Jesus Turns Water into Wine

Discussion Questions: “Jesus Turns Water into Wine”

John's gospel is known for its use of contrast, and the two stories in this chapter are a perfect example of that contrast. The miracle at the wedding is the first of seven "signs" that John uses to prove that Jesus is God. Wedding celebrations in that era were spread out over several days, and it was the host's responsibility to provide enough food and drink for all the guests who came. Jesus' act of turning water into wine was not just a gift; it was a profound display of his compassion, a way to save the newlyweds from extreme embarrassment.

The miracle was done in a quiet, almost secretive way, and only a few of the disciples, Jesus' mother Mary, and the servants knew it happened. John's gospel is the only one that records this miracle. The changing of water into wine was also a powerful symbol of Jesus' purpose. The six water jugs were used for purification from sin, and six is the biblical number of man and imperfection. Wine is symbolic of blood, and the miracle's meaning was as much about Jesus replacing ritual purification with divine blood as anything else.

Events leading up to the wedding. (Have someone read John 2:1 outlined in black): “On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.” 

1.      What significant events happened on day one and two?

Day One: Jesus is baptized with water by John the Baptist and the Holy Spirit. John 1:29-34.  John 1:35 "Again, the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples." The word "again" is translated from the Greek word "palin," which means "probably from the same as" or "furthermore."  John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God. After this, Jesus recruits two disciples who are not named.  Jesus then recruits two more disciples Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

Day Two: According to John 1:43, on the next day after calling Andrew and Peter, Jesus recruited Philip to become his disciple and asked him to follow him.  in John 1:44-50, we see Philip telling Nathanael about Jesus, and Nathanael initially expressing doubt about Jesus being the Son of God. However, when Jesus reveals his knowledge of Nathanael's character, Nathanael's doubt is dispelled, and he acknowledges Jesus as the Son of God.
Leader to read:  Documentation found outside of the bible in 1102 and 1103 A.D. about Jesus turning water into wine.  It's interesting to note that Kânet el-Jelîl is the Arabic version of the name, as recorded by Saewulf, the first English pilgrim to visit Jerusalem after its conquest in the First Crusade. We have included a paragraph from pages 46-47 of his book, "The Travels of Sæwulf.” “The city of Tiberias stands on the seashore on one side, and on the other side are Corozaim and Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. About four miles to the north-east of the city of Tiberias is the castle of Gennesareth, where the Lord appeared to the disciples when fishing, as we learn from the Gospel. About two miles to the east of Gennesareth is the mount on which our Lord Jesus fed five thousand men with five loaves and two fishes. This mount is called by the inhabitants our Lord's table; and at its foot stands a very beautiful church of St. Peter, but deserted. Six miles to the north-east of Nazareth, on a hill, is Cana of Galilee, where our Lord converted water into wine at the marriage feast. There nothing is left standing except the monastery called that of Architriclinius'!'. About half way between Nazareth and Galilee is a castle which is called Roma, where all travelers from Accaron to Tiberias are lodged, having Nazareth on the right, and Galilee to the left.”

2.      Why do you think it was necessary to mention the mother of Jesus was there at the wedding?  It can be inferred that Jesus' mother was a regular guest at the wedding. It is possible that she was related to the hosts or had a close friendship with them. Her presence at the event was probably to assist with the preparations.

Disciples with Jesus.  (Have someone read John 2:2 outlined in red): “Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.”  

3.      Which disciples were probably with Jesus at the wedding?  Jesus recruited only five or six disciples by this point.  The first two disciples not named who were following John the Baptist were probably John (the writer of this book) and James (John 1:35-37); Andrew and Peter (John 1:40-41). Philip (John 1:43); and Nathanael who was from Cana (John 1:47-51).

They ran out of wine. (Have someone read John 2:3 outlined in orange):  And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” 

4.      Who is the mother of Jesus?  Mary is the mother of Jesus.

Jesus’ hour has not yet come. (Have someone read John 2:4 outlined in green):  Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” 

5.      What did Jesus mean when he told his mother his hour had not yet come?  Jesus reminds her that his time has not yet come. By doing this, Jesus is proclaiming his time to reveal himself to the world with miracles, and that time has not yet come. 

Missing text in translation to King James Version:  Here is the original Greek text of John 2:4 and the translation of each word:

Καὶ  λέγει       αὐτῇ  ὁ    Ἰησοῦς   Τί           ἐμοὶ      καὶ     σοί,        γύναι;    

And  says        to her       Jesus      What    to Me   and    to you    woman?

