John 2:1-11

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• Reading the Text:
  • NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
  • Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
  • The Bible Gateway: NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
  • The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
  • The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary, exposition & sermons.
• Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
  • The Five Gospels Parallels, John W. Marshall, University of Toronto.
  • V, 2; Tatian's Diatessaron (c. 150-160).
  • III.XI.5, III.XVI.7, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180)
  • Chapter IX, Chapter XIII, On Baptism,  Tertullian (c. 198)
  • Chapter XVII, On the Soul, Tertullian (c. 210)
  • Chapter VIII, On Monogamy, Tertullian (c. 215)
  • V.III, VII.XV, The Refutation of all Heresies (Philosophumena), Hippolytus of Rome. (c. 225)
  • Book III, Chapter 24, Ecclesiastical History, Eusebius of Caesarea (c 320).
  • From Augustine's Tractates on John:
    • Tractate VIII (2:1-4)
      • "For even as that which the servants put into the water-pots was turned into wine by the doing of the Lord, so in like manner also is what the clouds pour forth changed into wine by the doing of the same Lord. But we do not wonder at the latter, because it happens every year: it has lost its marvellousness by its constant recurrence."
    • Tractate IX (2:1-11)
      • "Now the six water-pots signify the six ages, which were not without prophecy. And those six periods, divided and separated as it were by joints, would be as empty vessels unless they were filled by Christ. Why did I say, the periods which would run fruit-lessly on, unless the Lord Jesus were preached in them ? Prophecies are fulfilled, the water-pots are full; but that the water may be turned into wine, Christ must be understood in that whole prophecy."
  • Sermon for the Second Sunday after the Epiphany, John 2:1-11, Martin Luther, c. 1522.
  • From the Geneva Notes.
    • "Christ, declaring openly in an assembly by a notable miracle that he has power over the nature of things to feed man's body, leads the minds of all men to consider his spiritual and saving strength and power."
  • From Matthew Henry's Commentary.
    • "Though we need not scruple to feast with our friends on proper occasions, yet every social interview should be so conducted, that we might invite the Redeemer to join with us, if he were now on earth; and all levity, luxury, and excess offend him."
  • The Marriage of Cana (John 2:11): sermon by George Whitefield.
  • "The Feast of the Lord," John 2:9,10, Charles H. Spurgeon, 1859.
  • "Satan's Banquet," John 2:9,10, Charles H. Spurgeon, 1859.
  • From Wesley's Notes.
    • "Christ does not take away human society, but sanctifies it. Water might have quenched thirst; yet our Lord allows wine; especially at a festival solemnity. Such was his facility in drawing his disciples at first, who were afterward to go through rougher ways."
  • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
    • "As the miracle did not make bad good, but good better, so Christianity only redeems, sanctifies, and ennobles the beneficent but abused institution of marriage; and Christ's whole work only turns the water of earth into the wine of heaven. Thus "this beginning of miracles" exhibited the character and "manifested forth the glory" of His entire Mission."
  • From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
    • "Satan gives his good wine first; so the drunkard finds it; so did the prodigal son. Afterwards he gives the bitter; red eyes, pain, hunger, wretchedness."
• Contemporary Commentary, Studies, and Exegesis:
  • Commentary, John 2:1-11, Roy Harrisville, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2010.
    • "In Christ, the very nature of glory is being redefined. It is glory with a silent purpose and aim, to create and maintain faith in Christ Jesus who responds to human need in ways that seem hidden and mysterious, but whose deeds are open to the eyes of faith."
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.

  • "Extravagant Sign," commentary by Kate Huey, SAMUEL at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page, 2010.

    • "What unseen power lies within us that we do not recognize? What are your gifts? What gifts do you discern within your congregation, and how is God calling you to transform the world around you?"

  • "First Thoughts on Year C Gospel Passages in the Lectionary," Epiphany 2, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "So the water has become wine, the old temple, a new one in the person of Jesus. That ‘leaving behind’ is also part of the story’s theme."
  • "Exegetical Considerations," Epiphany 2C, Richard Carlson, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Using Greek for Sunday Text Preparations.
    • "What is John’s theology of signs, and how is that evident here?"
