Jesus’ First Miracle — Water to Wine
- Candyce Carden
- Feb 5
- 3 min read
The symbolism and wisdom found in the events of Jesus’ life apply to us today. We also learn about the character of the One we are to imitate.
Last month, we looked briefly at Jesus’ first miracle in Saving the Best for Last. We can draw other truths and lessons from this event, and we are considering two more today.
Lesson One: Trust and Submit
Jesus and some of His disciples were guests at a wedding in Galilee. “When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine’” (Jn 2:3).
Jesus replied, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come” (Jn 2:4).
Mary turned to the servants and said, “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn 2:5).
Notice what Mary did not do.She didn’t argue. She didn’t wring her hands in distress. Mary didn’t doubt Jesus would handle the problem.
Mary had full faith that Jesus would act, although she had seen no miracles performed yet, either. Remember, this miracle was the first public display of Jesus’ divine nature and supernatural power.
What a sweet and trusting example her words are for us: “They have no wine.” She tells Jesus the problem, then she leaves Him to deal with it.
Mary submitted.
Do we totally submit to Jesus—unconcerned with the time and manner He answers our prayers?
Often, I do not.
Jesus calls us to leave our burdens with Him, big and small. And He wants us to trust Him to help.
We know Jesus acted after His mother’s words. He turned six large stone jars of water into wine. Wedding celebrations often lasted for days during this time and having no wine to serve would be a bad look for the family.
In His first miracle, Jesus shows He delights in elevating our joy. How fitting that it occurs at a wedding—a personal and joyous occasion.
Lesson Two: Deepening Our Faith
We don’t learn a lot about the effect the first miracle had on the guests at the wedding, if any. Perhaps they were unaware of it.
But John tells us how it affected Jesus’ disciples.
“This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.” (Jn 2:11)
The disciples were already believers, or they wouldn’t be followers of Jesus. But when they witnessed the miracle, they grew excited about what they had seen. As one biblical scholar points out, “their faith was deepened as well as called forth afresh.”
Are we vigilant in keeping our faith refreshed? Do we remain alert to Jesus’ work in our lives on ordinary days? Do we share it with others?
Sometimes I do, but not always.
Awareness of Jesus’ everyday presence deepens the roots of our faith. Let’s pay attention to Jesus’ actions, and tell others about them. Let’s praise Him and give thanks.
Our response to His presence boosts our joy, and “the water of our ordinary lives is changed into wine.”
How has Jesus made His presence known to you recently?
Thanks for reading! Are you interested in learning more about Jesus’ other miracles? Respond through email or by dropping a comment below.
Read The First Miracle here: John 2:1-11 ESV
*Scripture used is from the English Standard Version. (Photo: NickyPe Pixabay)
Immersed in His Love,
Candyce
MacLaren Expositions of Holy Scripture
Ibid.
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