Marriage at Cana
73
or adulteration was of an intoxicating character, but the pure juice of
the grape, clarified and refined. Its effect was to bring the taste into
harmony with a healthful appetite.
The guests remarked upon the quality of the wine, and presently
inquiries were made that drew from the servants an account of the
wonderful work that the youthful Galilean had performed. The com-
pany listened with unbounded amazement, and exchanged words of
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doubt and surprise. At length they looked for Jesus, that they might pay
him due respect and learn how he had accomplished this miraculous
conversion of water into wine; but he was not to be found. He had,
with dignified simplicity, performed the miracle, and had then quietly
withdrawn.
When it was ascertained that Jesus had really departed, the atten-
tion of the company was directed to his disciples who had remained
behind. For the first time they had the opportunity of acknowledging
themselves to be believers in Jesus of Nazareth as Saviour of the world.
John related what he had heard and seen of his teachings. He told of
the wonderful manifestations at the time of the baptism of Jesus, by the
prophet John, in the river Jordan; how the light and glory from Heaven
had descended upon him in the form of a dove, while a voice from the
cloudless heavens proclaimed him to be the Son of the Infinite Father.
John narrated these facts with convincing clearness and accuracy. The
curiosity of all present was aroused, and many anxious ones who were
looking and longing for the Messiah, thought it was indeed possible
that this might be the Promised One of Israel.
The news of this miracle wrought by Jesus spread through all that
region and even reached Jerusalem. The priests and elders heard with
wonder. They searched with new interest the prophecies pointing to the
coming of Christ. There was the most intense anxiety to know the aim
and mission of this new Teacher, who came among the people in so
unassuming a manner, yet did that which no other man had ever done.
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Unlike the Pharisees and other dignitaries who preserved an austere
seclusion, he had joined the mixed assembly of a festal gathering,
and, while no shadow of worldly levity marred his conduct, he had
sanctioned the social gathering with his presence.
Here is a lesson for the disciples of Christ through all time, not to
exclude themselves from society, renouncing all social communion and
seeking a strict seclusion from their fellow-beings. In order to reach all