Scripture Text (NRSV)
John 2:1-11
2:1 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and
the mother of Jesus was there.
2:2 Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding.
2:3 When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They
have no wine."
2:4 And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and
to me? My hour has not yet come."
2:5 His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."
2:6 Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish
rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons.
2:7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled
them up to the brim.
2:8 He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief
steward." So they took it.
2:9 When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did
not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the
water knew), the steward called the bridegroom
2:10 and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and
then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you
have kept the good wine until now."
2:11 Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of
Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
Comments:
I don't doubt there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee and that Jesus
attended. I don't have any problem with him doing his first recorded
miracle there.
But I see this as far more than a miracle story. John has a habit of
telling us some earthly story in order to teach us some spiritual
truth.
The "vineyard" Israel was going to see a great transformation. The old
"wine" was coming to an end, and Jesus alone would be able to turn
their attention from the old rituals (washing and the like) into a
Covenant of "New Wine" that would be more satisfying and more
wonderful. God had saved the best of all Covenants for last.
Well, that's my take on it, anyway.
KyHoosierCat
John's gospel describes Jesus' first miracle as an epiphany, a "sign"
that reveals God's presence and power in and through Jesus.
Now Jesus gets into the act. "Jesus did this" - the changing of the
water into wine - "and revealed his glory." Think about that glory. Up
to this point in Jesus' life, it could have been seen only with the
eyes of faith. The shepherds were notified by angels reflecting "the
glory of the Lord," but probably the best they got from Jesus was a
baby smile. The magi "knelt down and paid him homage" - but they and
their gifts probably outshone in glory this newborn king of the Jews.
The Spirit voiced Jesus' glory after his baptism. Now, at last, Jesus
himself shows a bit of glory. The head waiter recognized that the wine
was the finest. The servants who had drawn the water knew where it
came from. The word must certainly have spread quickly - "Jesus did
this!" It was the first of his signs. He revealed his glory, a bit of
it, "and his disciples believed in him."
This wine sign seems almost just "tossed off." The head waiter didn't
know that anything special had occurred, but "the servants who had
drawn the water knew." They were just servants, and like us, they
probably didn't think they ranked high in the "varieties of gifts"
mentioned in today's second reading. Yet they were able to discern
that Jesus had done something miraculous, and passed that message on
to the head waiter. Just so, when we say in words or acts "Jesus is
Lord," the Spirit is speaking, and when we and the Spirit reveal a bit
of his glory, disciples believe in him. To each of us has been given
some "manifestation of the Spirit for the common good" (1 Cor 12.7).
In that Spirit, heed the words Mary said to the servants, "Do whatever
he tells you." For in that path lies glory - "the glory as of a
father's only son, full of grace and truth" (Jn 1.14).
In a miracle story unique to John's gospel, Jesus begins his ministry
at a very public event: a wedding in Cana of Galilee. His disciples
are with him, as well as his mother. In turning water into wine, Jesus
performs a miracle that speaks of God's abundance as well as God's
deep concern for life's smaller moments - bringing extravagance into
everyday activities.
The story itself begins simply enough, and there is no hint in the
first few verses that a miracle is about to occur. Suddenly, "the wine
gave out" (2.3), certainly an embarrassing predicament for the hosts.
Jesus' mother lets him know of the situation. Scholars disagree over
Jesus' use of the term woman in Jesus' reply. Some cite it as a term
of respect while others claim it would have been unusual for a son to
refer to his mother this way in first-century Mediterranean culture.
Some scholars understand this dialogue symbolically, pointing to the
Holy Communion with the wine reminiscent of his blood, and the "hour"
referring to his death. This brief conversation provides evidence to
John's readers that Jesus is unique, and that through Jesus, salvation
is at hand.
What is truly amazing in this story is the abundance of wine Jesus
offers the wedding party. Imagine: about 568 litres or 150 gallons of
wine, and the wine is of the highest quality! Jesus has provided the
best wine at the end of the feast, unheard of in that time, and
reversing expectations. The steward is confused (2.9-10), and the
disciples believe in him (2.11). The world - or at least the world of
this wedding party - has been turned around.
As we enter this Season after the Epiphany, it is a good time to
reflect upon God's abundance in our world, too. In what ways does God
continue to bring abundance into the world?
Human-generated things run their course. They satisfy for awhile, but
then they are depleted. What God gives is more satisfying, more
abundant and far better quality.
When I feel depleted in my spirit, it is easy to go look for a
"fill-up" in any number of places. Chances are, what I find there
won't satisfy me any more than what I'm disappointed in already. It is
only when I approach God, tell him what I need, that he is able to
fill me up with the best I will ever know. I might not know how he's
going to do it, but I just have to trust, like Mary did, that he knows
best what to do, and I have to leave it to him. At least I try to
leave it to him. Often I'm not so good at that.
Maybe God can't move effectively in us until we are depleted in the
spirit and recognize that God in Jesus Christ is all that can truly
fill us up.
Isaiah Jones wrote a hymn in 1969 that is in some of the newer
Hymnals: Fill my cup, Lord, let it overflow....
Early thoughts.
KyHoosierCat
We Lutherans are celebrating the festival of the Confession of St.
Peter (Matthew 16:13-19). Is anyone else doing this?
PB in PA
Since Jesus and his disciples enjoyed a drink and it was his first
sign to change water into wine don't you think we should all use wine
at Communion? It would seem the Savior must have known what he was
doing!
To the unsigned contributor re: Jesus drinking wine: I don't think
Welch's was in business yet.
I'm certain many churches do use wine. For some, it is an option. I
have never been in a church that did, though. Fruit of the vine is
fruit of the vine.... but in one of my churches, there was an elder
who was a recovering alcoholic. Nobody except her husband, her
children and me knew her secret. She told me straight on when I came
to that church about her struggles, and she asked me to never serve
wine because even the aroma of it would be problematic for her.
Apparently, one former pastor decided to put wine in the cups around
the outer edge of the tray and grape juice in the inner circles.
Nobody told this woman about it and it was not a good thing. I stick
with grape juice.
KHC
AAACCCKK! Grammar Police! That should be "her children and I knew
about it" !! Bleah!!!
Very familiar passage - so familiar, that I am not sure how if I would
find any new insights here or not...
