Why water into wine?

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perrero

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Have you ever wondered why Jesus changed water into wine as His first miracle?

When you think of it, the majority of the people at the wedding didn’t even know he did it. The servants knew and perhaps His disciples did, but certainly the festive crowd didn’t. So what was the reason for that? Why not heel 10 lepers? That would have been spectacular. Or, what about delivering a demonized individual? That could have been more sensational. Better still, Jesus could have raised a dead person. Now that’s what I call dramatic.

Nope, Jesus changed water into wine. Hmm! Is there maybe more to that than meets the eye. Let’s have a look.

When the wine ran out, Jesus told the servant to fill 6 waterpots with water. We are told that these pots were made of stone. In this command we can glean four pieces of information.

The number 6,
The Waterpots, which were made of
Stone, and then
The Water

Numbers in scripture are significant. They are there for a reason. In our story, the number 6 symbolizes MAN who was created on the 6 day. It is also found elsewhere in scripture. Such as in (Revelation 13:18|) when identifying the MAN of sin with 666.

Waterpots = Containers or vessels. These also relate to MAN who often is identified as a vessel. See (1Thess. 4:4, 1Peter 3:7)

Stone – Note that the scriptures do not characterize the waterpots as made of clay which was the most common at the time. These waterpots are specifically made of stone which, for us, should remind us of the heart of MAN, a heart of stone that changes to a heart of flesh at the touch of the Master. (2Cor. 3:3)

Finally, the water signifies the life of MAN as explained by Jesus to Nicodemus. People must be born of water and of Spirit. (John 3:5)

So what we are seeing in this miracle is an allegory of what the ministry of Jesus is all about. He came to transform these vessels of stone and water into vessel of flesh and fill them with the presence of His Spirit, which in this case is depicted as the New Wine. This can be done through Hid death and resurrection which by the way was on the third day. Did you notice, in verse 1, when this wedding celebration occurred?

Yes, He could have He could have healed ten lepers showing His power over sickness and pain, he could have rebuke a demon showing His power over evil and His enemy or He could have raised the dead proving He was greater than death, the destiny of sinners. However, Jesus came for a higher purpose. That purpose was redemption which eventually would cover all kinds of miracles. So He changed water into wine.

The final noteworthy item in this story is the servants conduct. These servants are likened unto us, who in faith and obedience, follow through at the words of Jesus and received the miracle of changed water into wine. However, we are also called to take that new wine of the Spirit and pour it into the lives of others. We are to become the Bordeaux of benevolence, the Merlots of mercy and the Rosées of reconciliation.
 

FHII

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Very thoughtful. Haven't thought of a few of those things such as the representation of the stone vessels.

One of my favorite points of this story is that of the governor's response [paraphrasing], "most serve the best wine first, and then when the guests are well drunken, bring out the poorer wine. But you have saved the best for last."

This to me signifies the better covenent of grace that was coming as a result of Jesus's ministry.

The one thing that eludes me is the converation between Mary and Jesus. Mary informed Jesus that they were out of wine. Jesus said mine hour hhs not yet come. So if it wasn't his time, why did he do it?

Actually there is a second point: did HE turn the water into wine? No doubt it changed, but no verse says Jesus did anything to turn the water into wine. He told the sevants what to do and they obeyed (as you noted).

Jesus is credited with the miracle in John 2:11, but what actually did it? Was it Jesus or the revants obedience to Jesus that did it?
 
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DPMartin

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yes; what the Lord our God demonstrated to us about wine and its meaning. wine is first mentioned in scripture with Noah the man who found Grace in God's sight, which is also the first place where grace is mentioned. the second place where wine is mentioned is with Abraham where as wine and bread is brought to him by the High Priest of the Most High God. it should be mentioned also that with Abraham it is also the second place where bread is mentioned, the first of course with Adam.

these things are on purpose and the Lord makes use see that, that is so, by making it ten generations from Adam to Noah, and ten Generations from Noah to Abraham.

like what Jesus points out, in John 3 what was born of water shall be born of Spirit. Jesus says the bread is the body and the wine is the blood which is the life of the body.

there's a whole lot more there, that could be explored for understanding. but this understanding you've mentioned here goes all the way back to Noah and Adam.
 
