Basic HTML Version
Water into Wine, December 23
This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested
forth his glory.
John 2:11
.
During the wedding feast at Cana of Galilee, at which Christ was present,
it was discovered that from some cause the supply of wine had failed. This
caused much perplexity and regret. It was unusual to dispense with wine on
festive occasions, and its absence would seem to indicate a want of hospitality.
As a relative of the parties, Mary had assisted in the arrangements for the
feast, and she now spoke to Jesus, saying, “They have no wine” (
John 2:3
).
These words were a suggestion that He might supply their need. But Jesus
answered, “Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come”
(
Verse 4
).
The response of Christ did not discourage His mother. At the right moment
He would act His part. “His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he
saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the
manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them
up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the
governor of the feast. And they bare it” (
Verses 5-8
).
When the time had fully come, the miracle wrought by Christ was recog-
nized. As soon as the ruler of the feast put the goblet to his lips and tasted the
wine, he looked up with glad surprise. The wine was superior to any he had
ever before drunk. And it was unfermented wine. He said to the bridegroom,
“Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have
well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until
now” (
Verse 10
).
Christ did not approach the jars, or touch the water; He simply looked
upon the water, and it became the pure juice of the grape, clarified and
refined. What effect did this miracle have?—“His disciples believed on him”
(
Verse 11
).... By this miracle Christ also gave evidence of His mercy and
compassion. He showed that He had regard for the necessities of those who
followed Him to hear His words of knowledge and wisdom.—
Manuscript 79,
December 23, 1900
, diary.
[367]
378