John 2:1-11, Mark 4:35
Introduction
An introduction to the study of "The Miracles of Jesus" highlights several key points:
1. A miracle is defined as an extraordinary act where God breaks His usual pattern of continuous activity in the world.
2. Not all miracles are from God; some are linked to demons and the occult.
3. The primary purpose of Christ's miracles was to authenticate His message and that of the apostles.
4. Two principal questions to consider when studying these miracles are: "What does this miracle reveal about the person of Christ?" and "What does this miracle say to us today?"
5. The miracle at Cana is noted as the first miracle Jesus performed, dismissing any extra-biblical accounts of miracles attributed to Him as a child.
Overview of Jesus' Miracles
1. Approximately 37 recorded miracles in the New Testament, varying slightly among commentators.
2. Not every Gospel writer includes all miracles; some are unique to a single Gospel.
3. Many more miracles were performed by Jesus beyond those documented, as noted in John 20:30-31.
4. The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) often cluster miracles to emphasize Jesus' divine identity and mission.
I. Jesus’ First Miracle at Cana - Water Turned to Wine (John 2:1-11)
A. This story begins with the words “On the third day,” just three days after his baptism in the river Jordan, and His identification as the Lamb of God by John (John 1:33-34)
1. Jesus performs His first recorded miracle. Jesus performed his first miracle, not at a funeral but at a wedding; not in the temple but in a private home.
2. The occasion of the miracle was a village wedding feast to which Mary, the mother of Jesus had been invited. I find it fascinating that the earthly ministry of Jesus began at a wedding and all of human history will culminate with a wedding at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Rev 19:9).
B. The Request that Mary Made. (v. 3)
“And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine."
1. There's uncertainty about Mary's intentions when she spoke to Jesus. Some think she wanted him and his disciples to leave, but this seems unlikely. J. Vernon McGee suggests Mary wanted Jesus to vindicate her reputation by proving he was the Son of God. However, since Jesus hadn't performed miracles yet, she likely just wanted his help, not something supernatural.
2. Running out of wine at a wedding might seem minor, but in Jewish tradition, it was crucial for the groom to provide adequately. Failing to do so would cause significant embarrassment and lasting shame for the groom and his family.
3. (The Why) Wine in weddings, especially in Jewish tradition, symbolizes joy, celebration, and abundance. It's central to rituals like the Kiddush, blessing the union and inviting God’s presence. Historically, wine signified wealth and preparation, with shortages at weddings seen as shameful. Today, it continues to connect ancient customs with modern celebrations, embodying unity and the blessings of marriage.
C. The Response of Jesus to His Mother (v. 4).
“Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.”
1. At first glance, Jesus calling His mother "woman" might seem blunt, but it was actually a normal way to address someone at the time. He even used this same term from the Cross when entrusting her to the Apostle John's care.
2. Jesus' reply hints at a shift in His relationship with His mother. Having been raised by her for 30 years, it was a gentle way of reminding her that she needed to see Him differently from how other mothers see their sons.
D. The Miracle Jesus Performed (vv. 6-8)
“Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. (7) Jesus said to them, "Fill the waterpots with water." And they filled them up to the brim. (8) And He said to them, "Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast." And they took it.”
1. There were six stone waterpots used by the wedding guests for ceremonial washing, as Jewish customs required hands to be washed before meals.
2. Each pot could hold between 20 to 30 gallons, so collectively, they contained approximately 120 to 180 gallons.
II. Jesus and Wine
A. The debate over whether Jesus created alcoholic wine or non-fermented wine during his first miracle has persisted for centuries. Here’s a concise summary of key points that are important for clarification:
1. Alcohol Content: The text implies that if the wine Jesus produced contained alcohol, it differed significantly from modern wine. Ancient Jews typically diluted their wine with water, using a ratio of two to three parts water to lessen its potency and increase its volume.
