Understanding the Signs

Intro (Here’s Your Sign)

Today we are in John chapter 2 which starts a section in the Gospel of John where Jesus gives seven signs.

I can’t help but think of the famous blue collar comedian Bill Engvel, probably most famous for his “here’s your sign sign joke.”

The gist of it is that sometimes people say stuff that’s so… unintelligent, they need a sign.

Recently he shared about his son learning piano. Bill walked in and asked “what are you playing?”

His son looked up and said “the Harry Potter theme song.”

Bill replied “from the movie?”

“No Dad, the book.… here’s your sign.”

Jesus was also handing out signs, but a very different type. His signs were miracles pointing to his true identity.

The Jewish people had heard all about God’s promise to rescue the world by sending a savior. And they were looking for signs of his coming.

As we read about Jesus first miracle, John tells us “here’s the sign.”

1. The Problem (John 2:1-5)

Will you read along with me in John chapter 2 starting in verse one.

John 2:1–2 NKJV

1 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.

Geographic Context (Map of John 1-4)

Israel was, and still is, a pretty small country. Our state Georgia, is about 7 times as big as it was. It’s divided into five regions.

Perea (Across the Jordan) John 1:19–42 Jesus is introduced where John the Baptist is ministering east of the Jordan River. John identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God, and the first disciples begin following Him.

Galilee John 1:43–2:12 Jesus travels north to Galilee, where He calls additional disciples (Philip and Nathanael). He then attends the wedding at Cana of Galilee, where He performs His first sign by turning water into wine.

Judea (Jerusalem and Surroundings) John 2:13–3:21 (Jerusalem) Jesus goes south to Judea, specifically Jerusalem, for the Passover. He cleanses the temple and later has a private conversation with Nicodemus about new birth and eternal life. (Judean Countryside) John 3:22–36 Jesus ministers in the countryside of Judea, while John the Baptist gives his final testimony pointing people to Christ.

Samaria (Returning to Galilee) John 4:1–42 On His way north again, Jesus passes through Samaria, speaks with the Samaritan woman at the well, and many come to faith.

Galilee (Return and Continued Ministry) John 4:43–54 Jesus returns to Galilee, where He continues His ministry, including healing the official’s son.

John 2:3–4 NKJV

3 And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” 4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.”

This is not shaping up to be much of a story is it? Jesus has declined to help!

Woman (vs 4)

First he calls his mother “woman.” In English this sounds pretty rude, but that’s not the case in Jesus’ culture. Some translations try to fix this by saying “dear woman.” That get’s the politeness right, but misses the distancing Jesus is doing.

“Woman” is a polite way for a man to refer to a woman, but it’s not a normal way for a doting son to reply to his mom.

He makes that clear with his next comment. “what does your concern have to do with me?”

What does your concern have to do with me? (vs 4)

Jesus’ is setting off on a mission to bring life to who believe in him. Jesus is focused on doing the work of God the Father.

Now to be clear, running out of wine was is a big problem. In Jesus’ culture weddings were big week-long affairs kicked off with a wedding feast hosted by the grooms family. Running out of wine for the feast would bring great shame on the family.

No doubt this shame of messing up this important moment in front of everyone you know, that would feel like the end of the world, it felt like a matter of life and death

But Jesus was concerned with true life and true death. You see, truthfully, we can recover from failed wedding feasts. Life goes on even when it feels like the world is ending. But how do we recover from death itself? From the power of sin? That, was Jesus’ concern. Raising people from spiritual death to life, and allowing us to experience eternal life in Him.

My hour has not yet come (vs 4)

So Jesus separates himself from his mother’s work and concerns and draws our attention to the coming work he is planning, and He tells her “My hour has not yet come.”

This has always confused me. We know Jesus will solve the problem, so why is he refusing?”

But that’s not exactly what’s going on here. On the surface, Mary is asking a simple favor. Help solve this wine problem.

But Jesus is replying to the underlying theological question. It may be what Mary is really thinking, or it may be something only Jesus is seeing in this moment, but in either case Jesus is answering the question about the arrival of the bridegroom for the Messianic banquet.

Throughout the Old Testament God promised a celebration of the coming Messiah like a wedding feast, in which the bride groom arrives and wine flows freely. Jewish people have been waiting for that moment. Has the hour arrived?

No, Jesus says, “my hour has not yet come.”

Jesus is reminding, his mother, his disciples, and John’s readers to be on the lookout for that hour. In just a little while that hour will arrive when Jesus is raised in glory ushering in that new life… as Jesus drinks from that cup, and goes to the cross.

