July 1, 2025
Water into Wine
By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.
Read John 2:1-11.
While the other gospels refer to Jesus’ supernatural works of astonishing change as miracles, John’s gospel includes seven of these instances, calling them signs—seven pieces of evidence that occurred before Jesus’ death and resurrection that reveal Jesus is none other than the Great I am.
When Jesus demonstrated His supernatural power, it was for a definitive purpose—that souls would believe that He is the expected Messiah. His supernatural acts were not a sideshow, not entertainment. Through His miracles, Jesus was showing the world His power over nature, over demons, over death, and over disease. Again and again when the disciples or the crowds saw one of Jesus’ signs, they believed in Him (see John 2:11; 7:31; 11:45). And that is why they are so very important—they were recorded that we might believe in Jesus and through Him receive life (see John 20:30-31).
The first sign John recorded was at a wedding in the small Galilean town of Cana, where Jesus turned water into wine. It would have been up to the groom’s father to provide adequately for the days-long wedding festivities. If not, it would be a scandal in the whole village; the family would never live down the embarrassment. So when Jesus’ mother told Him that the host had run out of wine, it was intense. But Jesus’ miracle wasn’t simply about helping family friends save face; it was about turning shame into joy.
Mary exercised confidence in her son, the Savior, knowing that He was the only one who could deliver this family from a lifetime of scorn and shame. She believed that He would not let her friends down. That’s why, without knowing how He would act, she instructed the servants to do whatever He asked of them.
Jesus told the servants to fill six jars used for ceremonial washing to the brim. Each was probably twenty to thirty gallons. And when the servant brought it to the master of ceremonies, he was shocked. He’d never tasted anything like it. Not only were the bride and groom spared shame and degradation, but they also received the best of the best.
Jesus’ miracle points us to a deep spiritual reality: Our Lord brings joy out of shame. As He saved a family from reputational ruin, He saves us from the shame of our sin and redeems us to abundant life. Only Jesus has such power. Only He can redeem you from the dumps to the highest heights.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for the incredible evidence of Your divinity. I am humbled by Your lovingkindness toward us—that You take our shame and fill us with joy. May I live boldly and abundantly before You because You are faithful. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him” (John 2:11).
Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon series Evidence of the Exclusivity of Jesus, Part 1: LISTEN NOW
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