Of all Jesus’ miracles, turning water into wine at a wedding is the most peculiar. This miracle seems like an odd choice. Particularly, since this was Jesus was his first miracle. However, of all of the miracles ever did, this one points to his identity and ministry more than any other.

As Rev. John Arnold explains the miracle at the wedding of Cana in John 2:1-11 (available below), you will discover how three phrases and three images reveal the deeper meaning of this story. This miracle is more than obscure act to save a young couple embarrassment. In fact, what Jesus does is not actually referred to as a miracle, but as a “sign”.

So if this is a sign, this begs the question, “What does this event point to?” “How does this particular sign foreshadow what Jesus will do, or who he is?

Specfically, to get those answers we will explore the importance of the phrases: “a sign”, “revealing his glory,” and “not my time yet.” Together these clearly point to the mystery and ministry of his death and resurrection.

Similarly, the jars of purification that Jesus had filled, the wine, and the context of this occurring at a wedding all point to the nature and the ultimate fulfillment of Jesus’ ministry.

Additional Resources

Much of the inspiration for this sermon, as mentioned in the video, comes from a sermon given by Rev. Timothy Keller, a pastor in New York. If you would like to see his analysis of John 2:1-11, you can check out his sermons “Lord of the Wine” by CLICKING HERE.

You can check out all of our online worship experiences on our sermon archive page.

The Text for Today’s sermon

John 2:1-11, The Miracle at the Wedding in Cana

“2 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. ² Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. ³ When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” ⁴ And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” ⁵ His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” ⁶ Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. ⁷ Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. ⁸ He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.” So they took it. ⁹ When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom ¹⁰ and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.” ¹¹ Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.”