(Of course, I still have the long standing question of "If this was
Jesus's first miracle, then what could Mary expected from Him - even
instructed the servant 'Do whatever he tells you'?")
But just for my own meditation, I would want more wine in my party,
more joy in my life. If so, then would the key be obeying Mary's
advice "Do whatever Jesus tells me to..."
It is easier for me to obey Him in "fill the jars with water." It's
rational, I know that the jars are for waters. It perhaps a bit of
work (for usually you don't have to fill all of them at the same
times); but it could be done, it's part of the job. Ministry is a big
job, take a team of people, but it's nevertheless a rational process
to carry them out.
But "draw the water out and take it to the chief steward"? Forget it,
this is totally irrational, for I KNOW that this is not wine! Yet He
demanded me to give it out. Perhaps, at least there are two ways a
servant can look at this. The responsible one will think, "he demanded
ME to give it out!" I am liable to the chief steward and he will have
my head for giving him water instead of wine! Then, the irresponsible
one will think, "HE demanded me to give it out!" Hey, I just work
here, if the chief steward have issues, he can take it up to JESUS
himself and deal with it.
Ah, so I need to be a bit irresponsible. OK, I will lay hand and pray
for healing as Scripture demanded it, if you get worse, you should
take it up to God himself. I just work here. Should that be my
attitude then?
May be, if I can only be certain that God is telling me what to do.
Half of the times, that's the major obstacles.
So, how do I know for certain what is God leading me to do? Knowing
some line of authority helps. In this case, I may know Mary. Mary had
some authority over the servants to tell them what to do. Although I
may not know if Jesus is going to comply with Mary's request or not
(and certainly I had no idea what Jesus was saying about his hous has
not yet come); I am going to obey the authority of Mary and wait on
Jesus.
Tertulian may not be too off track when he said that everyone who has
God as their Father also has the church as their mother. A few minutes
ago I was chatting to one of our people in the group and suggest that
they participate on Jr. High ministry staff for service. Similarly, we
sent people to work in various ministries even before they feel that
they want to be there. And they grow in obedience, the same way I grow
in obedience of the few mentors I had.
There are so many responsible people, who want to be leaders in
today's churches. What we need is more irresponsible people, who are
willing to obey instead. The monks got their vow of obedience right
after all.
Coho, Midway City
In a small community where I was pastor only the Catholic priest and
my wife and I (both Lutheran pastors) would take a drink in public.
Everyone in the ministerial group would drink when we gathered at a
private home. It always struck me as odd to hide the fact that several
pastors together shared a drink. There was nothing wrong with it. Why
hide it in public. We could show people how to drink a moderate amount
and be social. Since Jesus and his followers drank it would seem we
can too. Lutheran Pastor in Iowa
Way off topic: I said yes to helping with a cub scout troop's "God and
me" program. Now that I have the materiels, it doesn't seem to be
scout related, but is published by "Programs of Religious Activities
with Youth" (PRAY). Definitely Jesus-centered religious activities.
Anyone have any experience with this?
[Posted from Jan. 11 site] Gentle Souls, I haven’t been active in the
discussion since December, but I keep up with your
ruminations/questions/passions with regular visits—and am always
fascinated and touched by the diversity of viewpoint and pastoral
concerns. After experiencing our 11th Annual St. Dismas Children’s
Christmas Party (for about 400 “needy” kids), and then experiencing my
36th anniversary as (an Episcopal) priest on the Epiphany—and then
reading so many of your wonderful posts…well, all of it reminded me,
once again—in the context of this week’s Gospel—of what I mentioned in
December: “…the monk, Toby McCarroll, once said, ‘All we really have
to share are our stories.’” In my early old age, I grow weary of
endless “guesses” of or literary allusions to when God does this or
that, when folks are sanctified, inspirited, how or when it exactly
happens—even though most of us were taught and trained in that
process. I’m not so sure our people—our fellow-travelers through the
maze of life—care so much about Mel Gibson or Mel Brooks (though I
prefer the latter), but want to hear “the rest of the story” about
what we’ve experienced in our own hearts, souls, and life about being
“inspirited” in life’s struggle. That, I think, is the power of
Barbara Brown Taylor’s sermons…and the power of what you share,
clearly, on this site. I know that sharing your stories to struggling
companions can be “risky” or “dangerous,” but that’s clearly (to me)
what the Nazarene is beckoning. Thanks for listening…thanks for your
stories…thanks for the journey together! Fr. Tom, OCW
Scouting has actually been doing these programs for about 40 years.
The Boy Scouts have the God and Country Award. I got my God and
Community Award with the Girl Scouts in 1968, and there was no part of
the requirements that was GS-oriented. It was all church-related. It
opened the door to church volunteerism for me. And I built a GREAT
relationship with my own church Pastor through this program.
Sorry to post this here -- my e-mail is not working right.
KHC
This really doesn't have much to do with exegesis but it does have to
do with Cana. In 1998, my wife and I went on a tour of the Holy Lands.
One of our stops was "the traditional site of Cana". There was a
church, and a large rack of bells and many large jars and urns. Of
course, you could purchase wine as a keepsake. Anyway, we had an
archeologist who met with us in the evenings to talk about what we had
seen and prepare us for the next day. That night, he began by saying,
"I understand that you went to Cana today. If we had a couple of extra
days, I could take you to the real Cana-- we think we've found it, but
its hard to get to and there's not much there." There were furrowed
brows throughout the room. So he continued, "Don't worry about not
seeing the right place. Your day wasn't wasted. People have been going
to the site you saw since the 2nd century. It's not every day you have
a chance to visit an 1800 year old tourist trap." Anyway, when I hear
the word "Cana" that is the first thing I think about.
I think the comment that distinguished between the head waiters
response and that of "the servants" seems germane. Somehow, faith
often seems to be confirmed and experienced anew as it is
tested/utilized. That which we are simply handed--even if it is
great-- is often not appreciated like that for which we have risk
ourselves. The risk taken by the servants is not great, but they do
risk being laughed at for dipping water and pretending it might be
wine.
One other comment: Personally, if I were at a party where they were
serving wine, I would be willing to give my eyeteeth for a big glass
of cool, clear water.