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Rose

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Well said. Also, there is the fermentation process of winemaking that brings all the pollutions in the grape juice to the top as dregs to be poured off until there is only the pure essence of the grape. God uses winemaking analogies throughout His Word, such as setting on the lees, etc. Through Jesus Christ, this water was not only turned into grape juice, but the lengthy fermentation process was not needed and it was the pure essence of the grape, wine, the very best wine, immediately. That is what true love for Christ accomplishes in us when we are sincerely repentant and have faith in God's mercy through Jesus Christ and His promises.
 

Pharmboy

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seeing as how the account is not a true historical account (a biography) but is rather a theological account, i.e. the writer fashions the account (as do Matthew, Mark and Luke) literarily to a specific audience and to address certain theological issues, it is less likely to be about Jesus changing water in to wine and more about the Holy Sacrament of eating his flesh and drinking his blood, which the writer of John's gospel directly addresses later. How do we eat his flesh and drink his blood? Jesus is able to change the substance from one thing to another. If he can change water to wine, can he not change wine to blood? It was said of early Christians that they ate flesh and drank blood. Why was that rumor even being floated? Because it was believed by those who were partaking of the bread and wine.
 

perrero

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One of my favorite points of this story is that of the governor's response [paraphrasing], "most serve the best wine first, and then when the guests are well drunken, bring out the poorer wine. But you have saved the best for last."

Yes, I thought of mentioning that but I was finding it was getting too lengthy already. Good point.
The idea, I guess, is to use the original post as a springboard for others to launch there findings.
Cheers
 

perrero

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Well said. Also, there is the fermentation process of winemaking that brings all the pollutions in the grape juice to the top as dregs to be poured off until there is only the pure essence of the grape. God uses winemaking analogies throughout His Word, such as setting on the lees, etc. Through Jesus Christ, this water was not only turned into grape juice, but the lengthy fermentation process was not needed and it was the pure essence of the grape, wine, the very best wine, immediately. That is what true love for Christ accomplishes in us when we are sincerely repentant and have faith in God's mercy through Jesus Christ and His promises.
I like this. Well said.
 
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OzSpen

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seeing as how the account is not a true historical account (a biography) but is rather a theological account, i.e. the writer fashions the account (as do Matthew, Mark and Luke) literarily to a specific audience and to address certain theological issues, it is less likely to be about Jesus changing water in to wine and more about the Holy Sacrament of eating his flesh and drinking his blood, which the writer of John's gospel directly addresses later. How do we eat his flesh and drink his blood? Jesus is able to change the substance from one thing to another. If he can change water to wine, can he not change wine to blood? It was said of early Christians that they ate flesh and drank blood. Why was that rumor even being floated? Because it was believed by those who were partaking of the bread and wine.
Pharmboy,

There is not a word about eating Jesus' flesh and drinking his blood in the John 2 narrative. That's your presuppositional understanding imposed on the text.

Oz
 

verzanumi24

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Have you ever wondered why Jesus changed water into wine as His first miracle?

When you think of it, the majority of the people at the wedding didn’t even know he did it. The servants knew and perhaps His disciples did, but certainly the festive crowd didn’t. So what was the reason for that? Why not heel 10 lepers? That would have been spectacular. Or, what about delivering a demonized individual? That could have been more sensational. Better still, Jesus could have raised a dead person. Now that’s what I call dramatic.

Nope, Jesus changed water into wine. Hmm! Is there maybe more to that than meets the eye. Let’s have a look.

When the wine ran out, Jesus told the servant to fill 6 waterpots with water. We are told that these pots were made of stone. In this command we can glean four pieces of information.

The number 6,
The Waterpots, which were made of
Stone, and then
The Water

Numbers in scripture are significant. They are there for a reason. In our story, the number 6 symbolizes MAN who was created on the 6 day. It is also found elsewhere in scripture. Such as in (Revelation 13:18|) when identifying the MAN of sin with 666.

