A Sign at a Wedding

Introduction

There is something about weddings that just brings out the best in folks—usually. Families are excited; so excited that they will invite lots of friends to share in this special occasion. Lots of interesting things take place at a wedding. Weddings have always been a special occasion. They haven’t always had large crowds but the sense of holy celebration is present. From the wedding of the first man and woman with God himself as officiant and audience was a time of celebration as Adam proclaimed his allegiance to his wife to a community wide celebration in John 2, weddings are a blessing from God. The wedding scene in John 2 is no different from the thousands that have preceded it. But the result is far different. Notice verse 11. John calls this event a sign. The event isn’t just a miracle, although to say “just” is an understatement. John is bringing another piece of evidence for our consideration. Jesus is the Son of God and John is trying to convince us.

There are seven signs in the gospel. Each sign is to point us to something more distinctive and convicting. Each sign is to point to something beyond just the event to some theologically significant concept that is to be understood through the eyes of faith. Some will read and hear of this event and their response will be “wow, water into wine. How did he do that?” But John is looking for a different response. The event is a sign. It is to point us to something much more profound. Let’s see what he has in mind today as we consider the next piece of evidence.

The Event

One of the things that John is trying to do in his writing is to give us some time clues so that we can piece together not only a sequence of events but have a deeper appreciation for these events. 2:1 says this is the third day.

Day 1 saw a delegation sent to John and he bears witness (1:19). On Day 2, John announces the Lamb of God and two disciples follow Jesus (1:29). Day 3 brought the two disciples staying with Jesus that day (1:35). Day 4 saw Jesus meet Simon Peter, Andrew’s brother (1:41). Day 5 brought Jesus meeting Philip and Nathaniel (1:43). Day 7 is when the wedding occurs—the third day, two days later (2:1).

Notice that day 6 is silent. That probably means that this is the Sabbath. So Day 7 is a Sunday. This is John’s way of saying something. When God created, what did he do on the 7th day? He rested. But on this the 7th day in John’s gospel—Jesus is going to create something new.

I have never been to a wedding where they ran out of cake and punch, but in Jesus’ day to not fully provide for the guests would have brought great dishonor on the bridegroom. Wedding celebrations lasted up to 7 days and it was the bridegroom’s responsibility to make sure that everyone had enough to eat and drink. Failure to do so might result in the bride’s family suing the bridegroom’s family for the shame and dishonor. So when the wine runs dry at the celebration, the opportunity for shame is present. This point is lost on us but it would have been more than a major faux pas for cultural life. It would have been a sign that the new husband can’t provide.

Mary, Jesus’ mother, asks for Jesus to do something. The feast has become a fast. Joy is quickly turning to sorrow. Disgrace was at hand. Mary believes Jesus can do something to rectify the situation. This speaks volumes about Mary’s faith. She didn’t know exactly what, but she knew that Jesus could make a difference. After a brief rebuke, Jesus acts. It is a rebuke but don’t read too much into it. Mary’s response is not to be offended but to instruct servants to listen. In other words, while there is clearly a rebuke here there is also something inherent in the wording that leads Mary to believe that Jesus is going to act. She is completely confident that Jesus will do something to help the situation.

He instructs the servants to fill 6 purification jars. About 120-150 gallons of liquid are brought and Jesus then instructs that a taste be given to the steward of the wedding. It is as we might anticipate the best wine he has ever tasted. Don’t stop there. Jesus knew what he was doing and John trusts that his readers will understand the significance as well.

In the Old Testament, the messianic age was foretold by the prophets as a time when wine would flow liberally (Isaiah 55:1; 62:8-9; Jeremiah 31:12; Hosea 14:7; Amos 9:13-14).

Purification jars are used. Travelers required washing. That which was contaminated needed cleansing. It is from these cleansing jars that new wine comes. John begins a theme that will extend through the next several events and testimonies. New wine replaces old in 2:1-11. Jesus’ body becomes the new temple in 2:19-22. New life comes through rebirth in 3:1-21. John calls Jesus the bridegroom in 3:29. New water comes through Jesus in 4:1-38. Jesus makes the old new. Jesus brings the best and he brings it in abundance.

So What?

Only a few know about the sign. Mary, the servants, and the disciples know the origin of this sign. In my mind’s eye, I see Jesus standing off to the side as the steward and the bridegroom discuss this new wine. You can see him with a knowing smile on his face. He knows they are amazed and yet he doesn’t call attention to himself. Look at what John says in verse 11: the disciples put their faith in him. That’s the point. This piece of evidence was designed to lead to faith.

You have been given another piece of evidence. We have had the testimony of one and now we are given an exhibit of Jesus’ action. Exhibit one is his bringing new wine. It is an announcement that a new age is beginning. The Word through whom all things were created has entered into our world and he now ushers in a new age. It is the age of the Messiah.

What does the evidence demonstrate to you? Do you have the faith of a Mary who comes to Jesus not knowing what he will do, but believing that he can do something? Do you have the faith of the disciples who walk away from this event with faith? Do you need more evidence? More is coming. But Jesus makes things new.

Here’s the point. Only Jesus can take what is old and make it new. Only Jesus has the ability to give new starts. Only Jesus can take what seems good and make it better. If Jesus can turn water into wine so that those who drink it say it is better than anything that I have ever drunk, then imagine what Jesus can do for a life that is seeking a new beginning. Life can be better than it has ever been. Not in terms of financial success or popularity or having everything you always wanted but in terms of revealing God’s glory in Jesus. This is what it means to follow Jesus—we are interested in his glory being seen through us. We are called to allow Jesus to make us new.

Follow Jesus

If you’d like to respond to this message or learn more about following Jesus, please reach out.