Water into wine...a closer look

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It’s been a while since I posted…it’s great to see some of those familiar names which have been here for many years.

I thought we could explore some facts about this section of Scripture and open it up a little together.

This incident constitutes the first of the eight “signs” of John. The signs themselves make for good reading.

Jesus choose the Greek word “Semeion” (“sign”) to describe the Lord’s miracles. We know these 8 Signs are of great spiritual importance and John hints that they are to be read continuously see John 2:11; John 4:54

The miracles performed were “Cause and effect” events.

The Cause:

V11 “…and manifested his glory”

Where it states, “His Glory” we understand that to mean the Glory that is “The only begotten of the Father” John 1:14

The Effect:

“And his disciples believed in him”

These two aspects of the miracle are worthy of our consideration.

Feel free to comment...

 

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First dramatic week culminated in a wedding...Adam and Eve were married on the 6th day Gen 1:27, 31 cp Matt 19:4 Christ and his bride on the 7th.

John the Baptist’s comment regarding the Lord being the Bridegroom John 3:29 are essential in understanding the passage.

 

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It appears if you read behind the text that John's disciples may not have "all" come across to the Lord, even though John fully prepared them for his coming. It's not without its significance the first sign was done at a wedding!

These two references are keys to the first sign:

John 3:28 Comment made in relation to the question about “purifying” John 3:25 cp John 2:6 “Purifying of the Jews”

• cp John 3:29 with John 3:26 See how John identifies the “Bride” with “all” who followed the Lord

• “Both Jesus was called and his disciples” John 2:2. They were the real bride and bridegroom Matthew 9:14-17

Comment about the wedding feast is followed by the parable of new wine into new bottles! Mark 2:18-22

• The new bottles were those former disciples of John who had changed to become “His” disciples John 2:2. (First)

• Old bottles are those who would not leave John. These could not contain the new (changed) wine.

They followed the Lamb Revelation 14:4

The Lamb’s wife Revelation 21:9

The apostles of the Lamb Revelation 21:14

 

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John 2:1

”The Mother of Jesus” - Notice the deliberate point made of their relationship? Relationships get enhanced at weddings!

It appears Mary was the organiser John 2:3-5

John never calls Mary by her name. She also features in the last week, when all earthly ties are severed John 19:26

 

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John 2:2

“Jesus was called and His disciples” - First time they are called “His” disciples. Formerly John’s!! Here is a true bridegroom and bride! John 3:29

 

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John 2:3

“Wanted wine” – Grk: “wine failed”. A terrible disgrace Isaiah 24:7-9. Wine was a symbol of gladness Psa 104:15; Zech 10:7, Divine teaching Isaiah 25:6, Isaiah 55:1, Prosperity Isaiah 36:17; Joel 2:19, Love Song of Solomon 1:2, Song of Solomon 1:4; 4:10; 5:1

The wine of the law failed, which was why priests were not permitted to drink of it! Leviticus 10:9

- Our Lord drank and will drink anew Luke 22:8

 

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John 2:4

“Mother of Jesus said” - The Lord's answer revealed her motive. Clearly there was a touch of pride in his present glory John 2:4. Also she had come to depend on him.

“Woman” - Not disrespectful John 19:26, John 20:13, John 20:15, but not “Mother” either!

“What have I to do with thee?” - Expression always denotes “Nothing in common” 2 Samuel 16:10, 2 Samuel 19:22; 1 Kings 17:18. The time has come that he is no longer in subjection Luke 2:51.

“Mine hour is not yet come” - The signal for this would be impending death, not an earthly glory John 12:23

 

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John 2:5

Turning first to the way Jesus seems to have treated his mother, the statement in v.4 is literally: “Woman, what to me and to you? My hour has not yet come.”

This question has raised the eyebrows of many over the centuries. Was Jesus being harsh with his mother?

I know over the years having spoken with many Catholics about the life and faith of Mary they have found the statement to be troublesome.

The NIV translation “Dear woman, why do you involve me?” is obviously an attempt to soften the Greek.

Regardless of what we make of the rebuke the lesson for us is found in Mary's response.

“Whatsoever he says... do” –

Being the incredibly humble person Mary was and despite her personal set-back, her trust in Jesus (and God) was unwavering.

 

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John 2:6

“Six waterpots” - Number of Man Rev 13:18 - Six disciples here.
“of stone” – Ie, Earthenware cp 2 Cor 4:7 - Human Nature
“Purifying of Jews” – The Jews were preoccupied with ceremonial purification Mark 7:8. Peter was at the feast Nb....

Acts 11:3,12 Takes six witnesses when sent to Cornelius
Acts 15:7-9 Finds Gentile hearts purified by faith!!

“2 or 3 Firkins” - Firkin is approximately 8 1/2 Gall = 120 gallons.

 

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John 2:7

“Filled them to the brim” - This is what Jesus was doing spiritually to his six disciples

 

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John 2:8

“Draw out” - Term used of drawing water from a well cp Isaiah 12:3
“Governor” – Moffatt: “Manager of the feast”. Kind of chief stewart

 

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John 2:9

“Tasted - the wine” - Proof is always in the experience Hebrews 6:4-5; Psalm 34:8; 1 Peter 2:3

“The servants which drew” - These did “Whatsoever he saith” John 2:5. These are those who really
come to know Jeremiah 9:23-24

“Called the Bridegroom” - Commendation to the bridegroom. He evidently had responsibility to
supply the wine.

Our Bridegroom has Matthew 25:6

 

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John 2:10

“Every man at the beginning” - Man begins well in a vain show but quickly fails Galatians 3:3.
Witness of Adam and Eve

“Good wine until now" - As man’s wine fails Isaiah 24:7-9, so the Lord provides “wine well refined”
Isaiah 25:6. Identified as everlasting life Isaiah 25:8...

Truly the best wine is last John 6:54

 

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John 2:11

“To Capernaum” - Heb word: “Village of Comfort”. Identified by Matthew 4:13-15 with Isaiah 9:1. It
became know as “His own city” Matthew 9:1

“Mother, brethren and his disciples” - Capernaum would be “Uncomfortable” with his spiritual
and natural family together.

“Not many days” - Obviously did not work out - his family perhaps returned to Nazareth. He
later leaves Nazareth to dwell at Capernaum at which time his ministry officially opens. Nb Matthew 4:13-17 cp Mark 1:14, Acts 10

 

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In many ways the miracle is about "change" ...the transition from John the Baptist to Jesus AND that Jesus was not tied to home, family, or friends but pressed on to his self-revelation in Jerusalem. The relationship between Mary and Jesus was also one which would change. Mary would learn to let go of her motherhood and establish her walk as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Actually, if you look at the Biblical record of Mary it's evident her life signifies the various types of "relationships", natural or spiritual.