And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.
And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables;
And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.
And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
But he spake of the temple of his body.
When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,
And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
John 2 offers a powerful glimpse into the early ministry of Jesus, showcasing His divine power and authority. This chapter, rich in symbolism and contrast, presents two seemingly disparate events: the miracle at the wedding in Cana and the cleansing of the temple in Jerusalem. These events, however, are intricately linked, revealing different facets of Jesus' identity and mission. John 2 serves as a foundational chapter, setting the stage for the themes that will unfold throughout the Gospel of John.
The Wedding at Cana: A Sign of Transformation (John 2:1-12)
The chapter opens with Jesus, His mother Mary, and His disciples attending a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Weddings in that era were significant social events, often lasting for several days. Providing ample food and drink was a crucial responsibility of the host. When the wedding party ran out of wine, a potentially embarrassing situation arose (John 2:1-3). Mary, aware of Jesus' capabilities, brought the problem to His attention, though without explicitly instructing Him. Jesus' response, "Woman, what does that have to do with me? My hour has not yet come," (John 2:4) suggests that He was mindful of the timing of His public revelation. Mary's simple instruction to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you," (John 2:5) is a powerful reminder for us today. The Lord wants us to "do whatever he tells" us, even when we don’t fully understand His plan. Obedience opens the door to experiencing Him at a deeper level.
Jesus instructed the servants to fill six stone water jars, each holding a significant amount of water (twenty to thirty gallons), and then draw some out and take it to the master of ceremonies (John 2:6-8). These stone jars were typically used for ritual purification. The water held within was transformed into wine, and not just any wine, but wine of superior quality (John 2:9-10). The master of ceremonies even commented on its excellence, noting that it was better than the wine served earlier.
This miracle, the first of Jesus' "signs" in John's Gospel (John 2:11), is more than just a display of power. It is a profound symbol of transformation. The water, used for ritual cleansing, is replaced by wine, a symbol of joy, celebration, and the blessings of God (Psalm 4:7; 104:15; Proverbs 3:9-10; Songs 1:2; Isaiah 25:6; 55:1). The six stone jars, representing the imperfection of man and the inadequacy of ritual purification, are filled with the abundance and richness of God's grace through Jesus. This transformation illustrates the change in people’s lives that takes place when they believe in Jesus and obey his Word. When Jesus moves in your life, you can count on it being the best thing for you. If you position yourself rightly through obedient submission to his agenda, he can flip the script and give you his best—even when you thought his best was a thing of the past. Jesus is the new wine, and some of his best work comes in the midst of our emptiness.
While the crowd was unaware of the miracle's origin, Jesus revealed His glory to His disciples, strengthening their faith (John 2:11). This event highlights Jesus' compassion and His willingness to meet practical needs, turning a potential moment of embarrassment into a celebration of abundance.
Cleansing the Temple: Zeal for God's House (John 2:13-22)
Following the wedding at Cana, Jesus traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration (John 2:13). Upon entering the temple, He witnessed a scene that ignited His righteous anger. Merchants were selling animals for sacrifice, and money changers were exchanging currency, likely at inflated rates. This commercial activity was taking place in the outer court of the temple, the Court of the Gentiles, effectively preventing non-Jews from worshipping God.
Driven by zeal for His Father's house, Jesus made a whip of cords and drove out the merchants and animals, overturning the tables of the money changers (John 2:15). He declared, "Get these things out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!" (John 2:16). Legitimate business is one thing. But these people had taken a place intended for worship and turned it into a marketplace. The Synoptic Gospels clarify that these merchants were charging exorbitant prices, turning the temple into a "den of thieves" (Matthew 21:12-13).
The disciples recognized the fulfillment of Psalm 69:9 in Jesus' actions: "Zeal for your house will consume me" (John 2:17). This passionate response underscores the importance of reverence and respect in approaching God's presence. Jesus' actions were not simply about money; they were about the sanctity of worship and the accessibility of God to all people.
The Jewish leaders, witnessing the disruption, challenged Jesus' authority, demanding a sign to justify His actions (John 2:18). Jesus responded cryptically, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days" (John 2:19). They misinterpreted His words, assuming He was referring to the physical temple, which had taken forty-six years to build (John 2:20). However, Jesus was speaking of the temple of His body (John 2:21).
This statement is a profound foreshadowing of Jesus' death and resurrection. He was predicting that He would be crucified and, in three days, rise from the grave. His resurrection would demonstrate his authority for cleansing the temple. It wasn't until after His resurrection that the disciples fully understood the meaning of His words (John 2:22). This highlights the importance of understanding Scripture in light of the complete revelation of God's plan.
Knowing the Hearts of Men (John 2:23-25)
The chapter concludes by noting that many people believed in Jesus when they saw the signs He performed during the Passover (John 2:23). However, Jesus did not entrust Himself to them (John 2:24), because He knew what was in man (John 2:25). Spiritual growth is important because it expands our capacity to experience more of God. Jesus does not relate to all believers the same way. He understood their superficial faith and their lack of genuine commitment. This serves as a reminder that true faith involves more than just intellectual assent; it requires a deep and transforming relationship with Jesus. He could see into their hearts. And he can see into yours too.
John 2 reveals Jesus as both compassionate and authoritative, both gentle and zealous. The miracle at Cana demonstrates His power to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, while the cleansing of the temple reveals His unwavering commitment to the holiness of God's house. These events, seen together, offer a compelling portrait of Jesus as the Messiah, the one who brings both grace and truth.
