Like many of us, Jesus went to a wedding. At this wedding, though, it was the groom’s job to provide the wine, and keep it flowing! But they had run out and they didn’t know what to do. Jesus’s mom knew what to do. Call Jesus! 😊
So she did and he had them fill some large jars full of water and then draw out of them, only to find that the water had been transformed into some great tasting wine ever made!
After telling this story, John makes an interesting note:
What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
John 2:11
John recorded seven different signs, or miracles, that Jesus performed. He did many more, of course, and we can read about those in the other Gospels. But John used these seven very significant signs, saying that, through these, Jesus was revealing his glory.
What does that mean? What does it mean that Jesus was revealing his glory?
Jesus was revealing himself to us. Jesus came as the king over all kings. He came as the king in the kingdom of God. He was, and is, God himself, revealing himself as God to those whom he had called. He was revealing himself to his disciples and all that would receive him for who he truly is. Not for what he could give them. Not for who they thought he should be. But for whom he truly is.
Jesus extended God’s mercy to all of humanity. God’s desire was to make a way for every person to return to him, but he knew that no human would be able to do that so God himself did the work. He himself gave the sacrifice. That is what he has done through Jesus, purchasing people away from the kingdom of darkness to instead enter the kingdom of God.
God’s grace in the face of rebellion brought him glory. God’s offer of mercy for what should have been certain judgment brought him glory. Jesus himself is God, having come to the earth to be known by those who would enter his kingdom. Jesus was revealing his glory, which meant that he was both showing himself and the plan of God through Christ. In Christ, through these miracles that confirmed who he is, Jesus was revealing his glory.