Introduction: Jesus was born around 5 BC, and was baptized around January 27 AD, at the age of 32. He was crucified at the age of 35. (This is the chronology from the Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary, page 165.) His ministry lasted for three years, and everything He said and did during those few years was said and done consciously and on purpose. He spoke and did miracles on a daily basis (John 21:25). The Apostle John chose nine of these miracles for his Gospel, and the water to wine miracle is the first that John tells us about, and according to John is actually the first miracle Jesus ever did. So, this is an important miracle, and when we understand it, we will have a deeper understanding of Jesus. So, what can we learn from this miracle?

I. Jesus was intent on fulfilling Messianic prophecies.

A. Isaiah predicted a ministry in Galilee (Matthew 4:12-17).
B. Jesus also quoted a messianic prophecy in His first sermon in Nazareth (another town in Galilee), which is found in Luke 4:16-22.
C. Galilee had always been the first area to suffer grief and darkness, as Babylon and Assyria, and the Medes and Persians came through to conquer Israel. Now it would be the first to get the Light of the Gospel.

II. Jesus was a Savior for everyone, rich or poor.

He mingled! He went to parties. He visited in the homes of both the respectable and the outcasts. He was a teacher to scribes, pharisees, men and women, tax collectors and prostitutes. He came to seek and to save that which was lost, and so we find Him at a wedding. The message here is that whoever you are, you need Jesus. He says, "Whosoever will let him take of the water of life freely." Will you come to Him? Will you take the water of life He offers to you?

III. He did miracles in order to strengthen the faith of the disciples (John 2:11).

The disciples were hard nuts to crack. They observed Jesus do miracles in person for three years. They saw Him feed 5000 men plus women and children with just a few loves and fish. They saw Him heal lepers. They saw the blind receive sight. They saw the lame jump up and walk. They saw Jesus raise the dead. But they didn't really believe until they saw the crucified Savior come back to life. Jesus' words to Thomas after His resurrection are appropriate for us today (John 20:24-29). We have not seen the miracles, but we believe!

IV. The Bible tells Christians to pray for miracles, in Jesus name.

God does not answer badly motivated prayers (James 1:5-8 and 4:2-3). But we are commanded to pray for miracles, especially for others, and for God's glory (James 5:13-18). All our prayers will not be answered in this life, but we ought to pray. And we know that we MAY receive an answer, because Jesus CAN do miracles.

V. What about alcoholic beverages?

Christians have argued about this for thousands of years, when all we need to do is read our Bibles. Obviously it cannot be a sin to drink wine, because Jesus made wine (180 gallons!), and because Jesus Himself drank wine with His disciples at the last Supper. On the other hand, the Bible repeatedly teaches that drunkeness is a sin and a disaster. Furthermore, the Apostle Paul tells us to live for others, and not for ourselves (Romans 14:19--15:1). So, drinking in moderation is not a sin, but if it scandalizes a weaker brother, or offends my spouse, or discourages my children, or makes it hard for me to lead the lost to Christ, then I won't do it!

VI. Some deeper symbolism in this miracle:

The water in the stone jars would normally have been used for ritual washings (Mark 7:3-4). But Jesus changed the water into wine (a symbol of His blood), which truly washes away sin. The master of the feast exclaimed, "You have saved the best for last!" This is also symbolic of Jesus' blood (Hebrews 9:6-14).

Conclusion: As we consider this first miracle of Jesus, we are moved to praise. We praise Him for being a Savior for all kinds of men and women. We praise Him for His power and wisdom. Most of all, we praise Him for shedding His blood, giving His life on the cross in order that we might have all our sins washed away. Amen.