John 2 v 1-11
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”
“Woman, why do you involve me?”Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”
They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “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.
I have always found this story strange. In the context of the Gospel according to John and even the other Gospel narratives, it sticks out like a sore thumb.
Firstly, it’s the only miracle prior to the start of His ministry. And secondly, Mary seems to order Him to act, even after Jesus says it’s nothing to do with them.
Structure of the Story
Many of the stories around Jesus end in surprises. The Feeding of the Multitudes concludes with Him multiplying the food to feed all who were there.
The miracle of the coin found in the mouth of the fish. You’d think Jesus would just pay it out of the money bag. But no, He surprised everyone.
The ultimate surprise was the Resurrection. Not only was it unexpected by the disciples, but He tricked the powers of darkness. Broadly speaking, Jesus out-tricked the trickster.
The wedding at Cana fits into this pattern.
You’d think Jesus would go out and buy wine from a local merchant. Or He would explain that the wedding could still be joyous without drinking wine.
But Jesus does something so surprising. No one would expect Him to do this. He turned the water in wine!
Nathanael of Cana
Before the story of the Wedding at Cana, John introduces Nathanael. We find in John 21 v 2 that Nathanael came from Cana.
Could this be the reason why Jesus, Mary and the disciples ended up in Cana for a wedding. Maybe the bride and groom were relatives of Nathanael.
Why Cana?
There are several suggested sites for Cana. But I don’t think where the wedding took place is as meaningful as the possible interpretations of the word ‘Cana’.
It could be that Cana is linked to the Aramaic word for zealot.
In the story of the Wedding at Cana, Jesus’ identity as the miracle worker remains hidden. Only the servants, Mary and the disciples knew it was Jesus who turned the water into wine. Effectively, John is saying Jesus’ zeal was hidden.
But in the next story, His zeal is openly revealed as He removes the money changers from the temple. His disciples consequently quote Psalm 69.
John 2 v 17
His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me“
Another link could be with the Land of Canaan. John may be linking Cana with the ancient name for Palestine. Though the roots of the words of Canaan and Cana have different meanings, they have a similar sound.
So this event would represent a marriage in the Promised Land. This links with John’s description of the Wedding of the Lamb in the Book of Revelation, where Jesus marries His bride in Heaven.
Revelation 19 v 6-8
Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
“Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.
Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.”
This series will look at why John includes the Wedding at Cana in the Gospel, the rituals surrounding Jewish weddings and what this story means for Christians today.
As always, it's a pleasure to read. I'm looking forward to your unpacking of this story.
When I was a Protestant, I always did think that this story stuck out in an odd way. I think I understand it better as a Catholic, or at least that has helped me to appreciate Mary's role as an intercessor. Jesus says No, and Mary just tells the servants to prepare because it's going to be a Yes. Clearly, this is someone you want praying for you.
Thanks once again for your writing, love reading and gaining of insight! I also think there’s something about God been outside of time in this story. Jesus not only made wine out of water but also it shows that God is out of time as we experience it. The wine He made was good, it takes time to ferment and age good wine! Jesus is Lord of time because He did it instantly. Good wine can take years to mature but with Him time is not a factor in this account.
All Glory to the the Word who was and is before all creation!!