The Wedding At Cana

The wedding feast at Cana was the scene of Christ’s first miracle. Cana was a small hill town not to far from Nazareth. It was the place many theologians would agree that Jesus revealed his glory, and subsequently caused the disciples to believe in his power and authority.

Also in attendance at the wedding feast was the mother of Jesus. Mary’s love and prominent faith in her Son’s abilities was displayed when she informed him that there was no wine.

According to the Jewish customs, it was an embarrassment on the part of the host to not have enough wine. What Mary asked of Jesus was nothing explicit; she only drew his attention to a need.

Jesus’ reply to his mother may sound harsh to the contemporary ear, but his words were neither harsh nor rude. It was with the deepest respect that Jesus referred to his mother as Woman. This was a term he used frequently when talking with women including the Samaritan woman.

Although the term "woman" may seem unusual to some when referring to one’s own mother, Jesus’ use of it showed an aloofness or distance between he and Mary. It downplayed their blood relationship showing that Jesus does not act as a result of human prompting, even if that prompting did come from his mother. He acts only in accordance with the will of his Father.

This allegiance to God on the part of Jesus is displayed in the phrase, "My hour has not yet come." Here, his reference to the hour alluded to his glorification and death, which would ultimately lead to the salvation of all.

Even after being rebuked, Mary instructed the waiters to do as Jesus commanded. She knew that her son was not only powerful but sovereign. As children of God, we must possess this same faith and reverence. Even when we don’t understand what or why God is instructing us to do a thing, we had better do it. We must trust Him because he is our Father and he cares for us.

What happened at Cana is a sign that revealed the true identity and glory of Jesus. It marked the beginning of a series of signs; seven to be exact.

Christ’s glory is revealed to those who believe on Him. It was in those days and the same is true today.

In the Old Testament, an abundance of wine was symbolic to God’s new age. (Amos 9:13, Joel 3:18) Jesus is the fulfillment of hope.

The disciples believed in Jesus before his miracle at Cana. They were willing to give up their former ways of life to follow him. Although they gave up their earthly existence to follow Jesus, they did not always understand his mission. Their perception of Christ was earthly, but Cana added a new dimension to their faith, a much deeper dimension.

By Naomi J. Brown