Text: John 2:1-11

Today we come to another one of these great narratives in the Gospel, and certainly a familiar one. The story of Jesus turning water into wine reaches far beyond the biblical references and out into the secular world. One example is a funny photograph that circulates around social media this time of year and it’s the shelf with the water sign and underneath it are bottles of wine.

The story of Jesus turning water into wine is the first miracle of Jesus.

In Matt Mark and Luke the Greek word used for miraculous works was dunamis which meant power. In these Gospels they authors were recording stories of the miracles of Jesus to display His power and awesomeness to show that God must be at work through Jesus.

The purpose of the use of miracles is slightly different in John’s Gospel. The Greek word used for miracle is semeion or sign. John’s reasoning behind his record of is to point to something. To reveal something deeper about God.

The miracle in Cana is the first of seven miraculous signs recorded in John’s Gospel. Others include the feeding of the 5,000, the healing of a blind man and the raising of Lazarus. All of the seven not only display Gods power and ability to do these amazing things but show a deeper meaning. For example, when God fed the 5000 he not only met the physical need but pointed to himself as the bread of life.

When miracle of turning water into wine was a sign that pointed to three characteristics about God.

First, God provides

There is a wonderful promise in Paul’s letter to the Philippians. In Chapter 4 vs 19 Paul writes “my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

In Matthew 6, Jesus himself tells the people not to be anxious because just as God provides food for the birds he provides for the needs of his people.

Running out of wine was the need. We learned in the children’s lesson that having a good party was important, a legal obligation of the bridegroom. So, in the time of need Jesus provides by turning water into wine for the party.

Second, God gives an abundance

Not only did Jesus provide wine for the party but he gave an abundance. Were told that he had the servants fill six large water jugs that each hold 20-30 gallons each. That’s a lot of wine. In today’s standards it would have equaled 40-60 thousand dollars!

In Ephesians 3:20 Paul remarks that a God is able to give us far more than we can ever imagine or ask for. When He provides, He also blesses.

Remember when he calls the disciples to cast out the nets and fish and not on,y does he provide fish to these guys who had had no luck all night but he gives them so much they need to call for help and get a boat to hold all the fish.

Third, God offers the very best

When the wine was brought to the master of the feast he tasted it and exclaimed that it’s the best wine. It tasted so good that he went to the bridegroom and commended him on the taste. Jesus created the best, how could he have made anything but the best. He is God, he is the creator, he gave the party A wine fit for a king. He gave the groom a special gift.

We know the Gods gifts are the best, they are imeaseurable, heavenly, eternal.

The best gift being the gift of his Son Jesus Christ that he gave, so that whoever believed in him would not parish but have eternal life.

In conclusion,

All these characteristics can be found in two verses of psalm 23,

you prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies

You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.

God provides, he gives us what we need, in our time of need

He provides for us and abundance

A life with God is full of all that is good

Remember to align your life with Jesus. Turn to him for your needs, no matter the circumstances, and he will not only provide for you but he will bless you with the very best.

William Barkley wrote,

Whenever Jesus comes into someone’s life, there comes a new quality which is like turning water into wine. Without Jesus life is dull and stale and flat but with Jesus, life is vivid, sparking and exciting.