Waterpots = Containers or vessels. These also relate to MAN who often is identified as a vessel. See (1Thess. 4:4, 1Peter 3:7)

Stone – Note that the scriptures do not characterize the waterpots as made of clay which was the most common at the time. These waterpots are specifically made of stone which, for us, should remind us of the heart of MAN, a heart of stone that changes to a heart of flesh at the touch of the Master. (2Cor. 3:3)

Finally, the water signifies the life of MAN as explained by Jesus to Nicodemus. People must be born of water and of Spirit. (John 3:5)

So what we are seeing in this miracle is an allegory of what the ministry of Jesus is all about. He came to transform these vessels of stone and water into vessel of flesh and fill them with the presence of His Spirit, which in this case is depicted as the New Wine. This can be done through Hid death and resurrection which by the way was on the third day. Did you notice, in verse 1, when this wedding celebration occurred?

Yes, He could have He could have healed ten lepers showing His power over sickness and pain, he could have rebuke a demon showing His power over evil and His enemy or He could have raised the dead proving He was greater than death, the destiny of sinners. However, Jesus came for a higher purpose. That purpose was redemption which eventually would cover all kinds of miracles. So He changed water into wine.

The final noteworthy item in this story is the servants conduct. These servants are likened unto us, who in faith and obedience, follow through at the words of Jesus and received the miracle of changed water into wine. However, we are also called to take that new wine of the Spirit and pour it into the lives of others. We are to become the Bordeaux of benevolence, the Merlots of mercy and the Rosées of reconciliation.


Why not simply accept that scripture for what it say? Why turn it into some kind of mysterious meaning?
 

bbyrd009

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Why not simply accept that scripture for what it say? Why turn it into some kind of mysterious meaning?
hmm you say "mysterious," but the symbology for all of these is pretty much understood. The reason why imo is because there is a Spirit that must be groped for, and is not easily acknowledged by us; hence why we debate, and have parables.

The alternative is believing in a Voodoo god that essentially does things by magic, the water is now wine, voila. Which don't get me wrong, is certainly a popular perspective; just possibly not the most important one.
 

verzanumi24

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hmm you say "mysterious," but the symbology for all of these is pretty much understood. The reason why imo is because there is a Spirit that must be groped for, and is not easily acknowledged by us; hence why we debate, and have parables.

The alternative is believing in a Voodoo god that essentially does things by magic, the water is now wine, voila. Which don't get me wrong, is certainly a popular perspective; just possibly not the most important one.

Based on your reasoning Jesus never literally healed anyone, He never raised the dead and maybe, He never rose from the dead either. Why is it be so strange to you for Jesus to be able to turn water into wine? He's the same one that created everything....based on your reasoning, He didn't really do that either. But don't you believe that God has control over the very things He created? He created the very building blocks of matter......He can manipulate it any way He wants to get the results He wants.....how is it that you don't understand that?
 
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verzanumi24

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hmm you say "mysterious," but the symbology for all of these is pretty much understood. The reason why imo is because there is a Spirit that must be groped for, and is not easily acknowledged by us; hence why we debate, and have parables.

Jesus turning water into wine is not a parable.....you are twisting the scriptures. 2 Peter 3:16(the latter part) is applicable to what you are doing. Only the foolish or the gullible would take what you are saying into consideration.

2 Peter 3:16 (HCSB)
16 He speaks about these things in all his letters in which there are some matters that are hard to understand. The untaught and unstable twist them to their own destruction, as they also do with the rest of the Scriptures.
 
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Jun2u

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Depending on how we read/interpret Scripture the story of Jesus changing water into wine as His first miracle was to demonstrate His deity.

Jesus spoke in parables and without a parable did He not speak (Mr 4:33-34; Ps 78:1-8). In other words, we ought to see the Gospel in every page of Scripture, and if we don’t see the Gospel it does not mean it is not there.

A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly/spiritual meaning. Therefore, this makes the whole Bible a historical parable and must be discerned spiritually.

The OP is correct to indicate “numbers in scriptures are significant and that they are there for a reason.” In fact, numbers were written as ordinary words in the Old Testament and not as symbols as we write them today therefore the words are subject to spiritual discernment/interpretation.