  • Exegetical Notes by Brian Stoffregen at CrossMarks Christian Resources.
    • "Something I hadn't noticed before is that these jars were empty. The servants have to fill them with water before the miracle occurs. Jesus is not transforming the purification water that was in the jars into the wine; but he is transforming new water that has been placed in the old containers."
  • Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2010.
    • "...women play important and central roles throughout the fourth gospel.  Jesus' closest personal relationships were with women.  They 'get it' when the men often do not.  For Jesus to address his mother as "woman" is an affirmation, not a denigration."
  • "L'chai-im! - more wine!" Peter Woods, I am listening..., 2010.
    • "I wonder at what point he gave up on using old vessels? I wonder if he has reached that place with this emptying ritual church yet?"
  • "Party Time: The Wedding at Cana," Epiphany 2C, The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2010.
    • "Watch the film Babette's Feast (1988)."
  • Exegesis, John 2:1-11, Ronald J. Allen, Lectionary Homiletics sample.
    • "One obvious sermon possibility is to help the congregation identify how they are like jars filled with water (complicit in the values of the world). The work of the sermon would then be to help the community identify how Jesus transforms our water into wine (life in the sphere of heaven)."
  • Holy Textures, Understanding the Bible in its own time and in ours, John 2:1-11, David Ewart, 2010.
    • "As John himself says in John 20:31, his goal in writing down this sign is not that we should be amazed, or even that we should believe in Jesus. Rather his goal is that we should bond with Jesus / abide in Jesus - and receive for ourselves the life that is in Jesus."
  • "Marriage in the Fellowship of the Faithful," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Marriage," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2006.
  • "The Marriage at Cana: Gospel Analysis," Gospel Analysis, Sermons from Seattle, Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington. Detailed background and exegesis.
  • Laterally Luke, by Brian McGowan, Anglican priest in Western Australia.
  • "The Wedding at Cana," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources.
    • "When Jesus visited a wedding in Cana he performed a miracle that served to remind his disciples of that brighter day, a day that transcends the imperfect moment. His disciples understood the point he was making and decided to trust him to carry them to that day. Do we trust him to carry us to that day?"
  • Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Discussion, John 2:1-11. "A place of conversation regarding Progressive Christianity."
    • "...to see Jesus' baptismal water flowing in a wedding scene calls us to perceive it flowing through us. Water/Wine makes no difference, G*D is with us!"
  • "'Whatever He Says to Do, You Do It,'" Jerry Goebel, One Family Outreach. "Focus on scripture from a justice perspective." Exegesis, study, and teen study and activities.
    • "The Lord has hundreds of gallons of the finest joy ready to release upon our communities but we must be ready to say; 'Whatever he says to do, you do it!' Are we ready to act on what we are asking for?"
  • "A gay wedding at Cana," Jeremiah Bartram, Gospel for Gays, 2010.
  • Expository Essay, John 2:1-11, Dr. William R. Long. Part 2.
    • "In the Gospel of John, Jesus will have two kinds of followers: those who "draw back" when Jesus discloses his more difficult teachings, and those who follow him to his death."
  • "A Sign to Faith," Larry Broding's Word-Sunday.Com: A Catholic Resource for This Sunday's Gospel. Adult Study, Children's Story, Family Activity, Support Materials.
    • "Have you ever had a moment of clarity? A moment when everything snapped into focus? Or a moment in which you could see things in perspective? What caused that moment?"
  • "Glorious Promises: Wedding Vows," Frederick Niedner, The Christian Century, 2000.
  • Environmental & earth-centered reflections, Rev. John Gibbs, from the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota Environmental Stewardship Commission.
    • "Camcorders cannot capture this vision of Jesus glorified. Only eyes that envision the gospel's encoded meaning can 'get it.'"
  • "The First Sign: Jesus Turns Water Into Wine (John 2:1-11)," by Robert Deffinbaugh at the Biblical Studies Foundation.
    • "I fear we have a distorted definition of “glory,” very much like our Lord’s disciples had in the Gospels. We wrongly think that if the glory of God is present, it will be in some dramatic display of power, one that is visible and spectacular, one that is seen and acknowledged by all."