West Texas Presbyterian
PB in PA - The Confession of Peter is "translated" to Monday on the
Episcopal Church calendar. Next week, similarly, the Conversion of
Paul will be "translated." However, since my parish is name for the
Apostle, we will celebrate his Conversion on Sunday as our "Patronal
Feast".
Blessings, Eric in OH
I'm not sure where I will take this, but it seems to me that this
story can be used to illustrate the Pauline distinction between Law
(symbolized by the water of purification) and Grace (symbolized by the
wine). It's sort of too bad that the Epistle Lesson is Paul's listing
of the gifts of the Spirit rather than one of his Law vs. Grace
treatises.
Blessings, Eric in OH
Wow! Talk a little bit about wine & the posts fill up fast! In
response to some of rightness of drinking wine comments, I agree that
there is nothing spiritually wrong with taking a drink of wine per se.
A wise mentor pastor shared with me that, while responsible drinking
might be a helpful example, there are pitfalls. A recovering alcoholic
or a potential alcoholic could see one of us pastors drinking & think
"The Pastor drinks; so it's OK." However, it might not be "OK" for
him/her. One drink could send them down a very bad road.
Changing to the passage itself. I am struck by the fact that in a
similar manner to the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus himself does
not perform the miracle. Instead, he has the servants draw the water
and give out the wine. True, Jesus was the source, but he involved
regular people in the process at Cana.
My title for this week's message will be "Do what the man sez". Many
times God's work will only be done if we're willing to be available,
to roll up our sleeves, to go forth where man has never gone before.
(Oops! wrong venue!)
Peace & blessings
Rich in Bama
It seems to me that this is yet another example of God's upside down,
inside-out economy, where the first are last and the least become
first. In our own time it is still the same as the wine steward noted
there and then. "You never get a second chance to make a first
impression." & "Put your best foot forward." So many ways we want to
impress others by serving the best first and hoping they will be too
drunk or distracted to notice when our less than perfect side shows.
How wearying vanity is! Jesus does his first public miracle, or sign,
in the kitchen.(O.K. the wash basins for ceremonial cleansing [another
vanity] were probably not in the kitchen, but he was with the
servants, not the guests) The groom didn't see it. The steward didn't
either. Mom knew, as moms always do, what the boy could do. The
epiphany was for the servants. Shades of naivity shepherds! The least,
the last, and the lowest do count! And the last wine is better than
the first. Will the world end with a bang or a whimper? How about a
WHEEEE! God is good, like Maxwell House coffee, to the last drop. And
after six basins of wine, some coffee would come in handy! tom (a
tea-totaling Methodist, but not pushy about it) in TN(USA) Salut!
Rich in Bama commented, "A recovering alcoholic or a potential
alcoholic could see one of us pastors drinking & think "The Pastor
drinks; so it's OK." However, it might not be "OK" for him/her. One
drink could send them down a very bad road."
I suppose one could use Paul's comments about eating meat sacrificed
to idols and, from Rich's observation, construct an argument against
clergy drinking alcoholic beverages from time to time. On the other
hand, I think that misses the point about self-responsibility and
self-differentiation. I am not responsible for the actions of the
recovering alcoholic (and one who is truly recovering would not use my
having a glass of wine as an excuse to drink!); I am responsible for
my own actions and he/she is responsible for his/hers.
Frankly, I find "Christian temperance" arguments a bit silly.
Certainly there is misuse of alcohol (and always has been), but the
answer is (in my opinion) to teach responsible drinking and
moderation, not to try to impose a complete abstinence rule.
Prohibition didn't work in the US in the 20s, and it won't work in the
lives of individuals or churches either.
Anyway ... this has little to do with the lesson at hand.
Why do you suppose John chose the water-to-wine miracle to be "the
first" of Jesus's signs?
Blessings, Eric in OH
I think I am going to preach on miracles this Sunday. Not just the
"water into wine" variety but the miracles that happen everyday that
we often don't notice and the miracles that we help to ahppen. I was
reminded of a quote from God in the movie "Bruce Almighty" "If you
want to see a miracle, son, be the miracle." I may also use C.S Lewis
words on how miracles are on a small observable scale what God "writes
large across the universe" - too large for us to see. The fact that
water and sunshine cause grapes to grow and some chemical process
turns it into wine is no less a miracle than Jesus turning water into
wine. Our God is an extravagaint God and miracles abound. Blessing to
all LGB
I keep coming back to how important the wedding is. I am going in the
direction that for all the preparation we put into most weddings they
are still the easy part. The work is still to come. But after all so
is the reward.
Weddings are about future possibilities.
SunCityRev
Things were going pretty well, the wine was good, the couple well
matched, the party was a celebration -- and then the wine runs out.
What to do? Is it time to move on to the next party, where there will
be wine like you're used to? Is it possible to start with the water
and end up with the wine? Is it time for new wine?
I was pastoring in another community a few years ago where you could
see examples of the first possibility -- every time there was a new
church start, this identifiable group of people moved their membership
to the new church, for they liked that "wine". But when it started to
feel like an institution (or that they might have to be intentional
and not just emotional about their faith) it was time to move on.
We just celebrated remembering our baptism, and what that means beyond
the event of the baptism. The water of the baptism can become the wine
of our wine of our faith, and it is better than before.
Or (the direction I will likely go), when there is a problem and our
own resources have run out, can we take what we have, trust it to
Jesus, and know that it is "time for new wine!"?
OLAS
Eric,
Perhaps because it was "the first?"
PB
This Sunday is our Stewardship Sunday, and I'm planning to use this
scripture along with the 1st Corinthians passage. I have no clue where
to go and very little time to write. Any help would be greatly
appreciated!
Sybil
It is inaccurate to describe the miracle as a rejection of the waters
of purification and hence a symbol of Jesus rejection of Judaism.
Rather, Jars stood empty waiting to be filled. Jewish vessels are
filled with a wondrous new gift. This miracle is neither a rejection
nor replacement of somehting old, but the creation of something new in
the midst of Jerusalem
PM from AUS
I must say I really love these discussion. I can just see some of you
typing frantically with your tongue in you cheek. They are delightful
comments.
