John 2:7-11

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.

The story is familiar. What are we meant to get from it? We have drawn the inference that Jesus was not a killjoy or antisocial. We can see that although his public ministry is just beginning Jesus is still living with his family. We can see that although Mary did not recognize him for who he is, she still was aware of his authority and power. But this was the first of the 'sign' miracles. What did it signify?

We could say that it shows Jesus' power and authority; his creative ability, but remember that Elijah and Peter were also able to perform miracles as were the Pharaoh's magicians. Miracles don't make Jesus God. It think we must look at the detail. The vast water jars were there fore the Jewish ritual of purification. Jesus used them to provide new wine. I think the sign is that the old is gone; the new has come.