Turning water into wine Flashcards
At what event was this sign performed?
A wedding in Cana to which Jesus, Mary and the disciples were invited
What would traditionally happen at a wedding when the wine ran out?
The guests would be disappointed and the host humiliated
What does Bishop John Spong controversially propose about this sign?
He proposes that it was Jesus’ own wedding, with Mary’s concern with the food and drink being because she was the mother of the groom, although most churches teach that Jesus was never married
What is significant about Jesus using the word ‘woman’ to address his mother?
It is respectful but distant; thus fitting in with the idea that Jesus is the incarnation of the logos and is therefore not an ordinary mother’s son
How does this story link to Genesis?
- It can be seen as a a new garden of Eden where Jesus is the new Adam
- The sign occurs on the third day, which is when God created plants and fertility
- Addressing Mary as ‘woman’ links her to Eve; Mary is mother to a new perfect creation just as Eve was mother to an old perfect creation
- ## This makes the Cana wedding a symbol of God’s new creation and the joys of heaven
How does the story link to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus?
- The ‘hour’ is a reference to Jesus’ glorification on the cross
- This is the only other seen in John where Mary is present
- On the third day is a reference to Jesus being risen from the dead
- Acts as a symbol for Jesus’ passion and glorious resurrection, where disappointment turns to rejoicing
What is the symbolic significance of the urns used for cleanliness?
The water represents the Jewish religion, which cleanses only the body and does not touch the mind or soul. Jesus turns it into sweet, intoxicating wine that can provide life-altering religious experiences and knowledge of God
What is the significance of Jesus’ command to fill up the jars?
It is a reference to the later feeding of the 5000. They both show that God’s grace gives people more than they need or deserve
Explain the symbolic significance of how the master of the banquet received the wine
He ‘didn’t realise where it had come from’ - this is like the spiritually blind Jews and Gentiles who are in the darkness. However, ‘the servants knew’ because they represent the christians who are sharing the wine of christian faith and know it comes from God
What is the significance of the statement ‘you have saved the best wine until now’?
This symbolises the covenant between God and the Jewish people. The previous wine was the law of Moses and the other prophets. The best wine that has been served last is Jesus himself
What would be the naturalistic explanation for this sign?
That the disciples has the wine hidden in the house and substituted it to the water before it was served. This treats the sign as ‘spiritual theatre’ rather than a miracle.
What makes this distinct from the other signs?
Jesus does not follow it up with an explanatory discourse, as the I am the true vine discourse comes much later. Jesus actually seems unwilling to perform the sign at first; this is an idea similar to the marcan messianic secret - Jesus does not want people to know who he is yet
How do Jesus’ disciples respond to this sign?
They believe in Jesus; this is how John wants us to react to every sign
What does Jesus’ subsequent I am the true vine speech show?
That he is the cause for joy and celebration
Explain the day-to-day importance of this sign
Jesus is enjoying himself at a wedding where people drink, therefore showing God’s approval for marriage, sex and pleasure. This was significant at a time when the Essenes were celibate and the nazirite sect gave up wine
