John 2:11

This is the first of many miracles Jesus performs in Cana of Galilee.  In doing this He gives his disciples a glimpse of his glory, and as a result his disciples believe in Him."  John 2:11 EFP

There are a couple of questions that come to mind as I read this passage today.  First of all, why is it important for the apostle John to let the reader know this miracle is the first, as opposed to another miracle that may not have made it into the Gospel narrative?  Secondly, why does Jesus use a wedding to give his disciples the first real glimpse of his glory?  And what is it about this miracle that causes his still inexperienced disciples "to place their faith in him"?

I suppose there is more than one reason why Jesus may have chosen a wedding as the place to reveal his God-given gift for the first time.  I can't help but be reminded that miracles happen in the most common of human moments.  It does not take an out-of-the-ordinary spectacle for God to cause something extraordinary to happen.  That sort of speaks to the first question as well.  No doubt John wanted us to know that the Son of God is also the Son of Man-- totally invested in the human race.  The wedding is the event, but it is the crisis that brings about divine intervention.  It is the Gospel in a nutshell. God comes to rescue the party from our own failed attempts to have one.  He comes and responds to a crisis he did not create, but intervenes simply because he cannot stand idly by as a moment meant to bring joy becomes a matter of shame

 

Jesus' disciples are a different story altogether.  This fledgling crew of disciples, only five in number, come to a wedding to enjoy the festivities, and is now leaving the party with a new-found belief in this Man of Nazareth with power in his hands.  As miracles go, this was not up there on the "wow" scale as the raising someone from the dead, but it will always be first on the list because of what Jesus does for a nameless couple in the annals of Scripture.  Their lives are affected forever-- their shame is turned to praise, their lack becomes abundance, their suitable morphs into stupendous-- all because of a mysterious guest that finds joy in making our special days into super and spectacular ones.