Local Preachers’ Group on John's Gospel
Notes of meeting held 29th December 2009
Notes on John 2:1 – 11
This is the story of the wedding at Cana. This seemingly simple story of a potential domestic disaster avoided through a miracle, is, as usual, full of spiritual wisdom and great depth. The first question we asked ourselves was “Why is this here?” Verse 11 provides a clue, John writes that this is the first sign from Jesus and it reveals his glory and allowed his disciples to put faith in him.
There are seven signs scattered throughout John’s gospel, the last being the raising of Lazarus. Signs in John’s gospel are good news, each one providing a new insight into Jesus’ nature and purpose. In the other gospels signs are not good news. A sign is a pointer, and indicator! But why is this first sign so seemingly mundane? Why should a miracle that involves providing alcohol for people, who have already drunk quite a lot, provide an insight into Jesus’ nature or purpose? According to the text Jesus is at first reluctant to become involved, see v4. Why should this particular revelation make the disciples have faith in Jesus? And more to the point what does it say to us today? Culturally we need to understand that to run out of wine at an important function like a wedding would have been shaming for the family. Later on in the gospel the disciples will have difficulty understanding some of Jesus’ actions. But here in this simple miracle they believe and put their faith in Him. As usual in John this story can be taken on more than one level. It can be understood literally or metaphorically.
Literal
Jesus has just begun his ministry, John the Baptist has acknowledged Him as the Lamb of God, He has collected his first disciples and they have been invited to a wedding. This maybe is the first time Mary has seen Jesus since he set out to begin his calling; she knows him better than anyone, knows what he is capable of. So when things take a turn for the worst with the catering she pushes Jesus to rectify the situation. Is this the story of a mother giving her son a push in the world? Mary has faith in Jesus’ ability to make things right. This could be the substance for a message about how faith can give people a purpose and allow them to reach their potential. There is a story of how Sir Thomas Beecham’s dad gave him a push early in his career. Children need their parents, even Jesus!
Metaphorical or Spiritual
The detail in this story gives a clue as to how important this story is to John. In verse 10 we are told that not only did Jesus turn the water into wine but that the quality of the wine was exceptional. Faith in Jesus allows the ordinary to be turned into the extraordinary. Jesus can make ordinary everyday life exceptional.
Here Jesus calls Mary “Woman”. The only other time the word “woman” is used is at the foot of the cross, and for Eve the first woman, thus linking Mary and Eve. In Eve Woman brought expulsion from God. Here Mary encourages Jesus to begin His ministry to bring people back to God.
Verse 1; the story occurs on the third day, a significant day alluding to the resurrection. The story could be taken as a metaphor of death and resurrection.
Verse 5 “Do everything that He tells you” indicates obedience to Jesus commandments will bring new life of improved quality. In verse 7 “Fill them to the brim” there are no half measures when following Jesus. These are very precise instructions. The servants did not question Jesus; they simply obeyed. This is a story where obedience to Jesus commands brings miracles!
This story is preceded by the gathering of disciples and followed by the cleansing of the temple. Later on Jesus will be referred to as the bridegroom, and the church as the bride. In this situation Jesus is the saving grace. Does John place this story as an example of what Jesus can do for humanity? Humanity has run dry but Jesus arrives and what was scarce turns into plenty and of the best quality. Is this a story about the church and how Jesus can replenish the Spirit and renew faith?
In verse 11 the disciples believe through personal revelation; we all come to Jesus through personal revelation.
Why is this story chosen as the lectionary reading for Epiphany?
This is Jesus at the start of His ministry. This is His first miracle according to John. We have learnt who Jesus is and how John the Baptist points the way to Him. Now we see Jesus Glory revealed. If we, like the disciples, have faith from reading this story the rest of the gospel message may be easier to understand. John is here using the same technique as Jesus, using a seemingly simple story of domestic tragedy to make us think and engage with scripture.
How would we preach on this story?
- Well known stories are hard to preach on because everyone thinks they know what they are about.
- We could deconstruct the passage and then leave it open to the congregation to think about the questions that will open up.
- Take one verse and deal with it in detail.
- Take either a literal or metaphorical approach.
SC