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Jesus' first miracle - turning water into wine - is found in the Gospel of John, John chapter 2, verses 1 to 11 Jesus, His mother and His disciples, had all been invited to a wedding in the town of Cana in Galilee. Like all Jewish weddings it was a great celebration, with wine and feasting and music. Often these lasted for several days! Unfortunately on this happy occasion the wine ran out. Mary, Jesus' mother, informed Him of this. Apparently this did not show the bridegroom in a good light and he would have been very worried! Jesus said, mysteriously, "My time has not yet come", but Mary had faith in Him and told the servants "Do whatever He tells you".
Jesus ordered six large stone jars to be filled to the brim with water. (Each one could hold about 100 litres). The jars were there for the purpose of the ritual washing of the hands by everyone before meals, according to Jewish law. (We do it nowadays, not because of a law, but simply to ensure having clean, germ-free hands before touching food and utensils). "Now," continued Jesus, "draw some water and take it to the man in charge of the feast". The Master of Ceremonies tasted it and was amazed. It was wine! He did not know where the wine had come from, although the servants knew it was from the stone jars. Impressed, he told the bridegroom "You have kept the best wine until now". (Most would have served the best first but kept a supply of some lesser-quality wine for when they thought the guests were happily enjoying the dancing and fun).
Jesus' miracle indicated a contrast, in that His purpose was to change the "water" of Judaism and its laws into the "new wine" of what would be known as Christianity after His death and resurrection. Fresh water is cleansing and purifying, but temporary and limited (hands soon get dirty again!), but Jesus' "wine" is unlimited. His love and forgiveness are boundless for all who come to Him and believe in His resurrection. Christians remember and are thankful to Him in the Communion service when, as well as eating the bread which represents His "broken body" on the Cross, they share a cup of wine together representing His shed blood. Jesus' "time came" on the Cross of Calvary, when He became ONE PERFECT SACRIFICE for our sins.
