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Introduction to Jesus' Signs in John’s Gospel
"Signs" are miraculous events performed by Jesus to reveal God's character and His way of relating to humanity. The focus of this teaching is on one such sign, found in John 2:1-11, which takes place at a wedding in Cana.
The Wedding at Cana and Jesus’ Presence
Jesus, His disciples, and His mother attend a wedding in Cana of Galilee, which, in ancient Jewish culture, was a large public event lasting several days. The social expectation was that the host would provide ample food and wine, making the depletion of wine at the wedding a significant problem. Running out of wine would bring shame upon the host family and could even lead to legal repercussions. Jesus' mother, Mary, approaches Him with the concern, implying that she expects Him to do something about it.
Mary likely misunderstood her evolving role in Jesus’ life following His baptism. With Joseph absent (presumably deceased), Jesus had been the responsible eldest son in the family, and Mary had come to depend on Him. However, now that His public ministry had begun, Jesus' primary allegiance was to His heavenly Father rather than His earthly family.
[Example of experience with his mother].
Jesus’ Response and Transition to His Ministry
Jesus responds to His mother’s request with the phrase, “Woman, why do you involve me? My hour has not yet come.” While this might sound disrespectful in English, the Greek term "gunai" (γύναι) is more akin to "ma’am" or "dear woman." However, the phrasing signals a shift in their relationship—Jesus is no longer under His mother's authority but is now fully committed to fulfilling the will of God.
Mary, however, does not argue. Instead, she tells the servants to follow Jesus' instructions, demonstrating her faith that He will act, even if she does not fully understand His timing.
There is a tendency to elevate Mary to an intercessory role between humans and Jesus. While Mary is undoubtedly significant, Jesus Himself emphasized that true blessing comes not from familial ties to Him but from obedience to God's word. Luke 11:27-28 is cited as an example of Jesus redirecting attention from His biological mother to the broader spiritual family of believers.
The Water Jars and Ceremonial Washing
Jesus instructs the servants to fill six large stone water jars, each holding 20-30 gallons of water, totaling between 120 and 180 gallons. These jars were not intended for drinking water but for Jewish ceremonial washing.
These purification rituals stemmed from extra-biblical traditions rather than explicit Old Testament commandments. The Pharisees and other religious leaders believed that physical contact with sinners or non-Jews could spiritually "contaminate" a person. This led to elaborate handwashing rituals meant to cleanse one from perceived impurity.
Jesus Challenges Religious Traditions
The practice of ritual washing extended beyond hands to dishes, cups, and even entire food containers, out of fear that they could be spiritually tainted simply by exposure to sinners. In Mark 7:1-7, Jesus' disciples are criticized for not adhering to these purification customs. Jesus rebukes the religious leaders, calling them hypocrites who prioritize human traditions over God's commands. He quotes Isaiah, saying, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”
Jesus’ sharp critique underscores the difference between external religious rituals and genuine faith. He denounces man-made rules being elevated to divine commandments, warning that such traditions can actually distance people from true worship.
The Source of Defilement: The Heart, Not External Acts
Jesus continues his teaching by emphasizing that true defilement does not come from external sources, such as food or contact with sinners, but rather from within a person’s heart. He critiques the Pharisaic focus on external purity by stating that sin originates from internal desires and thoughts, listing various vices such as sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, and pride. This teaching shifts the focus from ritual cleanliness to the transformation of the heart, reinforcing that spiritual purity is about one’s inner condition rather than outward conformity to religious practices.
Jesus Performs His First Miracle: Turning Water into Wine
The narrative transitions back to the wedding at Cana, where Jesus instructs the servants to draw water from the stone jars and present it to the master of the banquet. The water has miraculously turned into wine, yet only the servants are aware of the transformation. This secrecy aligns with Jesus’ earlier statement that his "hour has not yet come," indicating that he did not intend to publicly reveal his messianic identity at this stage. The master of the banquet, unaware of the miracle, praises the bridegroom for saving the best wine for last—contrary to the usual practice of serving the best wine first and lower-quality wine later when guests are less discerning.
Clarifying the Nature of the Wine: Refuting the "Grape Juice" Argument
There is a common claim in some Protestant and evangelical circles that Jesus did not turn the water into alcoholic wine but rather unfermented grape juice. This argument is typically made to discourage alcohol consumption among Christians. However, the text itself makes it clear that this was real wine. The master of the banquet's statement about bringing out the best wine first, before guests have had too much to drink, would make no sense if this were merely grape juice. There is a tendency in some Christian traditions to impose additional restrictions beyond what Scripture commands. Such legalism can hinder people from embracing Christianity by adding unnecessary burdens that God never intended.
The Deeper Significance of the Miracle: Moving from External to Internal Purity
The miracle of turning water into wine carries a symbolic message. The water that was originally used for ceremonial washing—an external purification ritual—was transformed into wine, meant to be consumed internally. This signifies a shift from the Old Testament system of external purification to an inward transformation brought by Jesus. In Luke 11 Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for being preoccupied with cleaning the outside of the cup while neglecting the internal corruption of their hearts. The miracle at Cana thus serves as a foreshadowing of the New Covenant, in which spiritual cleansing comes not through ritual observance but through a personal relationship with Jesus.
“Religious formalism” is a preoccupation with rituals and observances over genuine spiritual connection. This phenomenon is not limited to Christianity but exists across many world religions, where rituals, memorized prayers, and specific gestures often take precedence over heartfelt devotion. The problem with formalism is that it makes religion impersonal, reducing a relationship with God to a formulaic exchange—doing good works in expectation of divine blessing. Many people, particularly younger generations, become disillusioned with religious institutions because they see them as rigid and full of human traditions rather than authentic expressions of faith.
[Personal example of losing faith due to religious formalism and then learning faith is about relationship].
Even those who seek to move away from religious formalism can still fall into routine-based faith, where actions become habitual rather than heartfelt. To guard against this ask yourself whether your faith is driven by conviction or mere routine.
Indicators of a Passionate and Genuine Faith
Passion for following Jesus is not about emotional highs but about conviction—hearing God's Word and responding to it. The clearest indicator of genuine faith is how one treats others. Jesus taught that love for God is demonstrated through love for people. A lack of love toward others signals a lack of spiritual passion.
Self-Examination and the Dangers of Hypocrisy
Here are some key questions for self-reflection to help evaluate the conviction of one's faith:
- Do I come to gatherings of believers with a heart to serve, or do I expect to be served?
- Am I engaged in relationships with God’s people, or am I disinterested and disengaged?
- Do I prioritize time with God—reading Scripture, praying, and reflecting on His work in my life?
Neglecting the “inner life” of faith while focusing on outward appearances can lead to hypocrisy, much like the religious leaders Jesus condemned. The late pastor Tim Keller warns that when people focus solely on external religious actions while neglecting their inner spiritual life, they risk living inauthentic, anxious, and self-deceived lives. Keller describes the dangers of avoiding self-examination: such individuals project confidence and spirituality outwardly while struggling with doubts, insecurities, and bitterness inwardly. Without a deep, internal faith, believers can become the very kind of hypocrites they criticize in Scripture.
Conclusion
- When humans create religion, they gravitate toward formalism and legalism because it is impersonal and allows them to claim merit through good works.
- When God reveals true faith, it is centered on a personal relationship with Him, where salvation is not earned but freely given.
For those new to Christianity, God does not desire rituals or repetitive prayers as a means of earning His favor. Instead, He calls people to acknowledge their sin, recognize Jesus as their Savior, and enter into a personal relationship with Him.