My tongue in cheek comment is simply this is the first example of a
BYOB policy in scripture! It really erks the tea tottlers that Jesus
did this. And all the time growing up my mom tried to keep me away
from wine. I think I'll bring a civil suit against her.
Grace and peace, Mike in Sunshine
Oh, PB, how obvious can you get? That would be way too simple. Nothing
in John's Gospel is that simple....
Blessings, Eric in OH
Even with several days remembering this scripture, and years of
knowing the story, and readings and re-readings (I see myself as truly
desperate) of the comments, it wasn't until this morning that the last
verse daught my eye and heart. Proof He can teach us, and that we can
learn, and that His mercies are new every morning. May you find His
fresh Word for you. Listen, watch, espect fulfillment of promises.
Still desperate, certainly blessed, LKINHC
That's Caught and Expect. Although I wonder why I think I must correct
myself, when none of you will ever know me, and be impressed (HA) by
my ability to make my way through this world. LKINHC
It seems to me the original query regarded using real wine at
communion. Because Jesus used fermented wine at the last supper, it
should be obvious that only fermented liquid is appropriate for
communion. God didn’t drink juice so neither should we? How asinine
and absurd! How we can get well-equipped golf carts to Mars and still
have people so close-minded and myopic is beyond me. Lets give God a
little credit here. We have an all powerful and all loving creator and
redeemer who somehow can’t see past us using non-alcoholic juice for
communion. “Drink of it all of you”… except people with addiction
problems? That doesn’t sound like God. Not even close. On the other
topic of partaking of spirited beverages… the Gamay Beaujolais was
fantastic this year. Find a bottle if you still can.
I've said it many times before, and I'll repeat myself here. The main
reason I like this forum is because we are free to share differing
opinions and "takes" on the Scripture. We are free to debate, disagree
or agree with anything posted.
However, I do ask that when we disagree, that we do so by simply
saying "I disagree with what (name) said concerning (subject)" and
proceed with our reasons. It is difficult to find what I seek here
-not to mention grace - when the thoughts of others are categorized as
assinine or absurd.
Thank you for listening.
KyHoosierCat
One of the techniques I like to use in my preaching is to stand in the
shoes of one of the passage's characters. Sometimes this technique
works best when I look at the passage through a different character's
eyes. I've always looked at this passage through Jesus' eyes or the
servants eyes, but I am in the midst of a sermon series on parenting
and so I was struck by the nudge that Mary gives Jesus to get started
on his ministry. "Start making your difference Jesus! You are ready!
Get going!"
Last week I preached on Jesus' baptism and talked about God's words,
"You are my Son, the Beloved, with you I am well pleased." as a
parental stamp of approval. I likened those words to a parental tape
that Jesus was able to play over and over again in his mind in good
and bad times.
At this point in his life Jesus has received his heavenly Father's
blessing and in this miracle from John he receives Mary's
encouragement, her motherly nudge that says, "You are ready. You can
do it. I believe in you. Now get started with your ministry." It's
like the mother bird nudging her fledgling from the nest. It's like
the mother eagle taking her eaglets on her back to soar on the winds
and letting the drafts lift the eaglets to fly for the first time.
Then the eagle flies below her young waiting to give them rest on her
back if they need it. I find it inspiring that Mary was there for
Jesus' first miracle. I find this story of excellent parenting which
involves letting a child go and encouraging them to soar to their own
heights.
Diana at the lakes
Sybil-An idea- Jesus shows us that God will provide what is needed and
more. Sometimes it may look like our sources are near depletion, but
God does provide new wine. God desires for us to participate in God's
work. We are gifted and empowered to do minisitry- preaching,
teaching, pastoral care, and even filling the jugs with water. We are
to be good stewards of all God's gifts- spiritual gifts, finances,
time etc. Pastor Bonnie
Re: The Confession of St. Peter
On the rock of Peter's confession of faith, said Jesus, he would build
his church. That apostle's simple yet world-shaking proclamation is
the basis for all Christian unity. No matter what our differences (and
we pray that they might diminish), we proclaim that Jesus is "the
Messiah, the Son of the living God."
Given the disciples' frequent lack of understanding, Jesus must have
crossed his fingers when he asked it: "Who do people say, who do you
say, that I am?" How he must have rejoiced that finally someone got it
right. Peter answered the Lord's "Who am I?" question with the
confession, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!" "About
time!" Jesus might have thought. At last, one of them had got it
right! Who he was. Is! "From that time on, Jesus began to show his
disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great
suffering...and be killed, and on the third day be raised" (Mt 16.21).
And from that time on whoever confessed him would not, will not,
perish but have everlasting life.
From our vantage point all these centuries later, we would echo
Peter's confession. Take care, though--like the apostle, we can
quickly slip from faith to foolishness, to failure. When Jesus began
to tell them how God would make our forgiveness possible--by the Son's
suffering and death--Peter said, "God forbid it, Lord! This must never
happen to you!" "You are Peter," Jesus might have repeated, but
changed the meaning. "That means stumbling block!" He adds for all of
us, "To be a follower you must take up your cross. And that means a
cross like mine. Not just your average pain and woe, not just your
arthritis or even your loneliness and sorrow, but like my cross--doing
the will of the Father, mine, yours."
Years later Peter and John were arrested. And Peter, this time
unafraid, produced a clear second confession, read in today's first
reading (Acts 4.8-13). "The healing? Jesus did it. The crucifixion?
You did it. The church? God builds it. We have the keys. By no other
name, only the name of Jesus, must we be saved."
LGB, Great quotes from CS Lewis and Bruce Almighty ... I remember one
from one of the earlier Joan of Arcadia (Fri, 8pm, CBS) shows. It's
not a direct quote, but you get the gist: miracles are often best seen
in hind-sight.
Just as it was Jesus working through others to perform this miracle at
Cana, we become the vehicles for other miracles to happen. I like this
miracle theme for the topic.
I'm preaching in an exchange pulpit for the week of Christian Unity
and this might actually work ... the theme is "Peace I Leave With You"
-- but it is we who all need to be that peace, bear that peace, bring
that peace. Without us, there would be no peace ... if if peace isn't
a miracle, I'm not sure what is.
mm in pa
Not totally an exegesis of the passage but this may serve some of you
on the subject of miracles. Two items.
