Miracles in the Bible: Part Two
The Cana Wedding
John recounts Jesus’ first miracle after beginning His public ministry (John 2:1-11) which wasn’t coincidentally at a wedding; it’s as if He’s giving us the ending from the beginning. What I mean is, this lower story directs our attention to the upper story; we’re in a wedding! There’s an unexplainable, miraculous provision of wine at the Cana Wedding, however, Jesus is reintroducing the concept of His bridal wedding as well: the end from the beginning.
And I will betroth you to Me forever. I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. Hosea 2:19
This wasn’t foreign thinking to a Jewish person since God freely used the analogy of the husband/wife relationship in Scripture (Song of Songs 4:8-12; Is. 49:18, 54:5, 62:5; Jer. 2:2) referring to Himself and His covenant people. The Marriage Covenant guaranteed protection, provision, and faithfulness from the groom with God choosing the bride, paying the bride-price, and providing a joyous wedding day. There was a year-long betrothal period when the groom built a home for his future family, then leave to regain his bride, and the marriage was consummated (Ps. 19:5; Joel 2:16).
Back to the Cana story. It was significantly the third day of His ministry; foreshadowing divine provision (Gen. 1:11-13), protection (Gen. 31:22-24; 1 Kings 3:18), miracles (2 Kings 20:5-11; Acts 27:19), and resurrection (Hos. 6:1-3). From the beginning we know this’ll be a powerful story. This Cana Wedding is also prophetic since the word Cana means passionate jealousy in a marriage relationship. This place wasn’t chosen by accident: there’s an upper story.
Mary, Jesus, and His newly chosen disciples were all invited to this prophetic wedding. She had treasury of prophetic words stored in her heart (Luke 1:26-37, 2:8-19, 46-52) and now anticipates the response of the Son of God; ‘they are out of wine, do what He tells you’. Even though Jesus didn’t realize He’d be performing a miracle the seed was planted; mothers will do that. You know the end of the story; He miraculously created new wine which kicked off His glorious reputation as the promised Messiah.
The ending of our story is also a wedding when Jesus leaves the place He’s prepared for us (John 14:3) on that third or resurrection Day. He’s paid the bride-price, His blood, our betrothal time completed, and we’re prepared with the ‘new wine’ of His Spirit (Mark 2:22; Eph. 5:18) that He’ll drink again with us (Matt. 26:29). Our wedding day is approaching when our Bridegroom comes to take us to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (1 Thes. 4:16; Rev. 19:7-9) as His pure, spotless, and holy Church/Bride (Eph. 5:25-32). In anticipation of Jesus’ Return,
The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.”
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