John 2 Bible Study: Jesus’ First Miracle and the Cleansing of the Temple

Chapter 2 of the Gospel of John is a rich and significant passage, describing Jesus’ first miracle, turning water into wine at the wedding at Cana, and the purification of the Temple in Jerusalem. This in-depth Bible study aims to explore these events, providing explanations and connections to other parts of the Bible.

1. The Miracle at the Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-12)

John 2:1-2 : “And on the third day a wedding was held in Cana in Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there. And Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding.”

The wedding at Cana takes place “on the third day,” a reference that may symbolize the resurrection and divine power of Jesus. The presence of Mary and Jesus at the wedding shows the importance of social relationships and celebrations in Jewish life.

John 2:3-5 : “And when there was no wine, the mother of Jesus said unto him, They have no wine. Jesus said to her: Woman, what have I to do with you? It is not my time yet. His mother said to the servants: Do whatever he tells you.”

The dialogue between Mary and Jesus is profound. The phrase “What do we have in common, woman?” it should not be interpreted as rudeness, but as an indication that Jesus would act according to the divine plan. Mary, with faith, instructs the servants to obey Jesus.

John 2:6-10:“And six stone jars were set there for the purifications of the Jews, and in each one there was room for two or three almudes. Jesus said to them: Fill these jars with water. And they filled them to the top. And he said unto them, Take it out now, and take it to the master of the chamber. And they took it. And as soon as the master of the feast tasted the water made into wine (not knowing where it came from, although the servants who had drawn the water did know), he called the master of the feast to the husband, and said to him: Every man put in the good wine first and, when they have drunk well, then the inferior; but you have kept the good wine until now.”

The miracle of turning water into wine in the stone pots used for purification is symbolic. It represents the spiritual transformation and renewal brought by Jesus. The better wine at the end suggests the superior new covenant in Christ compared to the old covenant.

John 2: 11: “Jesus began his signs in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him”

This verse highlights the purpose of Jesus’ miracles: to reveal His glory and strengthen the disciples’ faith.

John 2: 12:“After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there not many days..”

This verse shows the continuity of Jesus’ life and ministry after the miracle.

2. The Cleansing of the Temple (John 2:13-25)

John 2:13 :“And the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.”

Passover is a significant time in the Jewish calendar, marking liberation from Egypt. Jesus takes this opportunity to visit Jerusalem.

John 2: 14-16:“And he found in the temple those who sold oxen, and sheep, and pigeons, and money changers sitting. And having made a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, also the oxen and the sheep; and he scattered the money of the money changers, and overturned the tables; And he said to those who sold pigeons, Take these out from here, and do not make my Father’s house a place of sale.’”

Jesus’ action in the temple is a demonstration of zeal for the sanctity of the house of God. He condemns the commercialization and corruption that had taken over the temple.

John 2:17 :“And his disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for your house has devoured me.’”

This quote is from Psalm 69:9, which connects Jesus’ action to messianic prophecies.

John 2: 18-22:“And the Jews answered and said unto him, What sign wilt thou show us that thou shouldest do this? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. The Jews therefore said, In forty-six years was this temple built, and wilt thou raise it up in three days? But he spoke about the temple of his body. When he therefore rose from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture, and the word which Jesus had spoken.”

Jesus prophesies his death and resurrection, using the temple as a metaphor for his body. This passage anticipates the resurrection and reinforces the connection between Jesus and God’s redemptive plan.

John 2: 23-25:“And when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the festival, many people, seeing the signs that he did, believed in his name. But Jesus himself did not trust them, because he knew them all; And he did not need anyone to testify about man, because he knew what was in man.”

Jesus performs many miracles during Easter, attracting many followers. However, He demonstrates discernment, knowing people’s true nature and not being carried away by superficial enthusiasm.

Conclusion

Chapter 2 of John is fundamental to understanding the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. The transformation of water into wine at the wedding at Cana reveals His divinity and transforming power, while the purification of the temple shows His zeal for the sanctity and integrity of the worship of God.

These events not only manifest His glory but also prepare the ground for His redemptive mission.