John 2:1-12

The Set-Up

Jesus, Mary, and the disciples are at a wedding in Cana. This is a big deal - a multi-day celebration in community, and full joy.

But then, the worst thing imaginable happens: The wine runs out.

This is a cultural death sentence for the groom’s family. It’s shame. 

Mary’s observation to Jesus has a terse reply:

“Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.”

Jesus knows once He starts this, it’s all downhill from here…He’s not ready to be a public figure yet.

Here’s the punk moment that I learned about today. Jesus points to six stone water jars.

These were for the Jewish rites of purification. They were for washing, for being "clean" before God.

Jesus says: “Fill them with water.”

He takes the vessels of religious obligation and repurposes them for joyous celebration. The water of law becomes the wine of grace.

And He doesn't just make a little. He makes around 150 gallons; an obscene amount of wine. It’s not just enough to save the wedding; it’s enough to keep the party going for a week.

The "old wine" was the Law, the prophets, the waiting. The "Good Wine" is the Kingdom—and it’s being served now.

This is the first "sign”, and the purpose is simple: God wants the party to continue. God is interested in our joy, not just our piety.

The Take-Aways: 

God Loves a Party.

Jesus’s first miracle was at a wedding bar. He validates human joy and community.

Listen to Mary.

She knew Jesus was ready before He did. "Do whatever he tells you" is probably the best advice in the Bible.

Ritual into Joy.

Jesus repurposed the purification jars, replacing the water of "rules" with the wine of celebration.

Abundance Over Scarcity.

150 gallons. God’s joy overflows. 

Save the Best for Last.

The Kingdom gets better as you go deeper.

The Good News: 

Is that Jesus lifts our shame. The family was facing humiliation, and Jesus stepped in quietly to cover them with grace.

The Good News is that religion isn't supposed to be a stone jar of "purification water" that you scrub yourself clean with. It’s supposed to be Wine—something that gladdens the heart, brings people together, and tastes like life. If your life - and your faith - often feels like a well drink at Happy Hour, Jesus is ready to transform it into something amazingly good, without the hangover. 

(Artwork, Wedding in Cana II by Olga Bakhtina)