Questions for Littles: Where do Jesus and His disciples go (v1-2)? What happens at the wedding (v3)? Whom does Mary tell about it? Why does Jesus say that this has nothing to do with Him (v4)? But what does His mother say, anyway, and to whom (v5)? How many waterpots were there (v6)? How much did each hold? How full did they fill them (v7)? What did the master of the feast think of the wine (v10)? What did he imply the guests had already done before this good wine came out? What did John call this miracle (v11)? What did it show/manifest? How did the disciples respond?In the Gospel reading this week, Jesus does the first of the signs through which the apostle earlier told us that they beheld His glory.
Of course, the more impressive part of the sign is actually the less important. The evangelist had told us that Jesus glory was “as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Now, making 150 gallons of good wine after everyone has already drunk freely might have been amazing and even generous. It certainly saved the young couple and their family from embarrassment. But, the Holy Spirit constructs His account in such a way as to point us to something else about the Lord Jesus’s character here: submissiveness to His mother.
There are two possibilities: either it is time for Jesus to separate Himself and begin His public ministry, or He is still a part of Mary’s household and in submission to her. It is doubtful that Christ performed other miracles before this. Theologically, His miracles were signs. And yet Mary, having treasured up in her heart so much about Jesus, and knowing His perfection in honoring her, is quite certain that He is both willing and able to do something.
Christ’s first miracle, then, is instigated not by some theological discerning of the time, but by our Lord’s perfect obedience to the fifth commandment. This is the main point of vv4-5 and v11-12. Once this first sign has been performed, the ministry now begins in earnest.
What a significant place, in the history of redemption, God has given to the honoring of our parents! Even on the cross, as Jesus appoints this very evangelist to care for Mary, He is still presenting prominently the goodness of the duty to honor our parents!
So, also, the Lord honors marriage in general and weddings in specific by making one to be the occasion of His first public miracle. Ultimately, however, this is not a passage about honoring parents and honoring marriage as much as it is a passage about believing in Christ. What did the first disciples do, when they saw Jesus perform this sign?
They believe in Him—and so must we!
Why is Christ’s perfect honoring of His parents and honoring of marriage important? How do you continue to honor your parents? How do you honor marriage?Suggested songs: ARP45B “Daughter, Incline Your Ear” or TPH128B “Blest the Man That Fears Jehovah”
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