Jesus Turns Water into Wine

Discussion Questions: “Jesus Turns Water into Wine”

The miracle at the wedding is the first of seven "signs" that John uses to prove that Jesus is God. John's gospel is the only one that records this miracle.

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: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day Two: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.      Why do you think it was necessary to mention the mother of Jesus was there at the wedding? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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? ______________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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?  _________________________________________

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?  _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.’” 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? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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? __________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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."  Each measure equals 9 gallons or 34 liters. 

8.      If each vessel contains either 2 or 3 measures, how many gallons or liters would each vessel hold?  ___________________________________________________

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

10.   How many vessels were used by Jesus?  ________________________________

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?  _______________________________________

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 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?  __________________________________________________________________

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 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? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________