The event in Cana of Jesus’ first miracle of turning water into wine also occasioned the first gentle shove He would receive from His followers to get God’s kingdom rolling. The first of many.
Jesus’ mother, Mary, may have been the first to nudge Jesus toward dispensing the blessings of the kingdom—but she wouldn’t be the last. Many times, the Lord would have to rein in the pushing of others in favor of God’s timing for blessing.
It’s all about timing. God’s timing.
Interestingly, in the same valley where Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into wine, the modern State of Israel purifies water for transport and drinking.
Today the Israel Water Carrier channels its open canal through the Bet Netofa Valley, and the Mekorot Eshkol Visitor Center allows guests to learn the water purification process.
In antiquity the valley served as a major passageway for travel from Tiberias to Acco. This beautiful east-west valley connects the Sea of Galilee to the Jezreel Valley by way of the Shimron Pass.
The most likely site of for the biblical “Cana of Galilee” is Khirbet Qana, which fits the location given by Josephus (Life, 16:86, 207).
John calls the miracle the first of the “beginning of His signs” to show that the miracles had a purpose. They pointed to something beyond the miracles themselves. This miracle “manifested His glory” and what was the result? His disciples believed in Him” (John 2:11).
Allen P. Ross describes this miracle as connecting to the prophecy of the tribe of Judah and its Messianic promise signaled by an abundance of wine (Gen. 49:11-12):
By the miracle Jesus was signifying that the kingdom was at hand—a message that he also declared verbally. The creation of the abundance of wine signaled that the Messiah was present (Creation and Blessing, p. 704).
Mary knew who her Son was, obviously, and her mentioning the need for wine may have had Messianic implications—especially in light of Jesus’ response: “My hour has not yet come” (John 2:4). Turning water into wine for a wedding was one thing. Starting the kingdom before its time was another.
How important for us to remember:
The blessings Jesus promises for all believers will come only in God’s time. (Tweet that.)
In the mean time, He has revealed His glory to us to give us hope.
Tell me what you think: Have you ever asked for something only to find out it wasn’t time? To leave a comment, just click here.