God SPOKE and said, “Let there be light” and it was so. Jesus, the very essence of God SPOKE and immediately the six jars of water turned into the finest wine. Jesus had to set aside the laws of fermentation as fine wine takes a few months to ferment. Only God can do this type of miracles!

Note the six jars. Why not three or four? We can see how God is developing this story as He demonstrates the deity of Jesus. We have learned that God created the world in SIX days and rested on the seventh day. We also know that Jesus created the world by Him and for Him (Col 1:16). This makes Jesus the God of the Bible.

The “water” in the story of the Wedding at Cana must be read and studied in light of the whole Bible, like any other words in scriptures, if it will have any spiritual meaning at all. Water in this instance signifies the water of the Gospel, “out of your belly will flow rivers of LIVING WATER” (Jon 7:38; 4:10; Jer 17:13).

The above is not the full interpretation of course but I believe the thrust of the story of the Wedding in Cana was to demonstrate the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ!

To God Be The Glory
 

Helen

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Thank you ...that opening post was excellent...it greatly blessed me :)
 
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perrero

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Why not simply accept that scripture for what it say? Why turn it into some kind of mysterious meaning?

Because there are other meanings behind Scripture. It's like a love letter, there's the obvious and then there's reading between the lines. As long as everything stands firm against other scripture for support.
 

verzanumi24

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Because there are other meanings behind Scripture. It's like a love letter, there's the obvious and then there's reading between the lines. As long as everything stands firm against other scripture for support.

Where's scripture that says that Jesus turning water into wine has meanings?
 

perrero

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Where's scripture that says that Jesus turning water into wine has meanings?

There is plenty of scripture in the OP to support the interpretation of the water, the wine and what Jesus can do with it in both ways.
Read it again and ask the Spirit to enlighten you.
 

bbyrd009

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Based on your reasoning Jesus never literally healed anyone, He never raised the dead and maybe, He never rose from the dead either. Why is it be so strange to you for Jesus to be able to turn water into wine? He's the same one that created everything....based on your reasoning, He didn't really do that either. But don't you believe that God has control over the very things He created? He created the very building blocks of matter......He can manipulate it any way He wants to get the results He wants.....how is it that you don't understand that?
i understand all that fine, ok; but i also have come to understand that the version you believe came from a Book written by masters of dialecticism who were interested in nothing other than your spiritual growth, and may also be taken too literally, which does not mean that those stories are still not strictly true in a sense; but what it does mean is that they were written to impart spiritual principles that had to stand the test of time, and see how a strictly historical interpretation, the literal one, keeps the story "dead" in a sense, when you cannot relate it to yourself.

It is about you, that story--whichever one you are reading--and it is about you today, not yesterday or tomorrow.

God can and does work miracles, but at the same time parables that contain symbology such as "dead," wherein we must reflect whether the meaning is "spiritually dead" or "really dead," or even "wine," which is also symbolic in Scripture, should imo be considered for their spiritual value, whereas we are coached only in their literal value.

An example here might be that you have no problem believing that Jesus did not actually like hack off his arm and drain the blood into a cup, and proceed with the First Communion that way, even though His recorded words on the matter suggest exactly that. This should be somewhat of a signpost imo. If you are comfortable taking that symbolically and not literally (so symbolically that Communion now is reduced to a meaningless ritual, imo), then you might at least consider the value in reflecting upon other parables symbolically, for the spiritual values they could afford you right now, in the moment.

i could provide many other examples of where the logic of your position would fail, will fail, for instance if you have been led to believe that Jesus will shortly come riding in on a horse with a sword protruding from His Mouth to save you (again?), yet you are supposedly the Body of Christ. How can both be true?

This God of the Bewitched, who wrinkles His Nose to accomplish miracles in the physical plane, where you have been given sovereignty, simply does not exist, ok. God accomplishes His Purpose on earth through you, and if you are waiting for Jesus to do something else for you, or waiting for the world to change, or for that matter waiting on anything other than God's timing in a matter, then imo it is time to pause and reflect.