5-1-23
There is no way to know for certain
why Jesus chose a wedding in Cana to perform
His first miracle
(John 2:1–11). We can hypothesize, however, and we have
some Old Testament prophecies to help us piece
together some possibilities.
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.
Jesus’ earthly ministry had begun at His baptism by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:16–17; Mark 1:9–12).
The wedding occurred over a month later after Jesus had
gathered about half of His disciples
(John 1:43).
Although He had never performed a miracle in public,
it was time to demonstrate who He was.
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, teaching them from the start that He could take care of them (Isaiah 46:4; Matthew 6:8).
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.