Jesus’ First Miracle
Pastor Kent Munsey: Jesus’ First Miracle
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.”
- John 2:1-5
In John 2:1-12, we see Jesus perform his first miracle--turning water into wine. Why did Jesus choose this miracle as the first miracle, and what is the fruit of it?
It’s possible that John is the bridegroom in this story. If this was the case, then Jesus' mother and sister would have been the ones responsible for the wedding party. To run out of wine would have brought disgrace to the family name.
The fruit of the miracle is that his family believes in him and experiences his glory first. Often in our world, our family gets our leftovers, not our best. Jesus is getting the confidence, the buy-in the surrender of his family before he begins his ministry.
In Greek, the word "woman" is a tender and honorable term of endearment, meaning "sweet lady." Jesus asked the question, “why do you involve me” because he knew that the only way he could change the situation was to reveal his supernatural power and identity.
In his first miracle, he uses his supernatural authority to protect his family name and provide for their lack.
Mary tells the servants to do whatever he says, giving Jesus full authority. We often approach Jesus with a desire for protection but we do not give him the full authority over our lives. We still want to do what we want, but also have God protect us. We want to broker God's power and glory.
Could it be that this first miracle is actually more connected to the last miracle than we've ever realized? Jesus became a protector for everyone's family in the world, a provider for everyone's family. In his family first, he was entrusted with all authority to do whatever he needed to do. He could have done anything, but he didn't do anything until he was given full authority.
What happens when we give Jesus full authority?
1. He will protect us. If we give Jesus full authority, he will come in and protect our name. He cares about your name-- he wants you to get his full protection, to have full confidence that no adversary will ever harm you.
This shows us what was most important to Jesus. It would be a shame for Jesus to be invited but not empowered. Jesus cares about your name, your protection, your provision.
2. He will provide. When God is entrusted with all the authority, he'll always provide. Scripture says there was an over abundance more than enough wine. The first miracle brought the same fruit as the last miracle.
3. He will display his power. When Jesus is given authority, he will always bring his power and his glory to the situation.
The fruit of this miracle is that his family saw his glory and believed him. He protected their name, provided everything that they needed, and his power and authority was on display.
Reflection/Discussion Questions:
Have you given Jesus full authority in your life?
How have you seen Jesus provide for you in your life?
How have you seen the protection of God in your life?
How have you seen the power of God on display in your life?
Are there any areas of your life where you want to empower Jesus to have full authority?