Philip Yancey, in his book _The Jesus I Never Knew_ makes the point
that miracles show us just a taste of how God always wanted the world
to be. When Jesus healed someone, He was saying, in essence, that God
always wanted a world of health.
This second one is for mm in pa who said, "miracles are often best
seen in hind-sight." It's so true and we see that almost weekly. We
have a penny jar. Whenever God gives a specific answer to a specific
prayer request, we put a penny in the jar, not as money (church
supplies pennies), but as a marker of what God has done. We empty this
jar just before Advent and start all over again. Last year, our
congregation (which boasts about 50 on a good Sunday) accumulated 1186
specific answers to prayer. Many of these are miracles seen in
hind-sight.
Not much more to add about our penny jar, however, anyone interested
in knowing more can contact me. The-Graffs@wi.rr.com
JG in WI
PB in PA -
I am preaching on the confession of St. Peter, too. I'm just getting
started and will contribute something soon.
Tigger in MN
I refer you to Rabbi Jesus by Bruce Chilton:""archeologist in
first-century Jewish settlements in Galilee have discovered the kind
of stone jars used in this story. How Jesus used thise emblems of
Jewish identity was, in the symbolic language of early Judaism, even
more radicall than changing water into win. By drinking the waters of
purification during the wedding, and having others join him, he
insisted that the purity of Isreael was indeed to begin from the
inside out, and from Galilee. This concept of a new purity, enacted in
Galilee but our of reach of Herod Anipas, was powerfully attractive to
Galilean sensibilities. This sor to zealous pride that had made
Galileans repeatedly dare to try to take over the temple in Jerusalem
was galvanized by this sign; not a miracle bu an enacted parable of
Galilean integrity." think on this, mark in the far north
Said withn tongue firmly in cheek - Diana at the lakes you prompt me
to question - was the real miracle in this story that Jesus did what
his mother asked?
Rev Chris in Australia
I just did a Google image search on "Wedding Feast at Cana" because I
wondered how artists over time had painted the six jars that held
20-30 gallons. I know what a twenty gallon trash bin looks like and
these jars in the paintings are all way too small. It's as if we
believers have trouble imagining that much wine even when the
scripture tells us plainly how much wine Jesus made that day.
Did the guests end up taking home "doggy bottles"? Why do we not seem
to be agog at the extravagance of what Jesus (through his prayer to
the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit) did that day? Even if He
had made average tasting wine-- which He didn't--120-180 gallons is a
boatload of wine! How could they possibly drink all that unless they
decided to make the feast last a whole bunch more days. TiminOH
Something else that intrigues me about this stunning story is that
Jesus and his mom and his friends are partying. No mention of his dad.
Maybe dad died. Maybe these friends and the families of the bridal
party had been with Jesus and his mom when they buried his dad.
But He's not sad now. This is a dancing Jesus, a laughing Jesus who
belongs to this community. And his mom knows these people really well.
How else would she know what the guests and Jesus didn't, that the
wine was gone?
Jesus shows us that belonging to other people is where our ministry to
them begins. We are to be a part of their lives. Ministry is not a
service industry, but a family thing, a belonging thing.
Missionaries who leave their familiar comforts to move into the
community of their adopted people have it exactly right. First you
have to belong to the people you are sent to bring to God.
Still waiting for the Holy Spirit's nudge.
TiminOH
Something else that intrigues me about this stunning story is that
Jesus and his mom and his friends are partying. No mention of his dad.
Maybe dad died. Maybe these friends and the families of the bridal
party had been with Jesus and his mom when they buried his dad.
But He's not sad now. This is a dancing Jesus, a laughing Jesus who
belongs to this community. And his mom knows these people really well.
How else would she know what the guests and Jesus didn't, that the
wine was gone?
Jesus shows us that belonging to other people is where our ministry to
them begins. We are to be a part of their lives. Ministry is not a
service industry, but a family thing, a belonging thing.
Missionaries who leave their familiar comforts to move into the
community of their adopted people have it exactly right. First you
have to belong to the people you are sent to bring to God.
Still waiting for the Holy Spirit's nudge.
TiminOH
My understanding of Jewish weddings in the 1st Century is that the
entire town was invited. The date and the time were not necessarily
announced in advance. (hence the parable of the wise and foolish
maidens with their lamps ready/not ready, plus another parable or
two). When the groom was ready to "take" his betrothed to the marriage
altar, he would go pick her up at her parents' home, accompanied by a
friend or relative or two. This little band of revelers would collect
people from their houses, parade the streets, etc. until they all
gathered at the wedding site. Then, after the ceremony, the bride,
groom and whoever was playing host (relatives of some degree) had an
Open House for as long as a week. Wine was a symbol of good
hospitality; to run out was an insult to the guests. So, it would seem
that no matter how much wine they had on hand, after several days it
would run low, and an additional 150 gallons would be greatly
appreciated. Water may or may not have been potable, so wine was the
beverage of choice in almost all situations.
This is what I learned from several sources - including Barclay - and
a Seminary professor said something very similar in class, as well.
I offer it as one possible explanation for the huge quantity of wine
provided.
KyHoosierCat
Back again with some more serious thoughts!
I never feel comfortable with this passage - but that is quite
possibly because I've been brought up without alcohol (good Methodist
home) and don't see why it is needed for the party to go on!
I have sone new wonderings about this passage as i read it again this
tie though. I'm drawn to the question of why Jesus performed this
miracle and why did his mother ask him to do it. I usually think from
a messianic point of view - Mary knew Jesus was the messiah and hence
had powers to perform such a miracle as changing water to wine. But
did she actually come to him as a woman coming to the man of her
house, the one she always turned to in time of crisis such as this.
This assumes Joseph was no longer around - probably dead. Jesus was
the eldest son and culturally would assume such responsibility.
His ministry just kicking off, Jesus is caught off guard and responds
from the Messianic point of view - this is not for me to do. Mary
presses on, pushing the responsibility on him. Does Jesus then realise
he has responsibility as the eldest son, the man of the house, to do
the best he can and recognises that he has the ability to perform the
conversion and that is his best. To provide. DOes he at the same time
recognise his responsibility as God's son, Messiah, to get on and do
his best, use all his gifts to get lead humankind out of its crisis.
