In verse 11, we find a significant phrase, "This beginning of miracles Jesus did in Cana of Galilee." This is important because it simply rules out numerous traditions about Jesus' early life. Back in the early centuries, many people wrote pseudo-gospels telling fantastic stories about the boyhood of Jesus. In one story, the boy Jesus is playing with some companions. One of them throws a stone and hits a playmate in the neck, accidentally killing him. Jesus stops the game, goes over and raises him from the dead, and then they all go on playing. In one of the other gospels, the Jordan River catches on fire when Jesus was baptized.
The idea that anyone can go to the Virgin Mary and get something from Christ, that they could not get by going to Him directly, is the equivalent of saying, "Dear tender-hearted Virgin Mary, I tried to get something from your hard-hearted son and couldn't make the grade and I'd like you to use a little pull for me." This is totally alien from the Bible. It comes from mother-son ideas prevalent in pagan religions. By accepting His rebuke and directing the servants to do whatever Jesus told them, Mary showed her understanding of what Jesus had said.
Jewish marriage customs in Jesus' day called for a betrothal or "engagement" period of not more than a year prior to the marriage consummation. The prospective bridegroom would present-either in person or by messenger-a letter to the bride-to be, signifying his intention of marriage. The letter might also be accompanied by a monetary gift.From the moment of betrothal, both parties were considered as married, although they did not live together till the actual ceremony. But any infidelity on the part of either partner would be looked upon as adultery. The betrothal, and the marriage, could only be dissolved by formal divorce proceedings.
Before the marriage ceremony, the pious would often fast, confessing their sins. Entrance into the married state was considered almost a sacrament, and the symbolism suggesting the relationship of husband and bride, God and His people, was not overlooked.
On the eve of the marriage, lavish preparations were made by friends of the couple. A great wedding feast was held-as much as could be afforded -prepared by the women of the community. The bride, surrounded by her friends and the "friends of the bridegroom," was led from her house, to that of her husband. When she stood before her husband, a sacred formula was read: "take her according to the Law of Moses." A formal document-the Kethubah -was then signed and the marriage ceremony was over.
After a ritual washing of hands the supper was begun. Such a feast might last one day or more depending upon how long the food lasted and interest was sustained.
Such was the wedding to which Jesus was invited with His disciples: Andrew, Peter, Philip, Nathanael, James and John. Mary, Jesus' mother, living in nearby Nazareth, probably was present as a friend of the bridal couple and a helper in preparing the feast.
We may wonder why the wine supply gave out so quickly. Apparently, this had not been anticipated, for the anxiety in Mary's statement can be sensed: "They have no wine." Why did she come to Jesus? It was the responsibility of the steward of the feast to see to it that the supplies did not run out.
Jesus fully intended to take action, but He wanted it clearly understood by Mary that she was not to assume the role of mediatrix or intercessor with Him.
That is why He said to her, "Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come." Now this phrase in English sounds difficult, almost as though it were a degrading term, but it was not so in that day. It was the equivalent to the French Madam, and he spoke to her with respect, but simply meant, "What have we in common? I am the God-man; you are but human." In other words, "You are never to presume upon your earthly relationship." From this moment forward, Mary was to bear in mind her new role as completely subservient to Jesus Christ.
The event covered by this chapter centers about a wedding, a festive occasion in the city of Cana of Galilee. Cana was a small village about ten miles west of the Sea of Galilee where two of Jesus' miracles were performed-the healing of the nobleman's son (see John 4:46-54) and the turning of water into wine. (See John 2:1-11.) Cana was also the home of Nathanael. (See John 21:2.)
Neighborliness is disappearing, according to a writer in a contemporary magazine. What was formerly meant in that word is now combined in corner store, newspaper, telephone, and television. One does not need to borrow a pound of sugar from a neighbor if there is a chain store across the street. Newspapers and television give the news, and telephones unite friends who live across the city but who are not close neighbors.
