On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “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.” This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. (John 2:1-11 ESV).
In this story Jesus changes more than 120 gallons of water into wine for the guests at a wedding feast. And John tells us this was the first “sign” or miracle through which Jesus revealed his glory. But as readers today, we might find ourselves wondering why Jesus provided wine to drink. After all, the Bible includes many warnings against drunkenness. And today we know very well the dangers of consuming too much alcohol. So why does Jesus seem to encourage drinking here? And what do gallons of wine have to do with being the Savior of God’s people?
The answer comes from the Old Testament picture of wine as a symbol of God’s blessing (cf. Isaiah 25:6; Amos 9:13-15; Proverbs 3:9-10). Wine is often used to represent God’s abundant provisions for his people.
In this scene, Jesus has chosen to demonstrate the blessings of his coming kingdom by blessing a wedding celebration with this sign. The wine serves as a symbol of God’s provision in Jesus and of the generous love he will put on display. Signs like this are meant to build up his followers’ faith and help them to trust in Jesus. This is also an example of Jesus’ patience application of the balance between grace and truth. He gave grace in the provision of blessing; and, He also spoke the truth to Mary about His purpose being greater than hers. Perhaps we should practice this balance more in our lives.