Joh 2:1-12 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for John 2:1-16: 2:1–10:42 Jesus illustrated his identity and work through the institutions and festivals of Judaism (see 2:1 ; 5:1 ). Summary for John 2:1-25: 2:1-25 In this section, Jesus appeared at two symbolic Jewish ceremonies. At a wedding in Cana (2:1-12 ), he replaced the ritual cleansing water with his own superior wine. Later, around Passover, he cleansed the Temple (2:13-25 ). 2:1 The ceremonies surrounding a wedding celebration could last as long as a week; weddings often included dramatic processions in which the groom would bring the bride to his home for the festivities (Matt 25:1-13 ).

Summary for John 2:1-16: 2:1–10:42 ^a Jesus illustrated his identity and work through the institutions and festivals of Judaism (see 2:1 ^b; 5:1 ^c).
Summary for John 2:1-25: 2:1-25 ^d In this section, Jesus appeared at two symbolic Jewish ceremonies. At a wedding in Cana (2:1-12 ^e), he replaced the ritual cleansing water with his own superior wine. Later, around Passover, he cleansed the Temple (2:13-25 ^f). 2:1 ^g The ceremonies surrounding a wedding celebration could last as long as a week; weddings often included dramatic processions in which the groom would bring the bride to his home for the festivities (Matt 25:1-13 ^h).
2:3 ⁱ When the wine supply ran out, the host’s family would face embarrassment for failure to plan properly. Perhaps Jesus arrived unexpectedly (cp. Matt 25:1-13 ^j), bringing his circle of disciples, which might explain why his mother brought the problem to him.

• A wedding banquet was a primary celebration in Jewish village life, and this episode also symbolized the joy of the Messiah’s arrival.
2:4 ^k Jesus initially distanced himself from the problem. His mission and its timing could not be set by a human agenda.

• Jesus’ time (literally hour) would come in the future when he was glorified as he was lifted up on the cross (12:23 ^l; 17:1 ^m).
2:6 ⁿ Carved from solid rock, the stone water jars were used for religious washing ceremonies (see Mark 7:1-4 ^o). Jesus was about to fill Jewish ceremony with new content.
Summary for John 2:9-10: 2:9-10 ^p The master of ceremonies cited a proverb. The best wine was always served first when palates were most sensitive; yet this miraculous wine, served last, was the very best. Good wine symbolized God’s blessing (Amos 9:13-14 ^q). The Messiah, God’s greatest blessing, had arrived at last.
2:11 ^r Jesus had offered his first miraculous sign. In it, he revealed the glory of God (see also 1:14 ^s; 11:4 ^t, 40 ^u).