And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.
And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables;
And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.
And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
But he spake of the temple of his body.
When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,
And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
John 2 offers a powerful glimpse into the early ministry of Jesus, showcasing His divine power and authority. This chapter, rich in symbolism and contrast, presents two seemingly disparate events: the miracle at the wedding in Cana and the cleansing of the temple in Jerusalem. These events, however, are intricately linked, revealing different facets of Jesus' identity and mission. John 2 serves as a foundational chapter, setting the stage for the themes that will unfold throughout the Gospel of John.
The Wedding at Cana: A Sign of Transformation (John 2:1-12)
The chapter opens with Jesus, His mother Mary, and His disciples attending a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Weddings in that era were significant social events, often lasting for several days. Providing ample food and drink was a crucial responsibility of the host. When the wedding party ran out of wine, a potentially embarrassing situation arose (John 2:1-3). Mary, aware of Jesus' capabilities, brought the problem to His attention, though without explicitly instructing Him. Jesus' response, "Woman, what does that have to do with me? My hour has not yet come," (John 2:4) suggests that He was mindful of the timing of His public revelation. Mary's simple instruction to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you," (John 2:5) is a powerful reminder for us today. The Lord wants us to "do whatever he tells" us, even when we don’t fully understand His plan. Obedience opens the door to experiencing Him at a deeper level.
Jesus instructed the servants to fill six stone water jars, each holding a significant amount of water (twenty to thirty gallons), and then draw some out and take it to the master of ceremonies (John 2:6-8). These stone jars were typically used for ritual purification. The water held within was transformed into wine, and not just any wine, but wine of superior quality (John 2:9-10). The master of ceremonies even commented on its excellence, noting that it was better than the wine served earlier.
This miracle, the first of Jesus' "signs" in John's Gospel (John 2:11), is more than just a display of power. It is a profound symbol of transformation. The water, used for ritual cleansing, is replaced by wine, a symbol of joy, celebration, and the blessings of God (Psalm 4:7; 104:15; Proverbs 3:9-10; Songs 1:2; Isaiah 25:6; 55:1). The six stone jars, representing the imperfection of man and the inadequacy of ritual purification, are filled with the abundance and richness of God's grace through Jesus. This transformation illustrates the change in people’s lives that takes place when they believe in Jesus and obey his Word. When Jesus moves in your life, you can count on it being the best thing for you. If you position yourself rightly through obedient submission to his agenda, he can flip the script and give you his best—even when you thought his best was a thing of the past. Jesus is the new wine, and some of his best work comes in the midst of our emptiness.
While the crowd was unaware of the miracle's origin, Jesus revealed His glory to His disciples, strengthening their faith (John 2:11). This event highlights Jesus' compassion and His willingness to meet practical needs, turning a potential moment of embarrassment into a celebration of abundance.
Cleansing the Temple: Zeal for God's House (John 2:13-22)
Following the wedding at Cana, Jesus traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration (John 2:13). Upon entering the temple, He witnessed a scene that ignited His righteous anger. Merchants were selling animals for sacrifice, and money changers were exchanging currency, likely at inflated rates. This commercial activity was taking place in the outer court of the temple, the Court of the Gentiles, effectively preventing non-Jews from worshipping God.
Driven by zeal for His Father's house, Jesus made a whip of cords and drove out the merchants and animals, overturning the tables of the money changers (John 2:15). He declared, "Get these things out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!" (John 2:16). Legitimate business is one thing. But these people had taken a place intended for worship and turned it into a marketplace. The Synoptic Gospels clarify that these merchants were charging exorbitant prices, turning the temple into a "den of thieves" (Matthew 21:12-13).
The disciples recognized the fulfillment of Psalm 69:9 in Jesus' actions: "Zeal for your house will consume me" (John 2:17). This passionate response underscores the importance of reverence and respect in approaching God's presence. Jesus' actions were not simply about money; they were about the sanctity of worship and the accessibility of God to all people.
The Jewish leaders, witnessing the disruption, challenged Jesus' authority, demanding a sign to justify His actions (John 2:18). Jesus responded cryptically, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days" (John 2:19). They misinterpreted His words, assuming He was referring to the physical temple, which had taken forty-six years to build (John 2:20). However, Jesus was speaking of the temple of His body (John 2:21).
This statement is a profound foreshadowing of Jesus' death and resurrection. He was predicting that He would be crucified and, in three days, rise from the grave. His resurrection would demonstrate his authority for cleansing the temple. It wasn't until after His resurrection that the disciples fully understood the meaning of His words (John 2:22). This highlights the importance of understanding Scripture in light of the complete revelation of God's plan.
Knowing the Hearts of Men (John 2:23-25)
The chapter concludes by noting that many people believed in Jesus when they saw the signs He performed during the Passover (John 2:23). However, Jesus did not entrust Himself to them (John 2:24), because He knew what was in man (John 2:25). Spiritual growth is important because it expands our capacity to experience more of God. Jesus does not relate to all believers the same way. He understood their superficial faith and their lack of genuine commitment. This serves as a reminder that true faith involves more than just intellectual assent; it requires a deep and transforming relationship with Jesus. He could see into their hearts. And he can see into yours too.
John 2 reveals Jesus as both compassionate and authoritative, both gentle and zealous. The miracle at Cana demonstrates His power to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, while the cleansing of the temple reveals His unwavering commitment to the holiness of God's house. These events, seen together, offer a compelling portrait of Jesus as the Messiah, the one who brings both grace and truth.