Water into Wine: The Social Impact of Jesus’ Miracle at Cana

Weddings in the ancient Near East were an incredibly important occasion for families and individuals—just as they are in modern times. A successful event would have brought honor to the groom, his family, and the village where he lived. Running out of wine would have dishonored the guests and brought shame on all those involved. In John 2:1–12, Jesus performed a miracle to prevent such dishonor from occurring at a wedding He was attending; He transformed six large stone jars of water into wine.

This miracle fixed more than just a shortage of wine. John deliberately tells us that only Jesus’ mother and the servants who drew the wine knew what had happened (John 2:9); not even the steward was aware. Secrecy was imperative to avoid bringing dishonor on the family. It also enabled Jesus to honor His mother’s request and avoid performing attesting miracles before His hour (John 2:4).

Jesus did much more than simply fill a need: He turned embarrassment into blessing. The chief steward’s pronouncement to the groom is the climax of the story. Instead of having to endure shame, the groom was publicly honored for his over-the-top hospitality—and for saving the good wine for last (John 2:10).

This is the first of many situations in John’s Gospel where Jesus restores something to better-than-original condition. It also reveals Jesus’ deep concern for meeting people at their point of need, no matter how inconsequential that need may seem.

Steven E. Runge

Further Reading

Honor DBI

Shame DBI

Shame and Honor in the New Testament HPKP:UNTC

Honor and Shame DNTB