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with the message of Christ. John is the Friend of the Bridegroom, but Christ is the
Bridegroom Himself.
The instruments of the miracle were the six water pots "after the manner of the
purifying of the Jews". Again the new dispensational note is struck. That which was
O.T. ritual is changed into the pledge of millennial joy. He the Son of man and Son of
God has come, in order that all types shall have their completion and all promises their
fulfillment.
His first miracle "manifested forth His glory". It is not a miracle merely of
compassion or mercy. It foreshadows coming glory. "His hour was not yet come" (2: 4);
and although that hour must come, wherein the Son of man must be lifted up,
nevertheless glory must follow, for so it is written. The last miracle before His own death
and resurrection was at the tomb of Bethany. Here, however, in this opening sign He
manifests His glory at a marriage; His glory was manifested in that He supplied their
lack. They had "no wine". We are not told what effect this sign had upon the guests or
the bride and bridegroom. We are told, "His disciples believed on Him".
This sign has been recorded in order that we might believe:--
(1). The Jesus is the Christ.
(2). That He is the Son of God.
(3). That believing we might have life through His name.
The miracles which He did were the evidence of His Messiahship. This we have
already seen in Matthew's Gospel. They are further given to reveal Him as the Son of
God. This one in particular is a miracle of creation. What is ordinarily accomplished by
the slow process of vegetable growth and development is here performed instantaneously
at a word from Him. To believe Him is to receive life. Here life is indicated "more
abundantly". Not water for purifying, but wine that maketh glad the heart of God and
man. We are perfectly certain it was not the wine that is a mocker, that biteth like a
serpent, respecting which Scripture itself testifies, "whosoever is deceived thereby is not
wise".