#21.1 Wedding Feast at Cana; Water to Wine

#21.1 Wedding Feast at Cana; Water to Wine

Please First Read John 2:1-12; JST John 2:1, 4, 9, 11

Mary seems to hold a position of authority at this wedding. Probably as hostess, the one responsible for caring for the guests and seeing that events proceed as planned. In view of the social customs of the day it could well be that one of Mary's children, or another family member, was being married. That Jesus was “called” to the wedding also indicates something like this to be the case.

Jesus' attendance signifies his approval of the practice of the procedure and custom of marriage as practiced at this time.

Matthew 26:29 identifies the wine as “fruit of the vine” ... indicating a light, sweet, unfermented wine which, eaten with bread, was a staple food of the day.

The size of the six water pots amounts to about 150 gallons of wine; apparently the wedding party was substantial in size. Festivities customarily lasted from several to fourteen days, necessitating such a quantity of drink.

In our language, Jesus’ words to his mother sound a bit harsh or disrespectful, but in the language of that day his response to her was the opposite, one of respect (v.4). In Greek, “woman” was a term of high regard ... and was language used to address princesses. Jesus used it also as a term of love, i.e., Jesus to Mary Magdalene in the garden, “Woman, why weepest thou?”  and to his mother from the cross, “Woman, behold thy son.” The prophet Joseph Smith in his translation of this scripture (JST John 2:4) softens what might be felt in our language as a sharp tone of Jesus addressing his mother, as the scripture reads “Woman, what wilt thou have me do for thee? that will I do ...”

Mary had some knowledge of the special powers Jesus had (v.5) “Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.”

For the festivities to run out of food or drink would have been a great social infraction, and a bad reflection on Mary, the family, and others who were responsible. The marriage covenant was a sacred event to the Jews. It symbolized the union of God to Israel. We might even say it was a sacrament, the making of a covenant which also involved God. Within the Jews social activities, the marriage feast was among the highest of events. To not have enough food and drink for the guests would be very shameful for all involved.

This would seem to be the first miraculous sign by Jesus for public knowledge. He may very well have used his divine powers previously.  The servants knew what had been done, and would certainly tell of it.

It is interesting to note that just shortly before this event Jesus refused to turn stones into bread when tempted by Satan.

Since there is no mention of Mary's husband, Joseph, he is assumed to be deceased by this time.

John, Peter, Andrew, Phillip, and Nathaniel have just been called to follow Jesus. This would seem to be a first event in strengthening their testimonies of Jesus.

The public participation of Jesus at this event is somewhat of a leave-taking from his past life, from former friends and home. He is closing the chapter on his previous 30 years and now beginning his formal ministry. We might say this is the beginning of Jesus revealing who and what he is.

Glenn R. McGettigan

August 2012; Revised August 2014

References:

“Doctrinal New Testament Commentary.” McConkie

“Life of Christ.” Farrar

“Life and Teachings of Jesus and the Apostles.” BYU study guide

“Behold the Lamb of God.” Clark

“The Miracles of Jesus the Messiah.” Howick

“Life and Teachings of Jesus the Messiah. Edersheim

“Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ. Volume 1. Holzaphel

“Studies in Scripture-The Gospels.” Jackson & Millet

“Jesus the Christ.” Talmage

“The Mortal Messiah.” Volume 1. McConkie

“Study of the New Testament.” Ludlow

“Joseph Smith.” JST