John the B. points at Jesus and says "this is the one", disciples
start gathering around him and now here, in this miracle, John wants
us to see Jesus grasping the reponsibility he has and launching fully
into his ministry. Look at what he does next according to John -
enters the temple and turns over the tables and so on. No light
hearted act!
Is this a kind of "play" or point of tension between the human and the
divine Jesus at the beginning, like that at the end in the Garden of
Gethsemane?
That's what's in my head at the moment!
RevChris in Australia
For the friend who was looking for an idea--I was looking at "Bruce
Almighty" & plan on using a scene from that video as an illustration
in my message this Sunday. The scene is right after the riot in the
street brought about by Bruce answering all the lottery prayers "Yes"
& then the winners only getting $17 or so.
Bruce calls out for God & he explains that people often don't know
what they're praying for when they do. He then goes on to say that
Bruce's parting of the red soup was just a magic trick, that the real
miracles are when a single mom raises her kids successfully, when a
teen says no to drugs, plus some others. It's a nice scene. He ends
his speech with "If you want to make a miracle, be one!" What a great
line.
Hope this helps.
Rich in Bama
The Wild Goose Worship Group has produced a book entitled "Present on
Earth: Worship Resources on the Life of Jesus." (Wild Goose
Publications, 2002) that includes many readings, meditations, and acts
of worship about the life of Christ. One of the readings is called
"The Wedding," and it's told from the perspective of Mary, many years
after Cana, telling the story of the wine into water miracle. It's a
very funny, yet touching account of the story, with an emphasis on the
relationship between Mary and Jesus. If you can get your hands on it
before Sunday, you might consider using it. If not, buy the book and
use it next time the passage comes around. It also has a lot of other
good resources.
Anyway, (commercial over) it got me thinking about the relationship
between Mary and Jesus. Mary is sort of like the typical doting
mother-- "Go on, dear, you can do it!" But there is something more
here--remember what Luke told us, after Mary heard the story of the
shepherds? "Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her
heart." (Luke 2:19) Mary was acting as a catlyst for God's movement in
the world that day--remembering what she had learned about 30 years
previously. How do we act as catalysts for the movement of the Holy
Spirit when we put what we have learned into action? What small
gesture (like Mary telling her son to do something about it) can we do
that would enable another to realize the presence of God in their
lives?
Just a few thoughts. Have a good week, all. -macdonde
As I read the comments above, many of them focus upon the theme of the
appropriateness of drinking or not drinking. I'm not so sure that such
appropriateness is a concern of this passage. My approach to this
week's sermon is to talk about the words and actions of Jesus (for
John) being signs of his identity. John 20:30-31, "And Jesus did many
other signs.......these are written that you may believe..."
underscores that all that is in this gospel is meant to show Jesus as
the Christ. This first sign is not a miracle of healing the lame or
blind, or exorcizing demons. It occurs in the common ordinary event of
a family wedding and involves something as common and ordinary as wine
which would have been a staple of that society. I think that there are
signs of Christ's presence all around us, in the common, ordinary
events of our lives, and I hope to use this rather benign miracle of
Jesus as a way of encouraging my congregation to actively look for the
signs of Christ's presence and power in the ordinariness of our days.
Tom in TN
I'm reading all these posts with great interest, and am drawn
especially to the ones that speak of the relationship Mary and Jesus
had. I have always had the impression that Mary was unconcerned with
Jesus' ministry, that all she saw in him was a son who had to take
care of the family (I also think Joseph was deceased), including
figuring out what to do about the wine deficit. I'm thinking Mary was
somehow responsible for the wine - that she was one of the hosts,
which would mean this was a family wedding???? Maybe one of Jesus'
brothers or his sister???? Or a cousin???? Anyway, I have never
thought Mary really even considered Jesus' ability to perform a
miracle here, because despite all the angels singing and the
brightness of that star, she just saw him as her son. Nothing more.
Until his resurrection, that is. I just have the idea that his family
never went along with his ministry while he was doing it, but had a
change of heart post-Easter.
As always, just an opinion, subject to debate.
KyHoosierCat
Thank you OLAS, for your comments about moving on (from a party where
the wine runs out), or staying and discovering new wine. You got me
started... I think I'll title it "When the Wine Runs Out". A good
opportunity to talk about marriage, as well as life in the church.
Is anyone referring to Bush's new healthy-marriage course? I am
skeptical about it, as more of a political move than something that
will actually help people...but who knows? (If only they'd let gay
couples with children participate too... are we doing what's good for
the children, or good for Bush? ... sorry, couldn't help it... that
won't go in a sermon...)
This is also Martin Luther King weekend. Any thoughts on a connection
with this story?
Last time round (2001) we talked about Mary's role in getting Jesus
started. Jesus said, "It's not my hour" and then responded to a need
that was handed to him. Maybe the hour is not determined by some
abstract time table, as much as the needs around us. The hour comes
when there is a need and we respond. (Tie in to the Corinthians
passage: we don't discover spiritual gifts in the abstract, but when
we are in a place where they are needed and we respond. Or God
responds through us.) Mary played a role in getting Jesus started. She
knew the problem and she knew Jesus. She pointed out the need to Jesus
and drew him into it. And he acted. Sometimes we need other people to
get us started, to give us a little nudge, to give us the confidence
to take action.
DGinNYC
Thank you JG in WI, for the penny jar idea. I think we may launch that
on Sunday. What a great idea. It is good for us to have reminders of
God's action in our lives.
On the topic of Jesus and Mary's relationship, I just love to imagine
the look on Jesus' face when his Mother says, "Do what he says." Jesus
has just said "I'm not going to do anything, my time hasn't come." His
mother ignores him and in so many words says to the others "Don't
worry, he'll fix it." I wonder if our Lord rolled his eyes at his Mom
like my teenagers did to me. : ) LGB
RevChris in Australia
I am also not a user of alcohol and this story has, in the past, given
me pause. As a Baptist, I can tell this story. --- A Baptist pastor
preached on the evils of drink. After it was over, a deacon asked him,
"Pastor, didn't Jesus turn water into wine?" The pastor answered,
"Yes, He did, but I'd be thinking better of Him if He haddn't."
