Jesus Turns Water to Wine – What Does It Mean?

John 2:1-11

2 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee.  Jesus’ mother was there, 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, 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.

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 revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

Footnotes:

John 2:4 “Woman” as used in the Greek language does not denote any disrespect.

The above has been interpreted by many smarter and greater theologians than I. It is therefore a given that I only provide for what the story means to me.

It is clear that Jesus, his Mother, and his disciples were all attending this wedding as they were invited to attend and celebrate the marriage ceremony.

Jesus’ Mother says “they have no more wine.” I believe she is genuinely concerned for the celebration.

In verse 4, I interpret Jesus’ reply to state how it is not his responsibility as generally this would be the responsibility of the host.

Yet, while not his responsibility, Jesus proceeded to provide for the celebration. He proceeds to turn water into wine. He obviously approved of the consumption of wine at this wedding.

Not just any wine, but good wine. The best of the night! The wine Jesus made was better wine than the host had originally served, all of the guest were pleasantly surprised.

What does it mean?

Jesus provided for the celebration of this wedding. Jesus wanted the guest to celebrate this union in matrimony. It’s not only that he just approved of the celebration, he provided the best for this celebration of which not only himself, his Mother, and his disciples were willing participants.

It is certainly clear in his words, being a drunk is not in his favor. I’m certainly not suggesting that drinking in excess is acceptable.

I’m am suggesting and of the belief that our Holy Father wants us to celebrate life. He wants for us to celebrate friends and family, and life’s grand events. It is of my belief that our celebrations of life including the consumption of alcohol in moderation is most certainly high in his favor.

The Bible in fact is clear on two things. Jesus drank wine, and Jesus did not approve of drunkenness.

Psalm 104:15 states that God has given wine that gladdens human hearts.

That’s as clear as sparkling water!

Cheers!