Glory At The Wedding Series

Reading: John chapter 2 verses 1-11.

In that last verse of this account (verse 11) John tells us the point of this story:

• This is Jesus’ first miracle (of the 35 miracles recorded).

• Note: the number can vary from 33-40 depending on the commentator.

Two things happened as a result of this miracle (reverse order);

(Second result):

• Verse 11c:

• “His disciples put their faith in him.”

• This miracle was a significant moment in the development of the disciples’ faith.

• What they saw that day helped strengthen their faith in the one they had chosen to follow

(First result):

• It is a revelation of the glory of Christ,

• A demonstration of His power and character.

• The miracle is not the point of the story.

• Miracles never happen just for the sake of the miracle.

• They always point to a larger truth about God. They are signs pointing forward;

• The larger truth here is seen in the demonstration of the power of Jesus.

• Through him, we find the impossible becoming possible.

• Those things that have no chance suddenly become reality.

Quote: St. Francis de Sales:

• “Some men become proud and insolent because they ride a fine horse,

• Wear a feather in their hat or are dressed in a fine suit of clothes.

• Who does not see the folly of this? If there be any glory in such things,

• The glory belongs to the horse, the bird and the tailor. “

Now in a similar way – don’t miss the point of this story:

• There are lessons to learn about marriage and about Mary and about…….

• But John gives us the main punch-line in verse 11, it is primarily about Jesus’ glory!

Notice that this first miracle of Jesus:

• Did not take place in a temple but a home!

• It did not take place at a funeral but a wedding,

• Weddings are times of celebration.

• Weddings are times when we rejoice and express joy.

• Weddings are a time when we enjoy the company of those we love;

• And we rejoice at the new bond of unity and commitment between two people.

(1). Wedding Is Celebrated (VERSE 1A).

“On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee”.

• In our society weddings are still big events,

• Despite the fact that the simplest of civil marriages costs less than £50,

• According to Wedding Guide UK.

• The average cost of getting married in the UK is around £11,000;

• With the vast majority of weddings falling between £5,000 and £15,000.

But wedding days have always been expensive days:

• In Bible times and still today in the Jewish culture;

• Weddings were, and are, a big deal:

• There is a certain protocol that was to be followed.

• And both the poor and rich were bound by tradition and culture to abide by it.

(A). THE RIGHT DAY.

• If the bride were a virgin, then the wedding took place on Wednesday.

• If the bride was a widow, the wedding took place on a Thursday.

(B). THE WEDDING CEREMONY WOULD TAKE PLACE LATE IN THE EVENING AFTER A TIME OF FEASTING:

• The father of the bride would take his daughter on his arm,

• And with the wedding party in tow,

• They would parade through the streets of the village;

• So that everyone could come out and congratulate the bride.

• Finally the wedding party would arrive at the home of the groom.

• And the wedding actually took place in the front door of the grooms house.

• It was no short ceremony……. in fact the festivities lasted for days.

• It was a time of great celebration.

(C). AFTER THE WEDDING CEREMONY:

• The bride and groom walked through the streets accompanied by flaming torches.

• Their attendants walked with them keeping a canopy over their heads.

• The wedding party always took the longest route through the village;

• So that as many people as possible could wish them well.

(D). NO HONEYMOON:

• There was no such thing as a honeymoon!

• No, the couple kept open house for a week.

• They were treated like royalty.

• They dressed in fancy clothes and many times actually wore crowns on their heads.

• Whatever desire they spoke for…they received.

• Their word was law!

(E). THE LAST CULTURAL THING THAT I WANT US TO NOTE;

• Is that the grooms family;

• Was expected to provide all the refreshments for this week of festivities.

• Now with that background information in mind,

• Let’s pick up the story in John chapter 2 verse 1.

(2). Wine Is Consumed (verse 3):