#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
