(1) What did Mary mean, "They have no wine left"? v.3 What was her expectation? Why would she have this expectation from her Son, Jesus, (and not one her other children)?
There were some similarities between the Hewbrew cultural practices and Chinese.
(NET) They have no wine left. On the backgrounds of this miracle J. D. M. Derrett pointed out among other things the strong element of reciprocity about weddings in the Ancient Near East. It was possible in certain circumstances to take legal action against the man who failed to provide an appropriate wedding gift. The bridegroom and family here might have been involved in a financial liability for failing to provide adequately for their guests... Mary, who had probably been witness to the events of the preceding days, or at least was aware of them, knew that her son’s public career was beginning. She also knew the supernatural events surrounding his birth, and the prophetic words of the angel, and of Simeon and Anna in the temple at Jesus’ dedication. In short, she had good reason to believe Jesus to be the Messiah, and now his public ministry had begun. In this kind of context, her request does seem more significant.
(NET) They have no wine left. On the backgrounds of this miracle J. D. M. Derrett pointed out among other things the strong element of reciprocity about weddings in the Ancient Near East. It was possible in certain circumstances to take legal action against the man who failed to provide an appropriate wedding gift. The bridegroom and family here might have been involved in a financial liability for failing to provide adequately for their guests... Mary, who had probably been witness to the events of the preceding days, or at least was aware of them, knew that her son’s public career was beginning. She also knew the supernatural events surrounding his birth, and the prophetic words of the angel, and of Simeon and Anna in the temple at Jesus’ dedication. In short, she had good reason to believe Jesus to be the Messiah, and now his public ministry had begun. In this kind of context, her request does seem more significant.
(2) What did "my time" mean? v.4
(NET) The Greek word translated time... occurs in John 2:4; 4:21, 23; 5:25, 28, 29; 7:30; 8:20; 12:23, 27; 13:1; 16:25; and 17:1. It is a reference to the special period in Jesus’ life when he was to leave this world and return to the Father (13:1); the hour when the Son of man is glorified (17:1). This is accomplished through his suffering, death, resurrection (and ascension—though this last is not emphasized by John). John 7:30 and 8:20 imply that Jesus’ arrest and death are included. John 12:23 and 17:1, referring to the glorification of the Son, imply that the resurrection and ascension are included as part of the “hour.” In John 2:4 Jesus’ remark to his mother indicates that the time for this self-manifestation has not yet arrived; his identity as Messiah is not yet to be publicly revealed.
(3) The purpose of the miracle
(3) The purpose of the miracle
Although the miracles served as a great relief to the bridegroom (from no wine left to bringing out plenty of good wine) John did not state that as the main purpose of the miracle.
2:11 Jesus did this as the first of his miraculous signs, in Cana of Galilee. In this way he revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
[sign]=(BDB) a phenomenon suggesting divine deliverance
[sign]=(BDB) a phenomenon suggesting divine deliverance
[glory]= (PNTC) ...Moses begs God, ‘Now show me your glory’ (Ex. 33:18). The LORD replies, ‘I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion’ (Ex. 33:19). God’s glory, then, is supremely his goodness.... The glory revealed to Moses when the Lord passed in front of him and sounded his name, displaying that divine goodness characterized by ineffable grace and truth, was the very same glory John and his friends saw in the Word-made-flesh. [John 1:14]
In other words, the miracle pointed out that Jesus was the Creator. He is God. It was a witness that He had the kind of grace that only God had. He was gracious to the bridegroom.
(4) Summary: Jesus did not intend to start His public ministry to reveal that He was the Messiah at that point of time. He had a time table for the special period of time to reveal that. However, He helped the couples and at the end His disciples and a small group of people saw the sign, especially, Nathanel saw one of the greater things. Before this, he confessed Jesus as the Messiah. Now, he witnessed the grace of God manifested in Jesus.
Reflection: Do you know God more in how gracious He is to you? Have you faced some dead-locked situation and God help you out?
Jesus was flexible to help the couples and the disciples saw His grace. How about you? Are we flexible and willing to help others? Something that we did not have to do, but we do it just to help others? Something that may not be convenient for you but you did that just because of others?
Audrey
Audrey
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