John 2:7-12 (WEL) Jesus said to them, “Fill the water jars with water.” So, they completely filled them to the brim. 8 Then he said to them, “Now draw some out and carry it to the man in charge of the dining room.” So, they took it. 9 When the man in charge of the dining room had tasted the water that was made into wine (he was unaware of where it came from, but the servants who had drawn the water knew), he addressed the bridegroom. 10 And said to him, “Everyone sets out the good wine at the beginning, and when all have drunk much, then what is inferior. You have kept the good wine until now.” 11 Jesus did this, the beginning of miracles, in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him. 12 After this, he, his mother, his brothers, and his disciples went down to Capernaum and stayed there for a few days.
V7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the water jars with water.” So, they completely filled them to the brim.
Please note the blessing that comes from obeying God’s command. They did so completely, not half-heartedly nor partially. So should we obey Jesus, the Lord of the Church.
The normal usage of water in Israel was to cleanse defilement/purifying. The jars held approximately 20-30 gallons (76-114 liters) each.
V8 Then he said to them, “Now draw some out and carry it to the man in charge of the dining room.” So, they took it.
After the first instructions were given, Jesus now gives another command. We can learn a principle of leadership, which is, to follow up and make sure the first command was completed before giving the rest of the plan.
The man in charge of the dining room was the administrator of the celebration.
V9 When the man in charge of the dining room had tasted the water that was made into wine (he was unaware of where it came from, but the servants who had drawn the water knew), he addressed the bridegroom.
When Jesus does something, it is good, perfect, the best possible. A principle for us is to do the best we can, being faithful to our Lord. Compare 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Luke 20:25 Then he said to them, “So then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things which are God’s.”
To render is to give royalties to, give credit for, to acknowledge someone for their blessing, work, gift, etc. When God helps us, blesses us, strengthens us, then rendering would be to publicly acknowledge that God helped us, blessed us, and we are unworthy servants doing His will.
V10 And said to him, “Everyone sets out the good wine at the beginning, and when all have drunk much, then what is inferior. You have kept the good wine until now.”
He gives witness to the fact that this is the best wine.
V11 Jesus did this, the beginning of miracles, in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
Jesus’s glory is twofold: 1) to help others by blessing them, healing them, strengthening them, etc. and 2) to testify His character, who He is, give a standard of what is good, and fulfill prophecy.
The purpose of miracles is to show the Jesus is God, is Messiah, and is good. He is Messiah, the one and only Messiah.
V12 After this, he, his mother, his brothers, and his disciples went down to Capernaum and stayed there for a few days.
A firsthand testimony of what happened after the wedding.
We learn:
- God’s standards.
- God’s blessings.
- God’s leadership.
- The joy of obedience.
Questions:
- Do you strive to do all things for the glory of God?
- Do you obey the Laws of Jesus Christ as written in the New Testament?