543. JOH 2:1-11. THE MIRACLE AT THE MARRIAGE OF CANA

Joh_2:1-11. The Miracle at the Marriage of Cana

"And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: and both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage," &c.’97Joh_2:1-11.

Marriage is an institution of God, and which originated in the Divine desire for the perpetual social happiness of man. In various ages of the world, false ascetic principles have been promulgated, and the purity of celibacy proclaimed. This sentiment had no countenance either from the teaching or conduct of the Saviour. His first miracle at Cana, in Galilee, was a distinguished seal of honor on the marriage relationship, and replete with evidences of his Messiahship and glory. It is probable that the nuptial parties might be related to the mother of Jesus, as we find her, in connection with him, a guest on the occasion. Marriage ceremonies, in the East, are conducted with considerable pomp, and connected with feasting and rejoicing. It would appear that on this occasion a considerable number of persons graced the nuptial banquet, and in this joyous company Jesus and his mother were found. Observe,

I. The lack of wine intimated. "And when they wanted wine," &c. Joh_2:3. It is probable that this lack of wine originated either in the humble circumstances of the family, or in the more numerous attendance of guests than had been anticipated. At any rate, the wine was exhausted. The mother of Jesus therefore addressed him, and intimated the state in which they were involved. Is it not evident from this, that she knew the power he possessed, and that she expected the putting forth of that power on the present occasion? To this, Jesus replied, "Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come," Joh_2:4. Our translation of this answer appears harsh, and bordering on disrespect. But it is evident that the gracious Jesus, in his reply to his mother, merely intended to check her eager anxiety. To urge her to wait for results, and the reason he assigned was surely sufficient: "Mine hour is not yet come." His mother, therefore, directed the servants to obey his intimations, and to watch for them, Joh_2:5. Observe,

II. The Saviour’s commands. Jesus said unto them, "Fill the water-pots with water." These were stone water-pots, capable of holding about two or three firkins, or seven or eight gallons. They were to be filled with water. Hence Christ acted on this occasion as he did when, he fed the five thousand. He made a few loaves and fishes the material of his productive energy. So now water is the basis of the miracle he works.

(1.) In this, however, the miracle became more obvious. The servants knew the wine was all gone, and that it was truly water which had been poured into these pots.

(2.) Being filled to the brim with water, it would be plain that there was no room for pouring in wine, and thus making a mixture of the two.

(3.) The same servants drew it forth who poured in the water, so that collusion or imposition was impossible. Observe,

III. The direction to draw it forth. At Christ’s command it was borne unto the governor of the feast. The governor was unacquainted with the process which had been going on. He knew not either how or whence it was, Joh_2:9.

(1.) He attests his surprise at the quality of the wine. He declares it to be, emphatically, "good wine," the best they had partaken of.

(2.) He expresses his astonishment that this should have been furnished last. Here was a reverse of the ordinary rule’97that the richest wine was to be first brought forth, and then afterwards the less fine and luscious, Joh_2:10. Notice,

IV. The results arising from the miracle thus wrought.

1. It manifested forth the Saviour’s glory. It was an express evidence of his power and Godhead. It exhibited the glory of his creative energy. The same power that acted on the original chaos, and brought forth light, and beauty, and order, was now put forth on the water, and converted it ink delicious wine.

2. It produced faith in his Divine mission. Many of "his disciples believed on him," Joh_2:11. They beheld in him the prophet like unto Moses, &c. They beheld in him the sent of the Father, the Son of the Most High God. And they exercised unwavering faith in him. Now what are the lessons we learn from this miracle?

(1.) That the presence of Christ can alone sanctify our festive occasions. That is a questionable assembly in which Jesus cannot be invited, and heartily welcomed as a guest. Every marriage feast should especially be graced by his Divine and condescending presence.

(2.) That in all exigencies our applications may be confidently made to the Saviour. He can do all for us, and be all to us.

(3.) That the blessings which come with his gracious seal upon them, are manifestly best and most precious.

(4.) We must be careful not to turn the grace of God into an argument for wantonness or dissipation. For we have no right to conclude that either the guests on this occasion were partially inebriated, or that he produced a. strong intoxicating wine, which would have imperilled their principles of sobriety. His wine was "the best," and surely by this is meant "the richest,"’97containing most of the. flavor of the grape, and not a highly stimulating fluid, equally opposed to the welfare of the body, as to the happiness and safety of the soul.

(5.) In all things let us seek to exercise faith in the Redeemer, and to do all things to his glory.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS