John 2

And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: (John 2:1 KJV)

John chooses words carefully; why mention the third day? It could be as simple as the third day after events in the previous chapter. John is a mystic; anyone reading his book of Revelation knows that. However, his gospel is just as much so. To know what’s really going on requires going back to Genesis — back to page one.

Back in Genesis we see the creation of the universe; six days of creation, six times God proclaims it good. It’s how this occurs which causes the interest — verses 1-5 are day one, and God saw it was good. Day two is in verses 6-8, but notice God doesn’t say it was good. In verses 9-13 we see day 3 or Tuesday. But notice God proclaims it good twice! Now think like a Jew. If you were going to be married, what day would you choose? The day of double blessing, or Tuesday. This could be the Apostle telling us it was Tuesday.

And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they lacked wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, they have no wine. (John 2:2-3 KJV)

Imagine Mary with Jesus about 30 years old. Can you imagine telling people for 30 years this really is the Messiah? Can you imagine people laughing at her for that long? Today, being pregnant without being married doesn’t carry a stigma; then it was a major problem. Mary of course knew she wasn’t crazy, but everyone else must have thought so. She must have been wondering when He would reveal Himself as God.

But before we get too far into the text, we must handle the creation of wine by Jesus. Many people claim this wasn’t really alcoholic wine; it was just grape juice. It’s true the wine they drank was much less alcoholic than our wine today (current wine is 12-14% alcohol; during that time it might have been around 5% — more like beer today). We know you could get drunk because we see Noah drunk after the flood in Genesis chapter nine, so you can’t avoid the issue by claiming wine didn’t have alcoholic content; it clearly did.

But is it acceptable for a Christian to drink? Can you have a glass of wine with your spaghetti, or a beer with your pizza during Monday night football? We’re talking about light drinking obviously; drunkeness is a problem and is referenced throughout the Bible — see Proverbs 20:1, Isaiah 5:11, Isaiah 28:7-8, 1 Peter 4:3, 1 Corinthians 5:11.

Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long at the wine, those who go in search of mixed wine. Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse things. Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: “They have struck me, but I was not hurt; They have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?” (Proverbs 23:29-35 NKJV)

But that’s the problem, you say. If alcohol is so bad as to be avoided, why would Jesus create it in the first place? Is it acceptable to drink as long as you don’t drink to excess? Or are you doomed to hell eternally if you even smell a beer? To understand the issue and how to handle it, we must consider three questions.

First, would our action stumble a brother?

Many Christians feel drinking is to be avoided, associating alcohol with the local tavern, out of control motorcycle gangs, wild parties and the like. Thus if you feel it’s acceptable to drink, what do you think the effect will be on a brother who feels it is unacceptable, and sees you drinking? Could it cause him to stumble and lose faith?

Paul dealt with a similar issue in the early church (eating meat sacrificed to idols). In the market place of Paul’s time much of the meat sold had been offered to idols. While Paul knew this practice was no problem^[1], many people in the church were concerned by it. What would happen if they ate meat offered to idols? Could you be a real Christian and eat it? Paul framed the debate not by whether ingesting the meat was good or bad, but by the attitude of the person.

However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse. But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. (1 Corinthians 8:7-9 NKJV)

Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. (Romans 14:15 NKJV)

We must always consider our actions in light of fellow Christians. Unfortunately, Christians are thought of (right or wrongly) as tea-totalers, and it can confuse people if they see the pastor with a beer. If by exercising your liberty you cause a problem to someone else you should abstain from that liberty even though it is not sinful or a problem — many people avoid alcohol for exactly this reason.

The second question is will it become a master to us? Paul deals with this in 1 Corinthians.

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. (1 Corinthians 6:12 NKJV)

We are not under the law of Moses, we have freedom in Christ. But we must always consider the whole counsel of God and notice Paul frequently alludes to his life as running a race. Would you show up for a 100 yard dash wearing boots? Not if you wanted to win. Paul says to run the race as to win the prize. In that way, alcohol is not helpful.

But also, can you be sure one drink won’t lead to alcoholism? Of course not. No one plans on becoming an alcoholic. It’s just something that happens over time, and then you have been brought under the power of something besides Jesus, and that’s a problem.

Finally, can you do it for the glory of God?

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

We must apply these questions, not just to drinking, but to any action we desire to take. Looking at the current story we see a clear application of these principles. Would our action stumble a brother? Not in this instance. The problem here is they were out of wine. (John 2:3). Will it become a master to us? Here, we have the master himself providing the wine. (John 2:7) Can you do it for the glory of God? Yes, John 2:11 tells us this manifested His glory.

We can use these same principles in many situations. Many Christians worry, “Can I do ‘x’?”. If it doesn’t conflict with Biblical teaching, we can use these tests to determine if we are using our liberty in Christ appropriately; a few additional questions might help.

• Would God be proud of me for doing ‘x’?
• What would Jesus do about ‘x’?
• Can we do ‘x’ in faith? (In other words, are we uneasy about it?)

But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin. (Romans 14:23 NKJV)

Alcoholic drinks are fine in moderation. Jesus made wine, and we see Paul advise Timothy to have wine for his ailments (1 Timothy 5:23). Drunkenness is of course wrong, but you don’t go to hell for having a glass of wine or beer. Whether you choose to drink or not is a question best left between you and God.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. (John 2:4 KJV)

As we’ve already discussed, Mary must have been anxious to see Jesus verify who He was. Mary knew Jesus could satisfy the need, and it would validate what she had been saying all along. But Jesus says in proper time; nothing happens before the appointed time.

His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it . (John 2:5 KJV)

Not to pick on Catholics but notice Mary’s attitude. She doesn’t know what Jesus is going to do, but she says to do whatever He says. She doesn’t call attention to herself, and certainly had no idea what was going on. We never see Mary worshiped or in an elevated status. We never see the apostles elevate her. We never see Mary represented as a co-redemptor in salvation. The Catholic church is just wrong on this point. That may not be popular, but I challenge them to find teaching in the Bible supporting it — it’s just not there.

Too many people sitting in pews today (not just Catholics) take whatever their pastor says as the truth without ever bothering to find out if it aligns with the Bible. I don’t care if you’re Catholic, Methodist, Lutheran or some independent group like Calvary Chapel. If you sit in the pew week after week and don’t verify what’s being said you aren’t doing your job. You’ve got a Bible and a brain — use ’em both.

And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. (John 2:6-7 KJV)

Jesus could have made the wine appear, yet he asked them to be involved. In the event they declined, no miracle would have taken place. Jesus didn’t need them, but wanted them to be involved; we have the same situation facing us. God doesn’t need us to accomplish His work, but He allows us to be involved. And better yet, He gives us rewards for doing what He didn’t need us to do in the first place.

I notice when my grandson appears as I’m trying to get something done two things — it will take me twice as long to do what I’m trying to do, and I’ll get half as much done. Of course, when we’re done he walks around saying he helped (he really didn’t, but he likes to think so). We’re in the same situation with God. He allows us to help, even though He could get the job done faster by Himself.

And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear it unto the governor of the feast. And they bore it. (John 2:8 KJV)

They obeyed even though they had no idea what was going on; I wonder what they were thinking when they took what they thought was water to the headwaiter. If they had not obeyed and followed without knowing the final events, nothing would have happened. We must remember God won’t always give us detailed plans. It’s our job to obey, it’s His job to do everything else.

When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not from where it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. (John 2:9-10 KJV)

This guy didn’t know what happened yet confirmed the miracle. Since he had no knowledge of the previous events, if what arrived to him was still water he would have known it.

This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. (John 2:11 KJV)

Now, let’s be skeptics and look at an email I received about this event directing me to a web page describing what they believed really happened.

This person talked about the miracle of the water turning to wine, saying the servants fooled the headwaiter into believing the water really was wine, when in reality it was only water. The cup (probably made of wood) retained some of the aroma of the wine; when the servants added some water to the wine left in the cup the headwaiter couldn’t tell it was really water. No miracle really happened, the headwaiter was simply tricked.

Let’s look at the assumptions this person makes:

• The cup was made of wood.
• He used the same cup as he had been — the servants didn’t bring him a small cup of the new wine.
• The servants brought only a very small amount of wine to him.
• The cup had some old wine left in it.
• The headwaiter couldn’t tell water from wine.

This guy makes wild assumptions (without any evidence) about events occurring thousands of years ago. Why? Because he’s rejected the possibility of a miracle; he must make up something no matter how absurd. He’s proposing he knew exactly what occurred in that room thousands of years ago, while ignoring the written eyewitness account of what did.

