flowed without a hitch. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for the banquet. At the last

minute, when it was absolutely impossible to make any additions or adjustments, my supervisor and I

discovered that I had neglected to order the selection of beverages commonly provided at these functions.

Describing my embarrassment is just as impossible now as it was then. Any positive feelings I had for the

success of the academic program flew out the window as I realized the dissatisfaction I had caused not only to

my supervisor but also to the student guests. My supervisor knew it was unintentional on my part, and he never

held it against me. Nonetheless, it is a humiliation difficult to forget.

We like to be prepared. We like to know we have done a good job. It is unsettling to feel that we have failed.

But perhaps some of those failures and shortcomings can also be ways to remind ourselves of human fallibility.

The more such reminders we have, the more we become aware of our need for the infallible Jesus.—C. M. W.

4. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

Jesus’ response is difficult to translate in a way that conveys the courteous rebuke that He intends—something

like, “Why does this matter to us?” His response to His mother may seem very abrupt to modern sensibilities,

almost rude, but there is no disrespect meant. His justification for His tough question to His mother is that His

hour is not yet come (compare John 7:6-8, 30; 8:20). This means that to intervene miraculously will push up the

timetable for Jesus’ revealing himself publicly as more than a mere man. Indeed, the eventual result of the

forthcoming water-to-wine miracle is a revealing of His glory (see John 2:11, below).

What Do You Think?

What are ways to respond when put on the spot to do something when the timing seems wrong?

Talking Points for Your Discussion

Considering the need that exists

Considering the motives of the one asking

Considering the options available

Considering the consequences of declining

Other

5. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

Rather than respond to Jesus, Mary simply tells the servants to follow His instructions. She seems to be sure

that He will act and help resolve this embarrassing situation, although she likely does not know how.

What Do You Think?

What was a situation where you served as a go between?

How did things turn out?

Talking Points for Your Discussion

Situation of equipping

Situation of rebuke

Situation of comfort

Other

B. Filling up Containers (vv. 6-8)

6. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two

or three firkins apiece.

The household has available six waterpots of stone. This description indicates that these have been hewn from

limestone, making them more expensive than cheaper pottery vessels. Stone jars hold water for ritual cleansings

in the home. Such containers are used in the belief that they help eliminate uncleanness associated with Gentiles

or other unclean things (compare Mark 7:3, 4; John 3:25). The presence of such vessels indicates that this is a

house with some wealth, and that it is an observant household when it comes to religious matters.

A firkin is an older English liquid-measure equal to 9 or 10 gallons. The variation two or three firkins is due to

the fact that the jars are of different sizes, as would be expected from such handcrafted items. The total volume

potential of these six vessels therefore is in the neighborhood of 150 gallons, give or take 20 gallons.

What Do You Think?

What do you need to make available for the Lord’s use? How will you do so?

Talking Points for Your Discussion

Material resources

Spiritual gifts

Personal abilities

Other

7. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.

To fill the waterpots with water may take 30 minutes or so, depending on the number of servants available and

the distance to the village well. Filling the vessels up to the brim means that there is no way to add wine later;

this will prevent attempts to explain away the miracle that is about to happen as being any kind of sleight of

hand.

8. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.

There is no magic here. No mystical words are spoken. Not even a prayer is recorded as being offered. As soon

as the containers are filled, their contents are suitable for testing, for the water has changed into fine wine that

will meet anyone’s quality standards (see v. 10, below). Before it is offered it to the guests, however, Jesus

wants the governor of the feast to taste the newly created wine. This person is the one who has been hired to

coordinate the event.

If we pause for a minute here, we can appreciate how lavish and expensive this wedding feast really is. It

requires a group of hired servers and the services of an event coordinator. Since the extra wine that Jesus

provides totals at least 130 gallons, we can imagine that at least that much has already been consumed. If we

assume as much as a half-gallon per guest before Jesus intervenes, this implies approximately 260 adult

attendees at a minimum, with at least twice that many being more likely. This helps us understand how

damaging to the reputation of the bridegroom and his family a lack of wine would be—and why Mary is so

concerned about it.

C. Wondering at Quality (vv. 9, 10)

9. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the

servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom.

A little plot twist is noted to establish the miracle further. The obedient servants do indeed take a sample of this

new wine to the governor of the feast as directed by Jesus, but they do not tell him its source. As soon as he

tastes this new supply, he suspects something is amiss, so he speaks to the bridegroom personally. This action

in and of itself is highly unusual, for the bridegroom is deeply involved in the festivities, enjoying the greatest

day of his life. He is paying the event coordinator to see to the details so that he (the bridegroom) is not

bothered.

