Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee.” John 2:11
John calls Jesus’ miracles signs. His purpose in writing the gospel was to show that Jesus was the Son of God, and he records 7 signs that point to Jesus being The Messiah.
It is significant that this first sign was at a wedding. It symbolises what is to come. His ministry begins with a wedding here on earth, and His ministry is accomplished in the Wedding Feast of the Lamb that takes place in heaven, after His second coming.
Jesus demonstrated His power over shame brought about through lack. Whether it was lack of planning, or lack of finance we are not told. What we are told is that there was a lack of wine for the wedding guests which was a great breech of propriety in those days.
Shame was the first consequence that sin brought into this world, and it is the first consequence that Jesus deals with at the beginning of His earthly ministry. In turning the water into wine, Jesus was symbolising that He can bring new life. The water baptism that John practised was for the body, the baptism of the Spirit that Jesus offers is for the soul of man.
A Christian wedding symbolises the beginning of a new way of life. Two people give up their individual rights for the benefit of the other. In a way they are not individuals anymore, doing what they want to do, when they want to do it. Everything has to be considered in the context of what is best for this marriage. It is a new beginning, starting with a major celebration.
That is what Jesus wants us to see. He offers a new way of life. He sacrificed everything for the wellbeing of His bride – the Church. He takes away the shame that our old way of living brought. He wants to give us a baptism of His Spirit; new spiritual life.
There is a huge celebration in heaven over every sinner that repents and turns to Him for salvation. (Luke 15:7) But there is an even bigger celebration ahead. One day, Jesus will return to this earth to claim His bride. The marriage supper of the Lamb will commence and we will live with Him for eternity. (Revelation 19:6-9)
