The Miracle of Water into Wine

The turning of water into wine was the first miracle Jesus performed during His ministry. It took place in Cana, a town located about 14 kilometers northeast of Nazareth, which was also the hometown of Nathanael. A wedding feast was being held there, and Jesus’ mother was present. Jesus and His disciples were also invited. In ancient times, Jewish wedding feasts typically lasted for seven days, with a continuous flow of food and drink for relatives and friends who came to celebrate.

According to Mosaic Law, priests had to wash their hands and feet before serving in the sanctuary (Exodus 30:19). However, Jewish tradition expanded this command for priests to include the daily lives of all people, mandating a ritual cleansing with water before eating. At the wedding, there were “six stone water jars,” each holding “two or three measures,” or about 100 liters. The presence of such a large quantity of water indicates that there were many guests. When the wine ran out, Jesus instructed the servants to “fill the jars with water.” Then, they drew some out and took it to the master of the feast. The master tasted the water that had become wine but did not know where it came from. He said to the bridegroom, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” This was the custom at the time: to serve the best wine first, as people’s taste buds would become numb after drinking a lot, and then serve the lesser quality wine.

The master of the feast did not know where the fine wine came from; only “the servants who had drawn the water knew.” They knew what they were serving was just water they had poured, yet they were not afraid of embarrassment and obeyed Jesus’ words without hesitation. Although all things are possible with God, we also need to be obedient to His calling. This is a two-way interaction. Human faith and obedience are the channels through which the Almighty God works. Only those who are completely obedient can experience and testify to the Lord’s marvelous deeds. Only servants who fully accept God’s authority can allow others to enjoy God’s provision.

This was the first of Jesus’ signs, performed in Cana of Galilee. It revealed His divinity: He is God, He is the Christ, and through faith in His name, people will receive life.

Edited and compiled based on the Chinese Union Version of the Bible and a comprehensive biblical interpretation.