The Miracle at Cana is the first recorded miracle of Jesus Christ is highly symbolic and sets the tone for his entire ministry – a ministry characterized by transformation, provision and abundance. The miracle took place at a wedding, a context with deep meaning for Jews and Christians. Weddings while a significant social event are also highly symbolic of God’s covenantal relations with Isreal and the Church.

John 2:1-11 (NIV)

“On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine. “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.”

We take for granted access to clean drinking water. Throughout human history, without the benefit of modern filtration systems, it was difficult to get and maintain a stable source of clean water. To overcome this one strategy was to use wine or other alcohol containing beverages. Adding alcohol to water would act as the only way to kill disease causing bacteria. This made wine not a luxury but a vital necessity for survival. Mary’s statement “They have no more wine” was not merely a social faux pas but also a public health issue. Expecting guests to walk to a well to obtain something safe to drink at a wedding would have been impractical and very embarrassing.

This idiom creates a clear foreshadowing of the redemptive power of the blood of Christ. Confirmed by Jesus’s statement “My hour has not yet come.”, this story is meant to illustrate that Christ’s blood will be poured out to turn that which has gone bad into a blessing. Just like converting dirty water into wine, Christ the coming bridegroom will provide for his wedding party.

We should also note, Mary’s confidence and obedience. Mary was in a unique position to understand Jesus’ mission. In saying, “Do whatever He tells you”, Mary is calling for the workers to be obedient and trust in Jesus’. In so, she models the call for us in our lives to follow and act trusting in the divine. We are not mere observants, but participants in God’s provision for his people.

What a beautiful first salvo from Christ’s first recorded miracle. Christ’s first miracle being very dramatic points us to the abundance and transformation that come through faith in Him. Like the wedding participants, Christ is offering to us an extraordinary new covenant of abundance and blessing .