Water into Wine: A Sermon on John 2:1-11
Introduction: Starting the New Year with Hope
I couldn’t think of a better way to start the New Year than to keep the party going with the story of Jesus’ first miracle: turning water into wine. This miracle is not about alcohol or even Jesus’ ability to perform signs. It wasn’t a parlor trick but a symbol of how, when we think we’ve run out of blessings, God assures us that the best is yet to come.
This “Water into Wine Sermon” from John 2:1-11 invites us to reflect on the abundance of God’s grace and the transformations possible when Jesus is present in our lives.
The Setting of the Story: A Wedding in Cana
Jesus, his disciples, and his mother attended a wedding in the small town of Cana. Why? Because he was invited. Jesus isn’t a wedding crasher. He shows up where he’s wanted—even into the everyday moments of our lives.
Weddings in Jesus’ time were elaborate multi-day events. The hosts were expected to provide exquisite hospitality, and running out of wine was a disaster. It wasn’t just a logistical failure; it was a mark of shame on the family.
Mary, Jesus’ mother, noticed the problem. She didn’t have the resources to fix it or even a plan. But she knew who to turn to. This is where faith begins—not in knowing what to do, but in knowing who to turn to when you don’t. Instead of waiting for everything else to fail, turn to prayer first.
When the Wine Runs Out
It’s easy to see this moment as a metaphor for our own lives. How many of us worry about running out?
Running out of money in retirement.
Running out of time with loved ones.
Running out of patience, hope, or health.
This fear can paralyze us. But the story of the Wedding at Cana assures us that God’s blessings never run out. Even when we think everything is dry, God is still working to bring something new and abundant into our lives.
A Little Nudge: Mary’s Influence
The interplay between Mary and Jesus is rich with meaning. When Mary told Jesus about the wine running out, he responded, “Woman, what is that to me and you? My hour has not yet come.”
Whoa. He called his mother “woman” and tried to brush off her request. But Mary, insistent and full of faith, ignored his objections. She turned to the servants and said, “Do whatever he tells you.”
Even Jesus, at 30 years old, needed a little nudge from his mom. This is a reminder that we all need people in our lives who see our potential and push us toward it. Blessed are the Marys who nudge us into action and the nudgers who call out the best in us.
Whatever He Tells You to Do: Returning to Basics
Mary’s instruction to the stewards, “Do whatever he tells you to do,” is timeless advice for all of us. When life feels overwhelming, simplify. Return to the basics of what Jesus taught:
Be kind.
Be mindful.
Be merciful.
Seek justice.
Be of service.
These actions may seem small, but they prepare the way for the extraordinary.
The Meaning of Turning Water into Wine
Jesus instructed the servants to fill six stone jars with water—jars used for ritual purification. Then he transformed the water into wine, turning something ordinary into something extraordinary.
In scripture, wine symbolizes blessing and abundance. To run out of wine was to run out of blessing. But Jesus’ act was a sign that God’s blessings are not only still present but abundant and overflowing.
For more on the symbolism of wine in scripture, visit Bible Gateway.
Buckets, Not Eyedroppers: God’s Abundant Grace
The story emphasizes the extravagance of God’s blessings. Each of the six jars held 20-30 gallons, amounting to 120-180 gallons of wine. That’s not just enough—it’s an overwhelming abundance.
This is a reminder that God doesn’t deal in eyedroppers of grace but in buckets, brimming with bounty. We often fear that God’s blessings are limited, but this story reassures us that grace is inexhaustible.
The Transformation Jesus Brings
When we invite Jesus into our lives, he shifts our thinking from scarcity to abundance. This transformation isn’t always about physical resources; it’s often about a change in perspective.
Revival preacher Billy Sunday once said, “I haven’t seen a lot of water turned into wine—but I’ve seen whiskey turned into furniture.” His point is that faith transforms lives. The addict who relies on their higher power finds healing, and suddenly their resources are put to better use.
For more about Billy Sunday, visit Christianity.com.
Jesus’ power turns crises into opportunities and suffering into empathy. He turns fearful prayers into courageous faith.
The Best for Now: Celebrating Life
Jesus didn’t just make wine—he made the best wine. At the wedding, the guests marveled that the best had been saved for last.
This is a reminder that God doesn’t just want us to scrape by. God wants us to live joyfully, abundantly, and fully. As Rev. Harriet Cross says, Jesus brings:
The Merlot of mindfulness
The Cabernet of kindness
The Rosé of righteousness
The Jesus Juice of Justice
I’d add, the Champagne of quit feeling sorry for yourself, worrying about what you don’t have, and doing what Jesus told you to do.
Conclusion: The Best is Yet to Come
The Wedding at Cana shows us that even when we think we’ve run out, God is just getting started. The best is yet to come—not because of anything we’ve done, but because of who God is.
This New Year, may we trust in God’s abundance, live with joy, and invite Jesus into every moment of our lives. When we do, we’ll discover that the good stuff—the best stuff—isn’t behind us. It’s right here, ready to be poured out.