10. And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk,

then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.

The coordinator speaks with the experience of one who has overseen many weddings. He gently chides the

bridegroom for an apparent mix-up of the wine supplies that the bridegroom has made available to him.

Normally, the coordinator points out, better wine is served at the outset of the banquet. Such wine is good in

that it is not vinegary. It is costly, and the guests will be pleased with it. Later, when men have well drunk, a

thrifty host serves cheaper wine. It does not taste as good, but the guests who by then are slightly “buzzed” will

not notice the difference. This is not only a clever way to stretch the banquet budget, it is also socially

acceptable and considered normal.

We should note that the phrase have well drunk does not imply that first-century Jewish weddings are drunken

galas. Conscientious Jews know the Scripture’s warning against drunkenness (Proverbs 23:19-21; etc.), and

wine of this era and economic context has an alcohol content of only 2 or 3 percent. By contrast, modern table

wine runs 8 to 14 percent alcohol by volume.

In the case at hand, the wine miraculously created by Jesus is considered by the wedding coordinator to be

excellent. It is better even than the wine the bridegroom had made available or approved for the initial stages of

the banquet.

What Do You Think?

When was a time you were surprised as God did something astonishing by means of something quite ordinary? What did this teach you?

Talking Points for Your Discussion

Ordinary situation

Ordinary things

Other

III. First Sign (John 2:11, 12)

A. Revealing Divine Glory (v. 11)

11. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples

believed on him.

The word translated miracles here is more literally translated “signs,” as the King James Version does in John

2:18; 4:48; 6:30; and 20:30. A sign is more than a bare display of supernatural power; it is a miracle with

significance, a miracle that points to or signifies something.

Miraculous signs have two closely related purposes. First, they serve as a method for Jesus to reveal his glory,

meaning to demonstrate His divine nature as the Son of God. When supernatural claims are backed up with

supernatural evidence, the second purpose can be achieved: belief. That’s the effect we see on the part of Jesus’

disciples.

Sadly, Jesus’ miraculous signs do not have this effect on everyone (John 12:37). Even so, John’s recounting of

Jesus’ miraculous signs is the central purpose of the book, for he hopes this will bring the reader to faith (see

John 20:30, 31).

What Do You Think?

In what ways has Christ’s work in your life increased your faith in Him?

Talking Points for Your Discussion

Regarding a change in life direction

Regarding provision in a time of need

Regarding a healing, physical or spiritual

Other

WHOSE GLORY?

Brides and their weddings serve as ingredients for so-called reality TV shows. Consider those that match brides

to wedding dresses. In most instances, brides, family members, and friends have a price range in mind when

they arrive at the dress store to shop. Most of the time, however, budgetary constraints are tossed aside as the

bride falls in love with a more expensive fashion.

Creators of TV shows know that conflict is the key to attracting a large base of viewers. Therefore, TV shows

sensationalize the drama that plays out among brides, family members, and friends as everyone tries to have a

say in the selection of the bride’s dress. Sometimes things get just plain ugly as clear-headed thinking takes a

backseat to emotions. Dreams for a fabulous wedding day turn into nightmares.

Perhaps a way to keep all the drama from happening in the first place is to ask this question up front: Who is the

main one to be glorified at this wedding, the bride or Jesus? When this question is asked and properly

answered, the selection of the bride’s attire might be made easier! Jesus is to be the real glory in every aspect of

our lives.—C. M. W.

B. Departing for Capernaum (v. 12)

12. After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they

continued there not many days.

Jesus will return to Cana to perform another miraculous sign (John 4:46-54), but for now He and His entourage

head about 17 miles east-northeast to Capernaum, a fishing village on the Sea of Galilee. The mention of his

brethren indicates that Jesus’ relatives have been in Cana for the wedding.

The reason everyone heads not to Nazareth but to Capernaum for a short stay there of not many days is probably

because the time for the annual Passover celebration in Jerusalem is at hand (John 2:13; compare 4:45).

Capernaum is a convenient point of departure for Galilean travelers who take the traditional route along the

Jordan River valley to Jerusalem. Capernaum is also the base for the fishing business of James, John, Simon

Peter, and Andrew, who are among the disciples of the traveling band (compare Matthew 4:13, 18-22; Mark

1:16-21; Luke 4:31, 38; 5:1-10). That fact may indicate that Jesus will have a place to stay as these men extend

the hospitality of their homes to Him.

Jesus will end up using this lakeside village as a type of headquarters for His Galilean ministry. The importance

of Capernaum in that regard is seen in its being mentioned 16 times in the Gospels.