John 2:5 NKJV

5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

Application: Trust Jesus

Mary must have understood because her response to Jesus was to tell the servants to obey.

Mary had approached Jesus with a mother’s concern, but now she responds with a believer’s faith — and that faith is what Jesus honors.

Mary’s advice is good for you today as well. “Whatever Jesus says to you, do it.”

2. The Sign (John 2:6-10)

John 2:6 NKJV

6 Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece.

Context: Waterpots (Show image)

Here is an image of these type of stone waterpots. At first glance they might not be that important. But did you notice their purpose? They are for Jewish purification.

Before the meal guests would be expected to wash their hands for ritual purity. In the kitchen utensils would be washed for the same reason. This was not simply for hygiene, nor even strictly following the Old Testament law but a development of rules based on the law.

Jesus is about about to do an amazing act of transformation. He’s going to transform water into wine. This of course pales in comparison to the act of transformation Jesus’ can do in your life.

But take note of the jars. John is giving us a very important clue to understand this sign.

John 2:7–8 NKJV

7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it.

The servants did just as Jesus said. John doesn’t give us much detail here about how this miracle happened, but one thing is clear. Filling water pots is not an obvious solution to a lack of wine. It’s not a natural solution.

But the servants do as Mary said and follow Jesus. Sometimes in life Jesus’ teachings are not that obvious or natural to us either.

So what should we do? Whatever Jesus says.

John 2:9–10 NKJV

9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. 10 And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!”

When the master of the feast tasted the water that had become wine, he was stunned. Why would you save the best wine for last?

Notice who he asks — the bridegroom. That’s because the bridegroom is responsible for providing the wine, yet he has no idea what has just happened. He didn’t perform the miracle. He doesn’t even know there was a miracle.

A few verses earlier, this was just water. Now it is excellent wine.

The sign itself is already complete — and most of the guests never even realize it.

Jesus has done something extraordinary. But the question John wants us to ask is not just, “What did Jesus do?” It’s, “What does this mean?”

This wasn’t just a miracle of kindness. It was a sign — something pointing beyond itself.

So what is it pointing to?

Look at what John tells us in the very next verse…

3. The Meaning (John 2:11)

Application: Believe in Jesus

John 2:11 NKJV

11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.

Fundamentally this is a sign manifesting Jesus’ glory and pointing forward that moment when his glory will be on full display for the whole world to see on the cross. It is the glory of the Messiah, the Christ, the anointed savior ushering in that wedding banquet the Old Testament promised.

This won’t come through ritual purity. Just as Jesus transformed the purification jars from containers of mere water to being filled with the best wine, he will transform good ritual practices God gave in the Old Testament and empty rituals added by people into something far better. New life, being, being born again into God’s family.

And wine is a perfect picture for this glorification. In fact, to this day we remember Jesus glory on the cross at communion where eat the bread, Christ’s body, and drink the cup, Christ’s blood shed for us.

For the guests of the wedding this was a delicious meal soon forgotten. For some of the servants this was a crazy miracle, but it didn’t really impact their lives.

But for Jesus’ disciples they saw this for what it was. A sign of Jesus divinity, God in the flesh. A sign of Jesus purpose, ushering in God’s promised salvation. A sign of Jesus’ glory.

And they believed in Jesus.

Conclusion

I don’t know where you see yourself in this story.

Maybe you feel like Mary — overwhelmed, aware that something is wrong, and in need of help beyond yourself. Or maybe you’re more like many in Jesus’ day, trying to find purpose and a relationship with God through rules, routines, and external actions.

But here’s what I do know.

In Jesus, God’s glory is on full display. This sign at Cana shows us who He truly is — the One who brings life, abundance, and transformation where there was only emptiness.

And unlike the guests at the wedding, we are invited to see the sign and understand it.

Through God’s Word, we can recognize His glory. We can marvel at who Jesus is. And we are called not just to admire Him — but to believe in Him.

So the question this sign leaves us with is simple and personal: What will you do with the glory you’ve been shown?

Invitation

In a moment, we’re going to sing “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” That’s really what this passage has been inviting us to do all along.

If you’ve been looking for life, fulfillment, or transformation somewhere else, this is your moment to lift your eyes and see Jesus for who He truly is.

And if you already belong to Him, this is a chance to refocus — to see His glory again and trust Him more deeply.

I invite you to remain seated as Trey sings through the first time, using this moment to reflect on Jesus. Then, as we sing together, let this be our prayer and our response.

Let us turn our eyes upon Jesus.

John Reading Plan

Join us in reading through the Gospel of John over the next 4 weeks. Here’s a reading plan with additional readings from the Old Testament for this coming week.

