John 2
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1The third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there. 2Jesus also was invited, with his disciples, to the marriage. 3When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no wine.” 4Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My hour has not yet come.” 5His mother said to the servants, “Whatever he says to you, do it.” 6Now there were six water pots of stone set there after the Jews’ way of purifying, containing two or three metretes apiece. 7Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” They filled them up to the brim. 8He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the ruler of the feast.” So they took it. 9When the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and didn’t know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast called the bridegroom, 10and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have drunk freely, then that which is worse. You have kept the good wine until now!” 11This beginning of his signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. 12After this, he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they stayed there a few days. 13The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14He found in the temple those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, and the changers of money sitting. 15He made a whip of cords, and threw all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew their tables. 16To those who sold the doves, he said, “Take these things out of here! Don’t make my Father’s house a marketplace!” 17His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will eat me up.” 18The Jews therefore answered him, “What sign do you show us, seeing that you do these things?” 19Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20The Jews therefore said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple! Will you raise it up in three days?” 21But he spoke of the temple of his body. 22When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he said this, and they believed the Scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. 23Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in his name, observing his signs which he did. 24But Jesus didn’t entrust himself to them, because he knew everyone, 25and because he didn’t need for anyone to testify concerning man; for he himself knew what was in man.
World English Bible (public domain)
“Jesus said to them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."”
John 2:19
Summary
In John chapter 2, the narrative begins with Jesus attending a wedding in Cana of Galilee, where He performs His first miracle, turning water into wine. This miracle signifies not only His divine authority but also the joy and transformation He brings to life. The act of turning water into wine demonstrates the abundance of God's grace and the celebration of love, highlighting that Jesus is central to the joyful and communal aspects of our lives. Following this, the scene shifts to Jerusalem, where Jesus clears the temple of merchants and money changers. This act of cleansing serves as a powerful statement against the commercialization of worship and foreshadows His eventual sacrifice. It emphasizes the sanctity of God's house and the need for reverence in worship. The chapter concludes with Jesus' prediction of His resurrection, which reveals His understanding of His mission and foreshadows the pivotal moment for humanity's redemption.
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Chapter outline
How John 2 unfolds
John 2:1–2 Jesus at the Wedding in Cana
Jesus and his disciples are invited to a wedding in Cana, where his mother also attends, setting the stage for his first miracle.
John 2:3–5 The Wine Runs Out
Mary informs Jesus that the wine has run out, and despite his initial reluctance, she instructs the servants to follow his commands.
John 2:6–10 Jesus Turns Water into Wine
Jesus instructs the servants to fill stone water pots with water, transforming it into wine, which astonishes the ruler of the feast.
John 2:11–12 First Miracle Revealed
This miracle in Cana reveals Jesus' glory and leads his disciples to believe in him, marking the beginning of his signs.
John 2:13–17 Jesus Cleanses the Temple
In Jerusalem for Passover, Jesus drives out the merchants and money changers from the temple, condemning their commercialization of worship.
John 2:18–22 Challenge and Prophecy
The Jews demand a sign for his actions, and Jesus predicts the destruction and resurrection of the temple, referring to his body.
John 2:23–25 Belief Amid Understanding
Many believe in Jesus during the Passover feast, but Jesus remains discerning about their faith, indicating his deep knowledge of humanity.
Key verses
John 2:19The key verse encapsulates the central theme of Jesus' authority and foreshadows the significance of his death and resurrection.
Main themes in John 2
Transformation
Transformation is prominently displayed in the miracle of turning water into wine, specifically in verses 6-10. This event illustrates Jesus' divine ability to change the mundane elements of life into symbols of joy and celebration, thereby revealing the richness of new life He offers. This theme is integral to the chapter's overall message, as it positions Jesus as the source of spiritual renewal and abundance for those who follow Him.
Divine Authority
Divine authority is evident when Jesus cleanses the temple in verses 14-17, demonstrating his power over religious practices. The challenge from the Jews and his declaration about the temple in verses 18-21 further emphasize his unique authority. This sets the foundation for understanding Jesus’ role in God's plan and his authority in spiritual matters.
Worship and Reverence
Worship and reverence are central when Jesus drives out the merchants in the temple in verses 14-17, asserting that the house of God is not for profit. His actions reflect the importance of maintaining the sanctity of worship spaces. This theme prompts readers to consider the seriousness with which they approach their own worship.
Foreshadowing of Sacrifice
The foreshadowing of sacrifice appears in Jesus’ statement about destroying the temple in verses 19-21, linking his body to the temple's destruction and resurrection. This prediction hints at the greater sacrifice he would make on the cross. It lays the groundwork for understanding the significance of Jesus' mission in the context of redemption.
Cross-references
Passages that echo John 2
- John 7This passage connects as both involve Jesus' authority and challenges from religious leaders regarding his actions.
- Psalm 69Jesus' zeal for God's house echoes the sentiments expressed in this psalm regarding the sanctity of worship.
- John 6This chapter connects through themes of belief, as both passages illustrate responses to Jesus' signs.
- John 1The miraculous transformation in this chapter echoes the introduction of Jesus as the Word and its implications for life.
- Matthew 21Jesus cleansing the temple in both accounts emphasizes his role in reforming worship practices.
- Mark 11This event parallels the cleansing of the temple found in Mark, reinforcing the prophetic significance of Jesus' actions.
Study questions
Questions for studying John 2
- What does Mary say to Jesus at the wedding?
- How does Jesus respond to his mother's request?
- What is significant about the water pots used by Jesus?
- What does the wine symbolize in the context of the miracle?
- How does Jesus' action in the temple reflect his authority?
- What misunderstanding do the Jews have about Jesus' statement regarding the temple?
- What does Jesus' knowledge of people reveal about his character?
John 2: frequently asked questions
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