A Study Of John 2:1-12
A study of John 2:1-12 shows God’s concern about small problems, how Jesus honored his earthly mother, glorified God, and deepened the belief of his disciples.
A study of John 2:1-12 shows God’s concern about small problems.
When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” (ESV, John 2:3)
Does God care when our car has a flat tire? We suffer an ingrown toenail? Lose our cell phone? We hesitate to inconvenience God for these small problems since he has such bigger concerns in managing the entire universe.
But it didn’t stop his human mother, Mary, from presenting a small problem. Her comment to Jesus they were out of wine carried an implied plea for help.
Jesus was attending a wedding in the town of Cana in Galilee near his hometown of Nazareth along with his five new disciples. The wedding couple are not named, but we can speculate likely relatives or close friends. And Mary was responsible for helping in some manner.
Joseph isn’t mentioned, which suggests Mary is a widow. And as the oldest son, Jesus now financially supported the family as a carpenter. He hadn’t performed any miracles yet, so we shouldn’t assume Mary expected one. But probably leaned on Jesus as the male leader in the home to address the problem.
It wasn’t a global disaster, but represented an embarrassing, social disaster for the wedding family. Is that serious enough for God’s attention? Mary thought so.
A study of John 2:1-12 shows how Jesus honored his earthly mother.
And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come. (ESV, John 2:4)
The Greek word for “woman” is gynai which means woman or wife. It was not inherently, disrespectful, but culturally used in a manner similar to the way we use “ma’am” today. Polite, but a bit more formal than “Mom.” And the same word Jesus used from the cross in John 19:26-27 when when he assigned the parental care of Mary to John the Apostle.
Jesus could have used the Greek word mētēr which also means mother and conveys the biological and relational closeness of Mary as his earthly mother.
So why not?
Jesus’ gentle rebuke to Mary suggests a reason. First, he was no longer a boy under her authority, but a man. Not just her son, but the Son of God. And second, his messianic mission must take priority over his earthly responsibilities. Their relationship was therefore now subject to that mission. As a sinner, Mary had to relate to him as Savior, just like we do today. Believe on him as the Son of God by faith and follow him as a disciple.
Luke 2:41-51 presents another story of Jesus’ relationship with his parents as a boy. On a family trip to Jerusalem when he was twelve, his parents accidently left him behind as they left for home. When they realized he wasn’t with anyone in the family, they returned to Jerusalem and found him in the temple listening to and interacting with the teachers. His answer to their parental rebuke was probably, surprisingly unexpected.
And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house? (ESV, John 2:49)
Even at the age of twelve, Jesus clearly recognizes himself as the Son of God. It makes the next verse even more astounding.
And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. (ESV, Luke 2:51).
Jesus as the perfect, Son of God, was submissive to his imperfect, human parents. Therefore, it’s no surprise he honored his human mother with her problem. But he did so in a spectacular, miraculous manner that only he could pull off.
A study of John 2:1-12 shows Jesus glorified God and deepened the belief of his disciples.
This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. (ESV, John 2:11)
There were six large pots for water that each held 20-30 gallons. And Jesus instructed servants to fill them all to the brim with water and then draw some out for the master of the feast to taste. Somewhere between the filling with water to the taste test, it turned into wine. And not the cheap stuff you expect after taste buds dull, but the best for last.
Imagine the surprise from both the servants and the disciples!
But it more than a favor for Mary. And even honoring her as his mother. It was a miraculous sign that he was the Messiah. A purposeful act that revealed his divine nature and glimpse of his glory as the incarnate Son of God.
There were miracles to come that would be more spectacular and before large crowds. This one was seen by only a handful of people. But for those–especially his disciples–it was significant because it deepened their belief in him. And today, those who are paying attention can also see, believe in, and respond to Jesus as Savior and Lord. The incarnate Son of God.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
Check Out My Author Interview
I recently appeared as a guest author to discuss my Christian detective novel Finding Grace on the website of Deena Adams, a fellow Christian author and editor. Here’s a link if you’d like to check it out.
Please consider leaving a comment. The more comments, the better for both Deena and myself. Also, be sure to register for a free giveaway of the book. https://deenaadams.com/interview-with-chip-tudor-a-giveaway/
Please consider leaving a comment. The more comments, the better for both Deena and myself. Also, be sure to register for a free giveaway of the book.