Week 2 (January 11–17)

☐ Day 1 – John 2:1-12 + Amos 9:13–15

☐ Day 2 – John 2:13-25 + Malachi 3:1–4

☐ Day 3 – John 3:1-8 + Ezekiel 36:24–28

☐ Day 4 – John 3:9-21 + Numbers 21:4–9

☐ Day 5 – John 3:22-31 + Psalm 115:1

Sermon Notes

1. Bible Translation

I’m choosing the NKJV for preaching because I believe it offers the strongest balance of faithfulness to the historic text of Scripture, clarity for modern readers, and continuity with the church’s worshiping tradition.

At the same time, I deeply value other faithful translations—such as the NASB, ESV, CSB, and NIV—which also serve the church well and can enrich our understanding of God’s Word.

2. Commentary Recommendation's

I have found the following commentaries helpful in my study of John.

Introductory

Explore the book in greater depth. Ideal for curious church members, Bible study leaders, and Sunday School teachers who want a clearer understanding of the text without being overwhelmed by technical detail.

1. Holman New Testament Commentary: John by Kenneth O. Gangel

2. Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in John by Matt Chandler and Josh Wredberg

3. Be Alive (John 1-12) and Be Transformed (John 13-21) by Warren Wiresbe

4. The Life Application Bible Commentary: John Editor: Grant Osborne

Intermediate

More advanced, with increased attention to historical context, theological nuances, and interpretive questions. Best for teachers or small group leaders seeking a scholarly yet accessible examination of passages.

1. Signs of the Messiah: An Introduction to John’s Gospel by Andreas J. Köstenberger

2. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary: The Gospel of John by Grant Osborne

3. ESV Expository Commentary: John by James M. Hamilton Jr.

In-Depth Study

These are a bit more advanced than the previous recommendations and go into more depth. These resources are ideal for those preparing lessons or sermons and looking to engage more deeply with the biblical text.

1. New American Commentary: John 1-11 and John 12-21 by Gerald L. Borchert

2. Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel According to John by D.A. Carson

3. New International Commentary on the New Testament: The Gospel According to John by Leon Morris

3. Quotes and Illustrations Used

Bill Engvall - Here's Your Sign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMlJ5MClQJ0

Jewish Weddings in Jesus Day - Cornerstone Biblical Commentary

John, 1 John, 2 John, & 3 John The First Sign: Changing Water into Wine (2:1–12)

A typical wedding would consist of a procession bringing the bride to the groom’s home, a wedding supper, and a week of festivities.

John, 1 John, 2 John, & 3 John The First Sign: Changing Water into Wine (2:1–12)

In that culture, the groom was responsible for the wedding expenses, and he would at the least face disgrace for a long time to come for allowing the wine to run out. (Hospitality was essential in the ancient world, with weddings presenting the greatest of obligations.) There might even have been legal complications, for the bride’s family could have sued them

Why did Jesus say his hour had not net come?

D.A. Carson answers this well in Pillar New Testament Commentary

To prepare his disciples (and future readers of the Gospel) to be on the look out for when his hour would come.

Mary may have made a mundane request but Jesus picks up on and replies to the symbolic meaning of the coming Messianic Age Jesus will fulfill when his hour comes (see Scriptures below)

Jesus hour of glory is on the cross, but the acts leading up to it still reveal His glory. Even with this, it as important that Jesus follow God’s direction and timing.

Jesus may also have ben making a connection with himself as the Messianic Bridegroom (see Scriptures below)

The Gospel according to John 1. The First Sign: Jesus Changes Water to Wine (2:1–11)

Mary approaches Jesus as his mother, and is reproached; in 2:5, she responds as a believer, and her faith is honoured.

The Meaning of the Sign - Pillar New Testament Commentary

The Gospel according to John 1. The First Sign: Jesus Changes Water to Wine (2:1–11)

Jesus’ miracles are never simply naked displays of power, still less neat conjuring tricks to impress the masses, but signs, significant displays of power that point beyond themselves to the deeper realities that could be perceived with the eyes of faith.

4. Scripture References

Prophetic Promise of A Wedding Feast

Jesus hour for fulfilling these OT prophecies had not yet come… but it would soon.

Jeremiah 31:12

Hosea 14:7

Amos 9:13-14

Matthew 22:1-14; 25:1-13

Jesus Himself as the Bridegroom

The hour for Jesus coming as the bridegroom had not yet come… but it would soon

John 3:27-30

The Gospel according to John 1. The First Sign: Jesus Changes Water to Wine (2:1–11)

As this story unfolds, he graciously makes good the deficiencies of the unknown bridegroom of