  • "A Wild and Crazy Guy?" Kenneth W. Collins, at Ken Collins' Web Site.
    • "...from the standpoint of a person like me who finds parties intimidating at best and threatening at worst, it’s bad enough He went to a party, but did He have to supply refreshments so the revelry could be increased and prolonged?"
• Articles & Background:
  • "Was Jesus a Teetotaler? Theologians Debate the Point," Modern Brewery Age, 2002.
    • "All the angels dancing on the head of this particular pin might be moot, since some historians have think Jesus might actually have been a beer drinker. Wine was the drink of the Romanized elite in the Middle East of that era, while beer was the preferred drink of the common people. Historians have found it odd that the populist Jesus would have chosen the drink of the rich and powerful above the humble beer of the people."
  • "Magic, Miracles, and The Gospel," L. Michael White. PBS From Jesus to Christ.
    • "Probably in some ways, and more than any other issue within the development of early Christianity and the gospels tradition, miracles present one of the problematic areas."
  • "Cana, or Not a Perfect Carpenter," Kilian McDonnell, poetry, National Catholic Reporter 2000.
  • "Wine," Jewish Heritage Online Monthly's Topic of the Month, March, 2000. Some very interesting articles here.
  • Marriage: "They Shall be One Flesh," from And Adam Knew Eve: A Dictionary of Sex in the Bible, by Ronald L. Ecker.
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices.
  • Armerding, Carl, "The Marriage in Cana," Bibliotheca Sacra, 1961.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Blomberg, Craig L., "New Testament Miracles and Higher Criticism: Climbing Up the Slippery Slope," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 1984.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Bulembat, Jean-Bosco Matand, "Head-Waiter and Bridegroom of the Wedding at Cana: Structure and Meaning of John 2:1-12," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Ceroke, Christian P., O.Carm., "Jesus and Mary at Cana: Separation or Association?" Theological Studies, 1956.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Coffey, Kathy, "The Cana Couple Reminisce," Theology Today, 1992. Poetry - page 459.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Cooper, Karl T., "The Best Wine: John 2:1-11," Westminster Theological Journal, 1979.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Dillon, Richard J., "Wisdom Tradition and Sacramental Retrospect in the Cana Account (Jn 2,1-11)," The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 1962.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Good, Jack, "Defining Moment," The Christian Century, 2003.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Goodspeed, Edgar J., "'The Marriage at Cana in Galilee,' A Reply," Interpretation, 1947.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Grassi, Joseph A., "The Role of Jesus' Mother in John's Gospel: A Reappraisal," Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 1986. (See especially section beginning on page 77.)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Hedrick, Charles W., "Vestigial Scenes in John: Settings without Dramatization," Novum Testamentum, 2005.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Howard, James M., "The Significance of Minor Characters in the Gospel of John," Bibliotheca Sacra, 2006. (See especially section beginning on page 65)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Lewela, M Pauline W., "Mary's Faith - Model of Our Own: A Reflection," AFER, 1985.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Mahaffey, Jerome Dean, "George Whitefield's Homiletic Art: Neo-Sophism in the Great Awakening," Homiletic, 2006.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Martin, Troy W., "Assessing the Johannine Epithet 'the Mother of Jesus'," The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 1998.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • McCurdy, Harold, "The Wedding at Cana," Theology Today, 1998. Poetry.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Meyer, Paul W., "John 2.10," Journal of Biblical Literature, 1967.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Niedner, Frederick, "Glorious Promises," The Christian Century, 2000.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Owings, Timothy L., "John 2:1-11," Review and Expositor, 1988.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Painter, John, "Quest Stories in John 1-4," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 1991.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Polhill, John B., "John 1-4: The Revelation of True Life," Review & Expositor, 1988.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Rogness, Michael, "'You Are My Son, the Beloved': The Epiphany Gospels," Word & World, 2004. (Section on this text begins on page 87.)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Ross, J.M., "Further Unnoticed Points in the Text of the New Testament," Novum Testamentum, 2003. (Section on John 2:3 begins on page 214.)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Sappenfield, William J., "Known Beyond the Borders: Reflections on the Lectionary Readings for January," The Living Pulpit, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Shepherd, J. Barrie, "Cana," The Christian Century, 1988. Poetry.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Tette, Sharan Flynn, "Cana," The Christian Century, 1994. Poetry.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Toussaint, Stanley D., "The Significance of the First Sign in John's Gospel," Bibliotheca Sacra, 1997.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Williams, Ritva H., "The Mother of Jesus at Cana: A Social-Science Interpretation," The Catholic Biblical Quartely, 1997.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Wood, Lawrence, "Wedding Gifts," The Christian Century, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Woodworth, R.B., "'The Marriage at Cana in Galilee - John 2:4," Interpretation, 1947.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
• Reviews:
  • Reviews: Wai-Yee Ng, Water Symbolism in John: An Eschatological Interpretation. Peter Lang, 2001. Review by Jo-Ann A. Brant and Ron Fay in SBL's Review of Biblical Literature.
