New Wine Part 2: Taste and See

Introduction

In the Gospel of John, chapter 2, we encounter the story of Jesus’ first miracle—turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. This passage offers us profound insights into our own lives, particularly when we feel incomplete or inadequate.

John 2:1-10 (NIV) describes how Jesus, His mother, and His disciples attended a wedding in Cana. When the wine ran out, Mary brought the issue to Jesus. Despite His initial response, “My hour has not yet come,” she instructed the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” Following His instructions, the servants filled six stone jars with water, which Jesus then turned into wine—astonishing the master of the banquet who noted that the best wine had been saved for last.

This story is more than a historical account; it is rich in symbolic meaning. The wedding at Cana, happening on the “third day,” is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ resurrection—an event that would bring about the ultimate transformation, from death to life, from old to new.

Feeling Inadequate?

Have you ever felt inadequate, like something is missing from your life? Perhaps you’ve experienced moments of self-doubt, questioning your ability to meet the expectations of others or even your own. This feeling of inadequacy is not uncommon, and it is something that Jesus addresses in this passage.

Consider the situation at the wedding. The wine had run out—a symbol of inadequacy and lack. The groom, responsible for providing enough wine, failed to meet the expectations of his guests. In a culture where shame was publicly displayed, this shortcoming would have been highly embarrassing. Yet, in the midst of this inadequacy, Jesus steps in and transforms the situation.

The Power of Surrender

Mary’s instruction to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you,” is a powerful call to surrender. It is a reminder that when we hand over our inadequacies to Jesus, He has the power to transform them. Our role is to trust Him completely and obey His word.

Jesus uses six stone jars, typically used for ceremonial washing, to perform His miracle. The number six, one short of seven (the biblical number of perfection), symbolizes incompleteness. These jars, representing an incomplete purification process, are filled to the brim with water. But it is only when Jesus intervenes that the water is transformed into wine—a symbol of new life and completeness in Him.

Jesus, Our New Wine

This miracle is not just about turning water into wine; it is about Jesus transforming our lives. Just as the old wine was replaced with new, superior wine, Jesus offers us a new life that is far better than anything we have known before. The “new wine” represents the new life that comes through faith in Jesus—a life of abundance, joy, and fulfillment.

The master of the banquet credited the groom for saving the best wine until last, but it was Jesus who provided it. This highlights the fact that when we surrender our lives to Jesus, He provides what we cannot—His grace, His love, His very self.

Conclusion

The story of the wedding at Cana teaches us that our inadequacies and incompleteness are opportunities for Jesus to work in our lives. When we surrender to Him, He transforms us, turning our “water” into “wine”—bringing new life, new hope, and a new beginning.

Psalm 34:8 invites us to “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Jesus is the best of tastes, the finest wine, the sweetest honey, and the most nourishing bread. There is nothing and no one better than Jesus. Will you surrender to Him today and allow Him to transform your life?