On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”
4 “Woman,[a] why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”
5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.[b]
7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.
8 Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”
They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”
11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he manifested his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
12 After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples. There they stayed for a few days.
Personal Reflection and Discussion
1. Tell a story of one of the best weddings you have been to? Why was it so good?
2. Among Christians this is a very familiar story. What are three observations you have and/or three questions you have as you read the story? Which is most significant for you? Explain
3. In this story, John introduces the concept of “My time.” This is going to be recurring throughout John’s Gospel (see Jn 7:2-8; Jn 7:30; Jn 8:20; Jn 1223-33). To what is Jesus referring as He talks about His time or His hour?
4. According to John 12:23-33, what is Jesus’ time and glory all about? Explain. (see Ro 5:6-7 Gal 4:4-5)
5. Why did Jesus perform this miracle?
6. What part does the jars play in this story? How does the quantity and quality of the wine demonstrate Jesus’ glory? How does this sign relate to the “time” he refers to in verse 4 (see also 7:6, 8; 12:33; 17:1)?
7. How can you assist in someone’s celebration this week?
Prayer
God we read these words today, “His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.'” Jesus, these are wise words from Mary at the Wedding of Cana, but they are also faith-exposing and faith-stretching words for us today. As I read them, I am reminded of Romans 1:5 – You desire an obedience that comes from faith, and of 1 John 5:3-5 – to the degree we have faith in You and Your love, wisdom, and power, obedience is not difficult.
“Speak Lord, Your servant is listening.” (1 Sam 3:9)
“Lord, I believe, help me overcome my unbelief.” (Mk 9:24)
It is also said, in Jn 2:6-7 “Nearby stood six stone water Jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the Jars with water’; so they filled them to the brim.”
Jesus, so much of what we do in the church is about ceremony and ritual. There is nothing wrong with ceremony and ritual, but You want so much more. You do not want us to simply occupy ourselves with outward ceremonial and ritual behaviors. You want to fill our lives to the brim so that it overflows in outward behaviors that make an impact in the world to the benefit of others.
May Your life in me today overflow in my behaviors, particularly in my behaviors with all those I encounter among the unchurched. (Jn 10:10; Col 4:5)
Greek Word of the Day
English Word: manifested | Transliterated Word: phaneros
down, apparent, manifest evident, known
Family Engagement Activity
Game day! Go outside and have a water challenge! Get a big bucket of water, some really small cups or a sponge for everyone in your family (or you can do it one person at a time and time it), and some large cups. Play in a larger area. Make two sides. Place the big bucket of water (or hose) on one side and the large cups or bowls (one per person) on the other. Using the smallest cup, sponge, or your mouth, see who can transport water from the big bucket or hose to their respective large cup or bowl. You can do one footed, blindfold, or make your own rules. You can even do it as a pair and carry the cup without using hands. Have some fun with it. See who can overflow there cup on the other side first. Then talk about how Jesus wants to bless us, not just to fix a need, but to bless us abundantly. Talk about how he blesses us each day. Feel free to videotape the challenge and share it with family and friends, even add the hashtag #hclcmeetingjesus
Going Activity
Go above and beyond on blessing someone today, even if it’s the same blessing you already grant to someone already, but GO FOR ABUNDANCE! Is it a meal? Go for a bigger meal! Do you usually thank people? Be more in depth with how you want to thank someone! Do you typically give 10% for a tithe? Consider this weekend 11%! Today is about abundance, or give 1% to another charity of your choosing!