The Purpose Of Gospel Of John
John 20:30, 31 30And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in
this book; 31but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that
believing you may have life in His name.
I. The Wedding Vs. 1, 2
1. The Jewish wedding celebrations were long lasting events: 1-7 days, depending on the
resources of the bridegroom.
2. Modern weddings put the focus on the bride, but ancient weddings focused more on the
bridegroom.
3. The bridegroom’s family would have been hosting this event.
4. Cana was a small city, and most likely, no invitations were sent out.
5. The entire town would have been invited, and food and drink would have been provided for
all of them for the duration of the wedding feast.
II. The Problem V. 3a
1. This would have been a terrible social failure.
2. Wine was seen as a gift from God, and as a sign of joy.
3. Rabbincal Statement from that 1st Century- “Without wine, there is no joy in life”.
4. The mixture- two parts wine, three parts water…yet it was still wine.
5. Imagine you giving a wedding reception for your child, and running out of food.
6. Something nearly miraculous must be done to save your family from great embarrassment.
III. The Request V. 3b
1. Jesus’ mother may have been there as a helper to the family.
2. She pointed out the need and the approaching embarrassment of the family to Jesus.
3. This was more than a statement to Jesus; it was a request and a hope that Jesus would do
something
4. She didn’t tell Jesus what to do, but it was a strong hint that she expected Jesus to remedy the
situation. We know that because of Jesus’ response.
5. It was that kind of verbal/non-verbal communication between mother and son.
6. Considerations regarding Mary…
a. Mary had become pregnant through the conceiving power of the Holy Spirit.
b. She was a virgin, probably a teenager, and betrothed to be married when she became
pregnant.
c. Betrothal was stronger than just an engagement. It was unconsummated marriage.
d. It was a binding relationship, but was not yet a consummated marriage.
e. Her betrothed husband Joseph considered divorcing her, supposing that she had
committed adultery.
f. Mary had been informed of her pregnancy by an angel.
g. She has a very unusual and challenging life as a young mother.
h. Mary pondered many incredible things about Jesus, and kept them in her heart. (Luke 2)
7. Mary believed that Jesus was the Messiah.
a. Jesus had been baptized, and the Holy Spirit had come upon Him.
b. Now he arrives in Cana, with a small group of followers.
c. It seems that Mary believed that now was the time for Jesus to begin to go public with
who and what He was, and to use His power to bring blessings and remedy.
IV. Jesus’ Response V. 4
1. “Woman”- The term sounds rude to us, but in that culture, it was like saying “dear woman”.
2. Jesus asks her how her concern for this family’s problem has anything to do with His mission.
3. “My hour”– a phrase that Jesus often used concerning Himself.
a. Jesus never meant a literal hour, but a certain time when He would suffer for our sins.
b. A time when the will of the Father would be set into motion.
4. This phrase is used elsewhere in John: John 7:3-6; 7:30; 8:20; 12:27; 13:1; 17:1
5. Jesus viewed every part of His earthly life as it pertained to the fulfilling of His Father’s will
for Him. He viewed every moment as either being part of His mission, or not being part of it.
6.Even as a 12 year old boy, Jesus was careful to be on task with His life. Luke 2:48, 49
48So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why
have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”
49And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”
V. The Miracle Vs. 5-11
1. V. 5– This is excellent advice for everyone. Notice it is Mary submitting to Jesus.
2. V. 6– These jars were used for religious ceremonial washing.
a. They were used for the supposed purifying of their souls.
b. They were actually useless for the purifying of their souls; they represented man’s efforts to
cleanse himself.
3. V. 7– They filled them to the brim. Their obedience created greater blessings to follow.
a. These servants who obeyed knew that a miracle was done. The master of the feast didn’t.
4. Vs. 8-10 The wine is tasted by the master of the feast
a. The wine is discovered to be better than what was first served, contrary to custom.
b. Usually the best wine is served first, and when the taste buds have dulled, lesser wine.
5. V. 11– There are 7 miracles recorded in John. They are recorded that you might believe.
VI. Analyzing This Miracle
1. John lists seven miracles in his Gospel; one involves food, one involves wine.
2. Some call this miracle a luxury or an extravagance, yet it was the will of God.
3. John 8:29 29And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those
things that please Him.”
4. Jesus making wine for this wedding feast pleased the Father.
5. Some might say that Jesus responded to “Mary’s prayer”. A miracle occurred because she
asked for one. Her faith was tested, and she said, “Do whatever He tells you”.
6. God is not anti-wine, but He does condemn drunkenness. (Ephesians 5:21)
7. Jesus initially shows His glory in the context of festivity and celebration. Jesus is for godly
celebrations. This was a proper time and place to enjoy life, including good wine.
8. Jesus will drink wine with His people in the Kingdom age.
Matthew 26:27-29 27Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from
it, all of you. 28For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of
sins. 29But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new
with you in My Father’s kingdom.”
9. V. 11– This was done not just to bless this family, but to show forth the glory of Jesus.
10. It is listed here so that we would understand the heart of God towards man, and believe in
Jesus.