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Bible Study – John Chapter 2 Verses 1-8

John 2:1 -And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there. Cana a village in Galilee, called Cana in Galilee, probably to distinguish it from the Old Testament Kanah, which was in the territory of Asher. John mentions Cana three times in his gospel as the location of Christ’s first and second miracles, the changing of water into wine, the healing of the official’s son, and as the birthplace of Nathanael, one of Jesus’ disciples. The Bible doesn’t give a descriptive of who was getting married, but it does inform the reader that the mother of Jesus, as well as Jesus Himself, was invited to this marriage celebration.

John 2:2 – And both Jesus was called (invited) and His disciples, to the marriage. Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding along with Mary, Jesus’s mother. According to Jewish marriage customs, the betrothal lasted about a year. In the evening the bride was led to the bridegroom’s home for the ceremony which was followed by a supper. The festivities often lasted more than a day. Jesus was on a mission to save the world, the greatest mission in the history of mankind, yet He took the time to attend a wedding and take part in its festivities. This scripture also gives us an example, that we should never get so busy with work or life’s problems that we don’t take time out for leisure and socialization. Social occasions maybe one of our missions to represent Jesus and we may be there for a specific person to encourage or witness to. A husband and wife to be should invite Jesus to their wedding, He will enter the ceremony as He’s been invited by prayer and thanksgiving, Jesus never enters where He has not been invited.

John 2:3 – And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto Him, they have no wine. Hospitality in the east was a sacred duty. A wedding feast often lasted for a week and to run out of wine at such an important event would have been humiliating for the bride and groom. Mary informed Jesus when they no longer had wine, you would think she would have informed the bride and groom or those who that was serving, but instead she called upon the person she knew that would be able to resolve the problem. Her requesting Jesus’ help also let us know that not only is Jesus concerned about our spiritual well-being, but He’s also concerned about what concerns us naturally.

John 2:4 – Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. “Woman” was a term of respectful address. Mary probably was not asking Jesus to do a miracle, she simply hoped her son would help solve this major problem and find some wine. Although Mary did not understand what Jesus was going to do, she trusted Him to do the right thing. “mine hour is not yet come”, seems to mean that the time for Jesus to publicly work miracles, declaring Himself the Messiah, had not yet come. Everything Jesus did, and that was done to Him, He had His hour, the fixed time that was appointed for Him.

John 2:5 – His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it. Jesus’ response to Mary seems to have been a refusal to do anything about the situation. Yet she seemed to expect Him to do something. Perhaps something in the tone of Jesus’ voice let Mary know that He would grant her request. Mary submitted to Jesus’ way of doing things, she recognized that Jesus was more than her human son, He was the Son of God. Rather than trying to fix the problem herself, she informed Jesus, we too should be like Mary. We should inform Jesus what we need, and then believe He will supply the need. We should be willing and ready to do whatever He instruct us to do, for He knows what’s best for us.

John 2:6 – And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after (according to) the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Waterpots were normally used for washing feet.  Each waterpot held twenty or thirty gallons, for a total of 120 to 180 gallons of the finest wine. “Purification of the Jews”, Jewish tradition required several kinds of ceremonial washings. Strict Jews washed their hands before a meal, between courses, and after the meal. This “purifying” extended not only to washing hands but also to washing cups and vessels. Because the roads were not paved and people wore sandals, water was needed for foot washing. At a large Jewish wedding, a large amount of water would have been required.

John 2:7 – Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. The servants followed the instructions of Jesus, true believers are called servants, and we too must follow His instructions. We’re His vessels and we should want to be filled with the word of God to the fullest as the servant filled the water pots to the brim.

John 2:8 – And He saith unto them, Draw out now and bear (take)  unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. At a Jewish wedding, one of the guests served as governor of the feast, similar to a master of ceremonies at a banquet. This person was responsible for seating the guests and the correct running of the feast. After Jesus had turned the water into wine, He instructed the servant to take some to the governor and let him taste test it.

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