From Water to Wine

Most of us know this story right? It was a spectacular miracle: he changed water into wine, so he must have the power of God. This miracle becomes like "proof" that Jesus is God's representative, and that He is as He said He was.

Here's the story:

John 2

From Water to Wine
1-3 Three days later there was a wedding in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there. Jesus and his disciples were guests also. When they started running low on wine at the wedding banquet, Jesus' mother told him, "They're just about out of wine."

4Jesus said, "Is that any of our business, Mother—yours or mine? This isn't my time. Don't push me."

5She went ahead anyway, telling the servants, "Whatever he tells you, do it."

6-7Six stoneware water pots were there, used by the Jews for ritual washings. Each held twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus ordered the servants, "Fill the pots with water." And they filled them to the brim.

8"Now fill your pitchers and take them to the host," Jesus said, and they did.

9-10When the host tasted the water that had become wine (he didn't know what had just happened but the servants, of course, knew), he called out to the bridegroom, "Everybody I know begins with their finest wines and after the guests have had their fill brings in the cheap stuff. But you've saved the best till now!"

11This act in Cana of Galilee was the first sign Jesus gave, the first glimpse of his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

~The Message

I guess what I've wondered is why did John basically start off his book with this story? This is pretty much what I've come up with. There is the marriage metaphore which comes up in many different places in the Bible. God as lover, and us as betrothed. Marriage of heaven and earth for example. A marriage back then was a way festive Jewish ritual. It a festival that lasted for days (!), and had lots of good things that in the average peasant life were not filled with! A flat out celebration!!

Its also the Gospel story in a nutshell really. The story of Jesus is the story of a wedding and a resurrection. It is a story about a wedding where the wine never runs out, and God's love never fails, even after death! It is a story about a wedding where the best is saved for last, and where the last are chosen before the first. It is a story about the man Jesus ... and us!

I've skimmed over this story really for years but now have come to the conclusion ... it really is a great way for John to kick off his book.

Just thought I would share that ...