Water Turned to Wine

Illustration of Water Turned to Wine

At the wedding feast in Cana, when the supply of wine unexpectedly ran out, Jesus directed the servants to fill six large stone jars with water and then draw some out for the master of the banquet, who found it transformed into superior wine. This act, prompted by his mother Mary, marked the first recorded sign of Jesus' public ministry in the Gospel of John and displayed his compassion for ordinary human needs. The miracle revealed his divine glory and authority over creation, leading his disciples to place their faith in him as the Messiah. In Scripture it also symbolizes the abundance and transformation brought by the new covenant, contrasting ritual purification water with the joy of messianic celebration.

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Details

Category
Nature
Testament
New Testament
Performed by
Jesus

Key Passages

Wedding at Cana

John 2:1-11

A1nd the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. 3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. 4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. 5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. 6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. 7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. 9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, 10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. 11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

His Glory Revealed

John 2:11

T11his beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

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Did You Know?

1

This was Jesus' first public miracle, performed at a wedding to honor His mother and reveal His glory.

2

Jesus used the stone water jars meant for Jewish purification rituals, transforming ritual water into celebratory wine.

3

The miracle produced 120-180 gallons of the finest wine. far more than needed, showing abundant grace.

4

John calls this the first of Jesus' 'signs' that revealed His glory and caused the disciples to believe in Him.