Conclusion A. Miracles and Me

Have you noticed how churches treat claims of miracles differently? Churches that can’t seem to say enough

about miracles have mottoes like, “Expect a miracle,” or “This is a place of miracles.” These can be exciting

places, where the Spirit of God is said to be moving dynamically and frequently. However, some of the

members of these churches may feel left out because they are suffering and no miracles come into their lives.

Visual for Lesson 8. Point to this visual as you pose the discussion question associated with verse 11.

Other churches feel like places where miracles would be unwelcome and embarrassing. Faith is a rational

matter in these churches, and the Christian life is based on obedience, not signs and wonders. Don’t expect a

miracle, because “God helps those who help themselves” (a saying mistakenly attributed to the Bible).

We gain clarity when we understand the purpose of miracles from the Bible’s perspective. Miracles were not

just Jesus’ way of helping the helpless. They were a way for Him to show His divine glory and bring

unbelievers to faith as a result. Sadly, that did not always happen. Even resurrections did not compel everyone

to believe (Luke 16:31; John 11:43-54). Doubtless there were scoffers at the wedding in Cana when the story

got out about the water turned to wine. But hearts that acknowledge miracles are “of them that believe to the

saving of the soul” (Hebrews 10:39).

B. Prayer

Lord God, may our lives reveal the glory of Jesus! May we ever invite Him in, as He was invited to that

wedding so long ago. It is in His abiding name we pray. Amen.

C. Thought to Remember

Believe the signs about Jesus.

INVOLVEMENT LEARNING

Into the Lesson

Write this challenge on the board: Give examples of prayers that are too small for God to answer. Expect at

least some learners to say that there’s no such thing. Others may respond with examples such as prayers for

good weather on a day planned for an outside activity, for an event to go smoothly, or for the healing of a pet.

Comment: “Some of us might consider something to be insignificant for God to respond to. However, in

today’s lesson Jesus’ mother makes a request of Him that may seem ‘little’ in the great scheme of eternity. And

technically it wasn’t even a prayer, but a verbal expression of concern to Jesus in person regarding a need. Let’s

see if we can gain insight about God’s nature that was demonstrated in Jesus’ first miracle.”

Into the Word

Say, “Early in His ministry, Jesus began calling men to follow Him. This group, eventually 12 in number,

accompanied Jesus to a wedding celebration in Cana in Galilee.” Use the Lesson Background to summarize the

nature of village weddings of that day. Also point out the location of Cana on a map; draw attention as well to

points of interest around that village, such as Nazareth, Capernaum, and the Sea of Galilee.

Divide learners into small groups of three to five and give each these identical instructions: “Read John 2:1-11

in your group. Then make a list of questions that your group has regarding the story as a whole or particular

elements of it.”

When groups finish, have spokespersons voice their groups’ questions. See if members of other groups have

satisfactory responses before you, the teacher, answer. (Option: Write all the questions on the board before

inviting responses.)

Be prepared to provide information from the commentary about the following: the amount of water and wine

involved, the quality of the wine created, the likely alcohol content of the wine in Jesus’ day compared with

wine today, the actions of Mary, the nature of the stone jars, and the position and actions of the governor of the

feast.

At an appropriate point, note that an abundance of wine is an Old Testament symbol of the messianic age—the

time when the Messiah would come to bring salvation. To demonstrate this, ask five learners to read aloud the

following passages, one each: Isaiah 25:6; Jeremiah 31:12; Joel 2:19; Amos 9:13-15; Zechariah 9:15. Then pose

this question for discussion: How do these prophecies help us understand the significance of this miracle of

wine and the reaction of the disciples to believe in Jesus?

Option. For a broader look at people’s reactions to Jesus’ miracles, distribute copies of the “More Miracles in

the Gospel of John” activity from the reproducible page, which you can download. Have learners complete

individually as indicated. (If time is short, form four small groups to take one passage each.) Compare and

contrast reactions noted with that of the disciples in John 2:11.

Into Life

Say, “When the disciples witnessed the miraculous provision of wine, they ‘believed on him’ (John 2:11). What

was it that caused you to believe in Jesus?” Encourage a time of sharing; compare and contrast the reasons your

learners put faith in Jesus. Expand the discussion by asking what caused others they know to believe in Him and

what barriers keep people from belief in Jesus. Ask, “What do these facts tell us about good and not-so-good

ways to present the gospel to others?”

Option. Distribute copies of the “Beyond Initial Belief” activity from the reproducible page. Allow learners

time to complete it in pairs, then discuss how their entries in the lower right quadrant could be combined into a

whole-church ministry to strengthen members’ faith.

Standard Lesson Commentary 2015-2016 (KJV).