“Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him."
John 2:10-11
Jesus’ first sign involved changing water into wine. The bride’s family was spared humiliation, and the wedding celebrations continued without disruption. However, this ‘first of the signs through which [Jesus] revealed his glory’ held far deeper significance, for it resulted in his disciples’ belief (v. 11)—a saving faith in a Savior who would bear their sin and shame, and also bless them with abundant life.
In the rich symbolism of the Bible, the number six represents imperfection and inadequacy, while seven signifies perfection and fullness. While it is a contested interpretation, the ‘six stone water jars’ (v. 6) could symbolize Judaism’s purification rites, rituals which pointed to important realities but were woefully inadequate fullyor permanently to cleanse people of their sin. Filled to the brim, these water jars represented the best that Judaism could offer. The banquet master’s remark, ‘you have saved the best till now’ (v. 10), finds an exciting echo in Hebrews— ‘in these last days [God] has spoken to us by his Son,’ the Son who alone ‘provided purification for sins (Heb 1:2-3).’ Water cleanses and refreshes the body; Jesus purifies and renews the heart. Water is essential for human life; Jesus alone offers ‘living water’, indispensable for eternal life, and promises ‘rivers of living water’ flowing from within those who believe in him (Jn 7:38-39).‘
On the third day’ (v. 1), Jesus transformed water into wine, a sign that inaugurated his ministry of transformation. On another unforgettable ‘third day,’ Jesus rose from the dead; his resurrection power transforms not just substances but lives: ‘if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come (2 Cor 5:17).’
Closing Prayer
Jesus, draw me into a deeper, stronger relationship with you. Let me never lose the joy that is found in you (edited from Encounter with God).