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The Rev. Scott Murray

Epiphany 2
Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
John 2:11

This Sunday we have that marvelous story from the Gospel of John, the turning of water into wine at the wedding feast at Cana. The church often refers to this at the first public miracle of Jesus, or, rather, the beginning of Jesus' ministry. And of course, the latter is more correct, I think, because this is not a miracle, or at least, that is what John says. This is a sign. Which is different. This is something which points to something else. Hmmm. Well, if so, what is pointing towards and what is being pointed at?
I think this story has been twisted away from its deeper meaning, just like the story of the prodigal son. Both have been named so as to lead us to the desired understanding of the stories. Miracle at Cana and the Prodigal Son. But just as the latter story takes on much deeper meaning when we think of it as about the forgiving father, so much so the Cana story becomes deeper when we see it as about purification and not an abundance of wine.
The large jars of water at the feast were for the guests to dip their hands in in order to purify themselves before entering the feast. I think the story is more about who Jesus is in terms of Jewish purification rather than miracle worker. This about Jesus taking precedence over purification as his presence does over all over aspects of the Jewish sacrificial system. This is a sign, something to recognize, and to ponder. After Jesus performs his "miracle" or sign, I would guess this is no more water available for purification. Hmmm. What can that be pointing towards? The mere presence of Jesus himself is purification? Is this what John is pointing towards? Or more strongly, Jesus is abolishing the purification system? As John places this story as the beginning of Jesus' ministry, it is foreshadowing what John is intending to be a major theme of his gospel. Which I am not going to tell you! As John originally intended, I recommend you read John's gospel with this story constantly in your mind and see what you hear John saying who Jesus is and why he came.