οὔπω       ἥκει          ἡ      ὥρα   μου.

Not yet     is come   the  hour   of Me.

This more accurately translates: “Jesus said to her, ‘What is that to me and you, woman? My hour has not yet come.’” This response is slightly softer. Without the words "and you," the responsibility is solely on Jesus.  Jesus' response to his mother is a question, he asks what’s their concern about them running out of wine has to do with both Jesus and Mary.  For over 500 years the King James Version stated “Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come.” 

6.      Since Jesus includes his mother in the question, what are your thoughts about the new information?  - Open to discussion.

Jesus implies to Mary He will furnish wine.  (Have someone read John 2:5 outlined in blue).  “His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” 

7.      As a mother, how would Mary know Jesus would furnish wine?  Jesus must have given some sort of acknowledgement to his mother, perhaps with a smile or a nod, indicating that she should trust in God, who provides for us. 

The six vessels Jesus uses to turn water into wine.  (Have someone read John 2:6 outlined in purple).  “Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece.”  The Greek version mentions the waterpots could hold two or three measures "metrçtes."  The Greek equivalent and the King James Version translates this to “firkins,” with each measure equaling 9 gallons or 34 liters. 

8.      If each vessel contains either 2 or 3 measures, how many gallons or liters would each vessel hold?  Each of the six vessels would contain 18 to 27 gallons, or 68 to 102 liters.

9.      What was the material the water pots made of that Jesus used?  Stone.

10.   How many vessels were used by Jesus?  Six.

Jesus begins his first miracle.  (Have someone read John 2:7 outlined in gray) “Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the waterpots with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim.”

11. Who filled the waterpots with water?  The servants.

The miracle between John 2:7 and John 2:8:  Leader to read this section:  It is likely that Jesus was alone in a room with six waterpots when he performed his first miracle. Considering Jesus' close relationship with God, it is safe to assume that he had prayed to his Father before performing the miracle. One can imagine the scene: Jesus closes his eyes, prays to his Father, takes a deep breath, opens his eyes, and reaches his hand into one of the waterpots. It is unclear whether he touched the water pots or the wine, but confirmation would be expected.  If he did, he would then pull out some wine with his hand, which drips back into the pot. A smile on Jesus' face shows his satisfaction that he has successfully performed his first miracle.

Miracle achieved to be tested (Have someone read John 2:8 outlined in black) And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it.  

12. Who is the master of the feast, also known as the master of the banquet, and what are their responsibilities?  The master of the feast would typically taste the wine first to ensure that it was of good quality before it was served to the guests by the servants.  He is responsible for overseeing the food and beverages.

The master of the feast tests the new wine.  (Have someone read John 2:9 outlined in red) When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. 

13. Who did the master of the feast call upon after testing the new wine?  The bridegroom.

Surprise and delight (Have someone read John 2:10 outlined in orange) And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!”  

14. Why was the master of the feast surprised and delighted by the wine he tasted?  The custom of serving good quality wine at the beginning of a banquet has been practiced for centuries. This is because when a person first begins to drink, their taste buds are more sensitive, and they are able to appreciate the subtle flavors and nuances of a high-quality wine. As the guests continue to drink, their taste buds become less sensitive. Towards the end of the evening, the host may serve a cheaper and inferior quality wine.  However, at this wedding, the good wine was served later in the ceremony.  The wine was remarkably flavorful and rich, and the head servant was impressed by its exceptional quality. The head servant assumed that this was a sign of the groom's generosity and his desire to make his guests feel special.

The beginning of signs (Have someone read John 2:11 outlined in green) This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.

15. What is the significance John states in this verse?  John refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs.”  This is the only verse where one of the disciples states the beginning of Jesus’ “signs” or “miracles.” This is why we consider this Jesus’ “first miracle.” The gift was for the bride and groom, but the miracle was for the disciples so they would believe in Him.

Jesus’ brothers (Have someone read John 2:12 outlined in blue)  After this He went down to Capernaum, He, His mother, His brothers, and His disciples; and they did not stay there many days. 

16. Who were Jesus’ brothers?  James, Joses (usually Joseph), Simon, and Judas (usually Jude) – (Mark 6:3) (Matthew 13:55).