  • Review: Wai-Yee Ng, Water Symbolism in John: An Eschatological Interpretation. Peter Lang, 2001. Review by Dennis M Sweetland in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 2003.
  • Reviews: Jane S. Webster, Ingesting Jesus: Eating and Drinking in the Gospel of John. Society of Biblical Literature, 2003. Reviews by Francis J. Moloney, Peter-Ben Smit and Robert Baker in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 2004.
• Sermons:
  • "Finding Wild Space," the Rev. Anne Sutherland Howard, Day 1, 2010.
  • A Sermon for 2 Epiphany, Samuel Zumwalt, the Baptism of Our Lord, 14 January 2007, Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors.
  • "The One Who Gives Abundantly," Sigurd Grindheim, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
  • "God's Living People," the Rev. Dr. Robert Sims, Day 1, 2004.
  • "180 Gallons of Grace," "A Taste of New Wine," Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
  • "Sermon for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time," the Right Rev. Robert G Tharp, Day 1, 2001.
  • Father Andrew M. Greeley, "Priest, Author, Sociologist," Commentary and Homily:
    • Ordinary 1, 2010
    • Ordinary 1, 2007
    • Ordinary 1, 2004
• With Children:
  • "Jesus Goes to a Wedding," Illustrating the Story (lessons, children's sermons), coloring pages, activity sheets, crafts, children's songs. MSSS Crafts.
  • "Jesus Makes Water into Wine," Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.
  • "Miracle in Cana," Jim Kerlin, childrensermons.com.
  • "Jesus Turns Water into Wine," children's study, puzzles, coloring sheet, etc. Higher Praise Christian Center.
  • "Jesus Turns the Water into Wine," online computer java-based coloring pages from Grace Baptist Church of Feeding Hill.
• Drama:
  • "The Bride and Groom of Cana," from A Certain Jesus by Jose Ignacio and Maria Lopez Vigil. Ideal for catechetical and liturgical dramatization of today's gospel. Claretian Publications.
  • "Mr. Festival," Helen McNeil, dramatix.
• Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
  • Clip Art, John 2:1, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Clip Art Images: John 2:1-11, John 2:1-11 #2, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • John 2:1-11 at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Liberation emphasis.
  • Clip Art:The Wedding at Cana, Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld woodcuts, World Mission Collection, Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
  • BYOW, B.Y.O.W., Water into Wine Beta Test, Wine Tax, Kool-aid Effects, Reverend Fun Cartoon, gospelcom.net. Check for printing permissions at right-hand side of destination page.
  • Commercial Site: "Water to Wine," Visual Liturgy/Film, The Work of the People.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Contemporary/Praise Song suggestions, Together to Celebrate, David MacGregor.
  • Hymns with Scripture Allusions: John 2:1, 2, 11. The Cyber Hymnal.
  • Hymnal Scripture References, The Lutheran Hymnal, Lutheran Worship.
• Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
  • Wedding at Cana
• Literature and Literary References:
  • "The Cana Couple Reminisce," Kathy Coffey. Theology Today, 1992.
  • "The Wedding at Cana," Harold McCurdy, Theology Today, 1998.
• Movies scenes with the following themes, listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance:
  • Miracles
  • Transformation
• Study Links and Resources for the Book of John