John 2:1-12 (part 2)

John 2:1–12 ESV

1 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 6 Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. 9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” 11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. 12 After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days.

First clarification - the wedding and the problem...

Weddings were different that we understand them.

They were week long celebrations.

They were among the most important social obligations.

The groom and his family were responsible for the ongoing reception and food.

To run out of wine would mean shame for the family.

It could even mean that the brides family could sue them.

Somehow Mary finds out about this and goes to Jesus.

1 Observation: Mary’s Faith

Jesus had not yet done any miracles.

She believed what she was told about Jesus from the angel.

She understood the things that had already happened in His life as a boy.

We don’t know what Mary thought would happen but she thought something would happen.

She told the servants to do whatever Jesus tells them to do.

Do you have that kind of faith?

Trust God not knowing the answer?

2 Observation: Jesus’ answer

Woman what does this have to do with me?

This seems rude.

Really Jesus was giving her honor.

John 19:26 ESV

26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!”

Then we see Jesus trying to distance himself from this.

This is the same phrase used in these verses.

Mark 1:24 ESV

24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.”

Mark 5:7 ESV

7 And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.”

Jesus didn’t want anything to do with this.

Here is why...

My hour has not yet come.

“hour” in John refers to a time of destiny.

What was Jesus destined to do?

He was destined to reveal to the world He was the messiah.

He doesn’t seem ready to do that yet.

But he does.

This miracle is the start of His public ministry.

The hour has not come for Him to die.

The hour has not come for Him to set up His kingdom.

It seems that from His human side he is not ready to start.

He knew what was to come.

YET… he was not forced into this by Mary.

This was all part of God’s plan and timing.

So what do we learn about Christ?

Though He was God… he was human.

He cares about our physical needs. (trivial things in light of eternity)

Prayer with faith works.

Mary came to Jesus

Do whatever I tell you.