Jesus and the New Wine

by Doy Moyer

John records the miracle at Cana of Galilee, in which Jesus turned water into wine (John 2:1-12). Jesus, His disciples, and His mother attended a wedding feast. When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother came to Him and said, “They have no wine.” We don’t know exactly what she was expecting Jesus to do. Bear in mind that a wedding feast like this could take place over several days, and it would be a shame to run out of food and drink. Jesus answered her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.”

Jesus's response was neither disrespectful nor typical for a son to address his mother (the same term appears in John 19:26). This exchange may indicate that Jesus’s relationship with his mother was changing. Mary knew much about who Jesus was from birth, but she needed to realize that, though He was her son, she would need to become His disciple as well. Jesus’ plans were well-timed and not to be rushed. Here, He said, “My hour has not yet come,” but John takes us through several events to the point where Jesus says, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” (John 12:23). It was a process that must not be rushed. This miracle was a significant step in that direction.

Mary shows faith and tells the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby were six stone water jars used for purification (stone was preferred over clay to prevent contamination). Jesus told the servants to fill the jars with water, then to draw out some of it to present to the master of the feast. Upon his tasting, he knew it was better than what had been served. The old was out; the new had come, and the new was far better. This is a major theme in John, and in this miracle, we see a convergence of several ideas:

First, this was a miracle of creation, a confirmation of John 1:1-5. What did not exist came into existence by His power. Mixing water with wine was common, but water does not naturally become wine.

Second, the use of purification objects is purposeful. Jesus came to cleanse and purify, so the appropriation of the stone jars was no accident. Because of His work, these jars would no longer be necessary. Jesus is the One who purifies.

Third, the context of a wedding feast is important. The bridegroom was ultimately responsible for the wine. While Jesus is not the literal bridegroom here, this wedding-and-bridegroom imagery is heightened in Jesus. Later, John the Immerser compared them: “The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:29-30). Jesus taught parables using the imagery of the wedding feast (Matthew 22:1-14; Luke 14:16-24). John, in Revelation, shows the importance of this idea as the church is the bride of Christ (Revelation 21:2; cf. Isaiah 61:10; Ephesians 5:22-33).

Fourth, the turning of water into wine should be seen against the backdrop of messianic prophecies. This miracle demonstrated that Jesus provides overflowing blessings. Consider these passages in a context where the abundance of blessings, illustrated by flowing wine, is highlighted at the Messiah’s coming and fulfillment of restoration:

Jeremiah 31:12 indicates that God’s people would “come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the LORD, over the grain, the wine, and the oil, and over the young of the flock and the herd; their life shall be like a watered garden, and they shall languish no more.” Hosea 14:7 says, “They shall return and dwell beneath my shadow; they shall flourish like the grain; they shall blossom like the vine; their fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon.” Amos 9:13-14 speaks to a time when “the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it.” Then, His people “shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit.” This is beginning to sound like a return to paradise (cf. Revelation 2:7; 22:1-5).

The messianic context of these passages should help us see that turning water into wine was a way of showing that Jesus fulfills these blessings. The new wine is abundant, and the promised blessings come to fruition in Him. John states that this sign “manifested His glory,” a statement that connects with John 1:14. He then reports that His disciples believed in Him, which aligns with the purpose of John’s gospel (John 20:30-31). Jesus fulfills the promises of blessings, and in doing so, reveals His glory, providing reason to believe that He is the Christ, the Son of God, so that we may have life in His name. Let us not be sidetracked by other matters here (e.g., modern alcohol use). This is about Jesus, messianic fulfillment, His glory, and our need for faith. Paradise is regained in Him.