Wedding at Cana

Jesus performed his first public miracle at a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee, transforming approximately 120-180 gallons of water into the finest wine. This “first of his signs” revealed his divine glory and led his disciples to believe in him (John 2:11).

When the wine ran out—a serious social disgrace for the host—Mary informed Jesus of the problem. His response, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come,” initially seemed dismissive, yet Mary confidently told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Jesus instructed them to fill six stone water jars (used for Jewish purification rituals) with water, then draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.

The master tasted what had become wine and called the bridegroom, amazed: “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” He was unaware of the miracle—only the servants and disciples knew the source of this superior wine.

This miracle demonstrates Jesus’ authority over creation, his abundance (no mere adequate supply but overflowing provision), and the inauguration of the new covenant. The transformation of purification water into celebratory wine symbolizes the replacement of old covenant ritual with new covenant joy. By revealing his glory in this way, Jesus signaled that the kingdom of God had arrived with festive abundance, not austere religion.