In conversation with a rabbi, I was taught that wine is a symbol of
joy. This is evident in the Passover where a drop of wine is taken out
of a cup for each of the ten plagues - the Jews take no joy in the
plagues against Egypt so they "remove joy" from themselves. He further
said that since wine use was only for religious purposes, alcoholism
among Jews is comparatively low.
A wedding is to be the supreme time of joy in a Jewish community.
Further times of joy would follow as children are born. These
celebrations went on for days.
Let Christ be the source of our joy, then.
Yes, I'm still working on it.
JG in WI
Feeding (or drinking?) off of JG in WI's comment: So much of my life
is just plain water. This story lets me know that the water of my life
can be changed to wine; from self-centeredness (isn't that the core of
sin?) to joy in God (another way of saying faith?)for instance. And in
GALLONS! This reflects a little on the previous comment about water =
law and wine = gospel. (I'm not very eloquent, but perhaps you get the
idea, if it's of any value.) LB of MN
Think about it. Jesus came to give us life abundantly. The life he
gives is like the wine he gives, it's really good, and in abundance.
Shalom: Tom in Ontario
I think my theme this week will be "God Meets Us Where We Are". Our
problems don't have to be big in the grand scheme of things to get his
attention and to move him to take action on our behalf. The hymn "Take
it to the Lord in prayer" works for me.
Jesus' hesitation only leads me to drag out that old adage "Some
prayers are answered Yes, some are answered No, and some are answered
Not Yet." Jesus seemed to be saying "Not Yet", but then changed it to
a Yes. And what a Yes it turned out to be!
My eldest sister always had something she wanted to go do that took
Mom by surprise. Mom's immediate response was ususally "Let me think
about it". That gave her time to consider the pros and cons of any
decision she made, and to go talk to Dad about it, too. Could Jesus'
hesitation have been the same kind of tactic - giving himself a little
space to think about the consequences of a miracle at that time, in
that place, time to go talk to his Father about it, and then deciding
to not make it a 'spectacle' miracle, but a quiet one?
Quiet or spectacular, it still met the needs of the people where they
were. It was not the biggest problem they would ever face, but God
still met them in their need. He still does today.
I LOVE the penny jar idea!!
Still mulling.
KHC
So far I only see one reference to MLK observance. I will use this
Gospel reading by switched the Ias passage to chapter 61 instead.
The point I am intending to make is the abundance of joy that is at
the root of the miracle. To focus on excessive use of wine, I think,
misses the meaning. There is no mention of people getting slawshed!
There is not even a record of anyone drinking the stuff except the
steward!
The joy I see happens when all are given the respect and dignity which
God has bestowed upon each one of us at birth.
The Isa passage reminds us that we are called to bring release to the
captives etc. MLK's famous speach still rings in our ears; "I have a
dream..."
My sermon title is "Dream Catchers" as we are those who have inherited
the vision of the dream and are endevoring to make it happen.
A W-G rocky coast Me.
In the Gospel of John, the turning of water into wine at the wedding
at Cana is called the "first" of Jesus' "signs" (Jn 2.11). The word
"first" (arch) is really better translated as "beginning" or "start."
This event is the start of something brand new, the start of something
big that God is doing!
Verse 11 also says that Jesus "revealed his glory" at the wedding at
Cana, a phrase which is reminiscent of the Transfiguration as recorded
in the Synoptic Gospels. However, in the Gospel of John, Jesus' glory
is not revealed on a mountain top but rather throughout his life and
ministry, and especially at his death and resurrection (Jn 1.14; 11.4,
40; 12.41; 13.31-32; 17.5, 22, 24). Thus the story of the wedding at
Cana is the beginning of a whole sequence of events in which Jesus'
glory is made known, the culmination of which will be the cross and
the resurrection. In all of these events, something brand new -- the
Reign of God -- is coming into being upon the earth.
It is also significant that, rather than using the regular word for
"miracle" (dunamis), John refers to what Jesus does at Cana as a
"sign" (semeion) (2.11). For John, the meaning of the event is not
only the miracle of turning water into wine. Then, as now, there were
many wonder workers and miracle doers about, but John wants us to know
that Jesus is far more than just that! A "sign" always points to
something beyond itself. Hence, for John, the purpose of the miracle
at Cana is to point our attention to the identity of Jesus as the One
who brings about the Reign of God so that we will come to faith in
Jesus along with the disciples (2.11).
At the wedding at Cana, Jesus begins his mission of establishing the
Reign of God upon the earth. Cf. Jesus' parables in the synoptic
Gospels use the image of a wedding feast as a symbol of the Reign of
God (Mt 22.1-14, 25.1-13; Lk 14.15-24, 12.36) and cf. Mk 2.19 (=Mt
9.15, Lk 5.34-35) where the disciples of Jesus are compared to guests
at a wedding who can't be expected to fast in the presence of the
bridegroom. People have been waiting for the Reign of God for a long
time. Now, in the person of Jesus, the Reign of God has finally begun!
One of the themes that John emphasizes is that the time of God's Reign
is in the hands of God alone. Thus Jesus tells his mother, "My hour
has not yet come" (2.4). In the Gospel of John Jesus usually refers to
the crucifixion and resurrection as "my hour" (Jn 7.6, 30; 8.20;
12.23; 17.1) and at this point we are still at the beginning of Jesus'
ministry. "My hour has not yet come" implies that the timing of God's
Reign is only in God's hands. Nevertheless, Jesus' mother seems to
know that this "hour" when God's Reign will begin, is truly at hand.
Jesus' mother comes to him with an implied request ("They have no
wine", 2.3) and then she tells the servants "Do whatever he tells you"
(2.5). Mary is confident that he will take care of the problem and in
doing so provides a compelling model of faith in Jesus.
Her faith, and the faith of the disciples (2.11) stands in strong
contrast to the steward who samples the water turned into wine but
"did not know where it came from" (2.9). As readers of the story, we
do know where the wine came from; so do the servants, as well as Mary
and the disciples. Indeed, according to John's Gospel it is essential
to know where Jesus' gifts come from (4.11, 6.5). If we recognize that
Jesus' gifts come from God, then we will know that Jesus himself - and
the salvation he brings - come from God (cf. Jn 7.27-28, 8.14,
9.29-30). At the wedding at Cana, however, the steward is mistaken
when he claims that the good wine was provided by the bridegroom
(2.10). In fact, we know that the wine was given by Jesus (cf. Jesus
as the "true Bridegroom" in Jn 3.29). The purpose of what Jesus has
done, the purpose of all of Jesus' "signs," is to bring us to faith
and to encourage our faith. That should be our purpose in preaching
this text as well.
