John 2 - Introduction

"First Things" In The Gospel Of John John Two

The miracle of turning water to wine at the wedding at Cana is found only in the gospel of John. This miracle or sign was the first of a number of great things in this gospel. Jesus' miracle working ministry is one of the numerous proofs that He is the Son of God. This miracle was the beginning of many remarkable sign of Jesus. "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him." (John 2:11) This text provides us with a look at an interesting exchange between Jesus and His mother. Jesus realized that He could not act until the timing was right on God's calendar. So He said, "Mine hour is not yet come." (John 2:4) The primary purpose of this first "sign" was to cause people to believe in Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus visited the Temple to observe the Passover and He disturbed the people by saying, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." (John 2:19) This was a reference to His resurrection from the dead. During this visit Jesus cleansed the Temple of the money changers and those who sold sacrificial animals. People were being exploited as the animals for sacrifice were being sold within the Temple area. He told those who were selling doves, "Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise." (John 2:16)

John two gives an inspired look at three "first things": (1) Jesus' first miracle (John 2:1-12), (2) Jesus' first Passover (John 2:13-22), and (3) Jesus' first believers in Jerusalem. (John 2:23-25) The length of Jesus' ministry is dated by the Passovers He kept during His personal ministry. In John two Jesus kept the Passover for the first time during His personal ministry. He had, of course, kept other Passovers, but this was the first during His personal ministry. Let us learn from these three "first things:"