Why would someone do that? The answer is in 2 Peter.

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness (2 Peter 3:11 KJV)

You see, if the Bible is true, it requires a life change. No sane person reads the Bible, accepts it as true, knows they’re going to hell, and then rejects it. However, if the Bible is false, you can continue to live however you want and not worry; no judgment is coming. It’s my theory this is why so many people are violent to show everyone the Bible is wrong and not God’s word. They’re not trying to convince me, they’re trying to convince themselves.

I’m sure not everyone is like that, but if I’m wrong and I live my entire life as God says, so what? Have I hurt anyone? I’m just a poor deceived person who missed out on things by my choice. But that’s my problem, not theirs.

So what can we learn from this story? First, be a skeptic, but be a rational one. Second, these guys followed one step at a time. God doesn’t always lay out the entire plan; we’re more comfortable if God tells us the whole story but it doesn’t work that way. Do the first step, and then He’ll continue to guide you. I’m amazed as I look back at events; I had no idea some of what I thought was insignificant would turn out to be a big deal.

After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days. And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: (John 2:12-14 KJV)

Travelers needed to exchange their currency for official temple currency; a business sprung up to facilitate this need. The problem arose in the rates of exchange. Certainly the changers are entitled to a profit for their work, but they were ripping off the people.

Similar circumstances arose with the sale of animals. To be a sacrifice, the animal had to be perfect. As a convenience, pre-approved animals were available for purchase. This also was a convenience as it’s much easier to buy an animal than carry one across the desert. But to charge exorbitant prices is not acceptable.

In short, these people were greedy and inhibited people who want to come to God. Greed is wanting more of what you already have enough of. If you’re making a good living, yet aren’t satisfied it’s time to take a look at what your priorities are. If you think “just a little more” and you’ll be happy, you won’t. God provides needs, not necessarily wants.

And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise. (John 2:15-16 KJV)

You don’t want to rip off God’s people or prevent them from worshiping Him. I think of TV preachers who make merchandise of people with ridiculous claims. Perhaps you’ve received one of those letters — you know the type, “I was in bed last night when God awoke me with an urgent need to pray for you” or the famous asking for “seed money” — if you’ll just give $100 to our ministry, God will bless you 100 times over (I’ve got an idea, you send me $100, and then we’ll both be blessed!).

Personally, I think a special place in hell exists for people like that. It doesn’t mean I’m right, but God doesn’t like people to prevent others from coming to Him.

Jesus is not a pathetic wimp as you sometimes see Him portrayed. Some of the images I’ve seen are of a weak scrawny guy — kind of like the kid who gets sand kicked in his face at the beach. While we don’t know what Jesus looked like physically, this action required physical toughness.

And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. (John 2:17 KJV)

This is from Psalm 69:9 and speaks of complete devotion to God. I think of Paul who gave up everything to travel and spread the gospel. Are we really that committed? When we get the call, do we give up our job and life? Or only if it’s convenient?

Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign showest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? (John 2:18 KJV)

It’s interesting no debate occurred on the validity of the action (they all knew it was). Rather, they wanted to know what authority he did them by — some sort of miracle perhaps. People want signs yet miracles and signs are a poor way to authenticate a message.

In Luke’s gospel we see the story of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16) where both die. The rich man is in torment while the beggar is in comfort. Naturally, the rich man wants to get word to his family and warn them so they won’t suffer the same fate also.

“Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, ‘for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ “Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ “And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ “But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.”’ (Luke 16:27-31 NKJV)

They had Moses and prophets, if they don’t accept them, what would they accept? A mighty miracle? Perhaps someone coming back from the dead? Nope. Not even that. Jesus came back from the dead, yet how many believed?

The situation is no different today. I’ve run across people who say if they experience a miracle they’ll believe in God. But If they don’t accept the witness we do have, they won’t accept a miracle.

Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou raise it up in three days? But he spoke of the temple of his body. (John 2:19-21 KJV)

This is a fun verse to use when cultists come to your door claiming Jesus didn’t have a body after His resurrection.

When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. (John 2:22 KJV)

They didn’t understand at the time, although they remembered later (I imagine the disciples were confused a lot). We sometimes get too hard on them, but if we were there we would not have understood any better than they did.

Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man. (John 2:23-25 KJV)

People are fickle — Jesus knew some people only believe due to miracles; very few have devotion to anything.