It helps to embrace that John’s gospel is different than the other gospels, known as the synoptic gospels. All four gospels tell Jesus’ story, but from a different vantage point. John tends to be more concerned with showing Jesus’ majesty than following a strict timeline of how events may have happened. Keep that in mind as you read John’s account.
John shows us from the start that Jesus is the Creator, Son of God. In the first chapter, Jesus has been identified as the Word, the Messiah, the Lamb of God, the Son of Man, and a rabbi. All of that before his ministry begins in the second chapter with the events of the wedding feast. Jesus’ power was clearly seen when huge jugs of water suddenly became wine at his command.
Did you notice his hesitancy? Jesus told his mother he wasn’t ready yet. Have you ever wondered what he was waiting for? Clearly, his mother was ready for her long-held secret to be free. She had known all along that Jesus was Lord, even before he was born. (Other gospel texts tell us of the angelic visitor who tells Jesus’ mother about his divinity.)
As a mom, I like to imagine Jesus was pleasing his mother’s request when he told the servants to fill the jars with water. Quietly, they obeyed, but they had to be thinking this man had lost his mind. Can you imagine their shock when the water was no longer water? What obedience the servants had to listen to Jesus’ instructions and take this “water” to the host. The servants had to be almost giddy with what they had just witnessed. And then to hear that this “water” was the best wine of all. I would expect nothing less from Jesus, would you?
John also likes “signs”, and this wedding miracle was the first time Jesus had revealed his glory. What power was on display that day! We can marvel at how much wine that would have been, but wedding feasts in the first century would have often lasted seven days! To run out of wine would have been an embarrassment. I can understand why Jesus’ mom thought this was the perfect time for Jesus to reveal God’s majesty. In that moment, his disciples believed in him.
From this story, John whisks us into the temple courts in Jerusalem. This story appears later in Jesus’ ministry in the other gospels, but here, John brings it in for some reason. If I had to guess, it would be to continue the focus on Jesus’ majesty. Jesus had the divine authority to cleanse this space for its intended purpose. In Jesus’ own words, “Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!”
My heart breaks a little for Jesus in that moment as he sees the temple in such a condition. Can you imagine the smell and the sound of crying animals awaiting sacrifice? We see Jesus’ anger and hurt boiling over. I love how God brought to the disciples’ minds a prophecy from the psalms now fulfilled, “Passion for God’s house will consume me.”
John is already speaking of Jesus’ resurrection! Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here, but I love how John does more than just tell a chronological story. I’m sure Jesus said many things during his ministry that left the disciples a bit dazed and confused, only to have it make sense as their faith grew and more understanding was revealed.
It’s like that for us, too. When we first encounter Jesus, we know only a fraction of his power and love. As time goes on, as we spend time in His Word, praying and reflecting, the Holy Spirit reveals more truth to us. At first, we can only handle a fraction. Jesus’ power will one day be realized when he comes again. We have eternity to love him and get to know him. Hallelujah.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, your power is great, and your miracles amaze me. I marvel at your greatness, especially when I remember how much you love me. I love how John accounts for your humility and your human response of anger. At the same time, your divine presence inhabits the earth you created. You are an amazing God. I love you so much. Help me to stay strong in my faith and draw closer to you each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
