After Jesus’ baptism, the following chapter of John’s narrative focuses on two events: the wedding at Cana, and Jesus driving out the money changers at the Temple in Jerusalem. Both events affirm Jesus’ power, mission, authority, and identity as the divine Son of God.
Archaeologists note that Cana was not too far from Nazareth. It is highly likely that Jesus knew the couple and their families well since He was invited to the wedding along with Mary, His brothers, and His disciples. However, as the festivities were underway, Mary tells Jesus that they are running out of wine. In a culture which valued hospitality and family honour, running out of wine at your own wedding would have been seen as source of great embarrassment and shame for the couple. Mary, concerned for the couple, discreetly asks Jesus to do something. Instructing the servants with equal discretion, Jesus instructs them to fill six stone jars with water. He then miraculously transforms the water in these jars into wine. John notes that the stone jars were not ordinary jars; they were the kind that the Jewish people used for ceremonial washing to maintain their ritual purity during the everyday routines of daily life. By transforming the water into wine, Jesus foreshadowed what He would explain to His disciples during the Last Supper and what He would fulfill on the Cross: we as believers are cleansed from sin not by outward rituals, but through the blood of Christ that cleanses our hearts. Moreover, Jesus’ miracle averted a social catastrophe for the couple; demonstrating that His loving sacrifice on the Cross covers over and erases all shame and guilt. The words of the master of the banquet also affirm one of the principles of Christ’s Kingdom as mentioned in Matthew 20:16, “…the last shall be first, and the first last.”
A few days after the wedding at Cana, Jesus and His disciples travel to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. John also mentions that Mary and Jesus’ brothers accompanied them as well. When Jesus arrives at the Temple however, He is furious. The Temple as it stood at the time was constructed by King Herod. While the Temple was functioning during the events John describes, it was not fully complete until 63 or 64AD. Under Herod’s leadership, the Temple had a reputation for corruption. This was especially evident in the practice of selling sacrifices during Passover. The Jewish leaders demanded that pure and unblemished animal sacrifices be offered up to God by the people for the cleansing of sin. However, if the Jewish leaders determined that the sacrifices brought by the people were impure, they would instruct them to buy sacrifices from the merchants at the Temple. The cost of these sacrifices was often exorbitant. To make matters worse, the Jewish leaders would even invent reasons to reject a person’s offering so that they would be forced to buy a sacrifice, and then the priests would be able reap some of the profits of the sale. It was this exploitation of the people by those who were supposed to be the keepers of the Law that enraged Jesus to righteous indignation against the money changers.
When the Jewish leaders approached Jesus and demanded to know under whose authority He did this, Jesus’ response also pointed to His divine identity and mission: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Although the priests thought that Jesus was referring to the physical temple, Jesus was referring to His death and resurrection. He will be the final, once-for-all Living Sacrifice through which all who come to Him in faith will be redeemed and restored to a right relationship with God.
Read the passage prayerfully a few times over and then answer the questions – John 2
Questions:
- How does Jesus’ miracle at the wedding of Cana demonstrate His purpose and mission as the Messiah? John 2:1-11
- What is the difference between human anger and God’s righteous indignation? John 2:12-17, cf. Psalm 7:11, James 1:20, James 4:1-3, Ephesians 4:26-27, Romans 12:19
- What is the signifiance of Jesus’ response to the Jewish leaders after overturning the tables of the money changers? John 2:19-22
Application:
- What truths about Jesus’ death and resurrection as foreshadowed in this passage bring comfort or inspire you in your walk with Him?
- Reflect on John 2:23-25. How does Jesus’ confidence and security in knowing who He is and abiding with His Heavenly Father encourage you as you engage with people?
Conclusion & Heart Prayer:
Lord, what are You saying to me? And what are You calling me to do about it?