The story emphasizes the goodness of the wine that Jesus provides
(2.10). In the Hebrew Scriptures one of the great symbols of the Reign
of God is an overflowing abundance of good wine (Am 9.13; Joel 3.18).
On a symbolic level, therefore, the story of the wedding at Cana can
be read as an announcement that God's Reign on earth has begun. It is
being inaugurated by Jesus, the provider of the abundant good wine in
this text! Moreover, this text also has a clear eucharistic meaning.
It can be paired with Jn 6.1-15 where Jesus provides a gift of
abundant bread. The provision of wine at the wedding at Cana also
reminds us of the description of Jesus' teaching as "new wine" in Mk
2.22 (=Mt 9.17, Lk 5.37-38).
"Do not Let the Wine Run out on Your Marriage." I usually avoid long
sermon topics. I went several weeks limiting sermon titles to 3 words
max with many of them being one word. However, I want to use Jesus
attention on the wedding at Cana of Galilee to underscore a point that
the traditional wedding ceremony proclaims. Jesus affirms the
institution of marriage and seeks to support those who seek a bond
like unto the mystical union, which exists between Christ and the
church. I will be seeking to identify the elements present in a
marriage that keeps the wine from running out and the sense of
celebration of marriage wanes. TN Mack
I agree with the notion that this 'sign' is the first announcement of
Jesus as the harbinger of the Reign of God on earth. I believe the
intentional inclusion of the 'third day' reference is an allusion to
the resurrection and that this allusion establishes this story as a
foreshadowing of the Great Banquet feast to be shared by those in the
kingdom of heaven. This is present in Hebrew scriptures and
incorporated into Christian. My sermon title is 'the Best for Now'
recognizes the simplicity of the message within the text by the
steward, and the hearer's understanding of this 'best wine' or 'new
wine' as the quality of drink preferred at the Great Banquet. Jesus is
saying that those who follow me will be like the best wine to a world
seeking the banquet feast hosted by our Lord. The function of this
sermon is to encourage us to be like the new wine, saved not for last,
but for now. Our job as believers is to share the new wine of Christ
with those around us.
JCW in Bucks, County
JG in WI, et al,
Love the penny jar idea! If I were preaching in my own pulpit this
week I'd start now, but I'll have to keep my eye out for a good time,
a good passage for it to compliment. I think that once we become aware
of those times, it makes us even more aware and conscious of them. And
sometimes even, we are able to see that a prayer was answered in an
unexpected and even unwanted way ... yet could (using our carefully
honed hind-sight) recognize that the answer was better than what we
could have hoped, certainly wiser. Sort of like the Bruce Almighty
scene described just a little while ago with all the lottery winners
getting $17.
But I love the idea. Thank you, a nice gift.
About "signs" of Jesus identity: a couple of weeks ago someone
mentioned (I think for the Epiphany disciussion) how they were going
to use Jan 4 as pointing out that the next couple of weeks were indeed
epiphanies, where other people became aware of Jesus' true identity:
the Magi, John the Baptist, and here again ... epiphany, a glimpse of
God.
I also like the miracles in the everyday venue.
Good discussion. I love coming here -- thanks!
mm in pa
Rev. Christ in Australia your question was tongue in cheek, but worth
thinking about anyway. I wouldn't say Jesus doing what his mother
asked was the real miracle in the story, but I would say it was the
first miracle. It seems to me Jesus' first response to Mary's request
was disgruntled. I don't think he wanted to perform this miracle, but
somehow Mary knew Jesus was ready, the time was right, and the
situation was right for Jesus to take up the reins of his ministry and
get to work! All too often we think of miracles as magic occurances
like turning water into wine. Sometimes the miracles are the quiet
nudges, the calm assurance, the total belief others have in us that
helps us fulfill our destiny.
Peace, Rev. Diana at the lakes
OLAS and others who may be thinking about this being a text to help
people look at how they spend or hoard their resources--
on the one hand we have the 'put your best foot forward' attitude but
on the other we have the 'save it for a rainy day' which causes many
of us to have gifts that we never use to the full potential.
I had a maiden great-aunt, who was one of the most unhappy people I
knew. She had been a school teacher for years and years but never had
seemed to love the children, or anyone else for that matter. We all
lived in the country and so for thanks and at Christmas her students
would often bring her jars of jellies, jams and pickles. She was
always gracious and would say, "thank you, I will save this for a
special occasion". When she finally got so she could not live alone
and had to move in with my grandmother, my Mom and her sister went to
clean out Aunt Margie's house. In the basement were literally hundreds
of jars of jellies, jams and pickels. Sadly, for her too few 'special
occasions' came along. Those wonderful, hand made from hand-picked,
hand-grown fruits and vegetables were gone, wasted, lost.
I say this text is telling us to use the gifts that God gives us today
for the good of the whole. If the steward had been wise and seen that
he was goinging to run out he might have watered down the wine or held
some back.
Just thoughts as I go to spend the gifts for the day-- hopefully for
the good of all. Avis in Louisville
What is John trying to tell us about Jesus? How does this pericope
move us toward John's mission that his readers might believe that
Jesus is the Son of God and by believing this might be saved?
Here's something from the psuedipigraph, Second Baruch. It gives us
some indication as to the expectation of the Messianic Age.
Second Baruch 29 And it shall come to pass when all is accomplished
that was to come to pass in those parts, that the Messiah shall then
begin to be revealed...The earth also shall yield its fruit ten
thousandfold and on each (?) vine there shall be a thousand branches,
and each branch shall produce a thousand clusters, and each cluster
produce a thousand grapes, and each grape produce a cor of wine. And
those who have hungered shall rejoice: moreover, also, they shall
behold marvels every day.
John is declaring that the Messianic age has dawned and it is better
than expected. Now there is such abundance that even water becomes
wine.
What hermeneutical steps to take with this is another matter. Any
suggestions?
John near Pitts.
