John 2:1-11

New Living Translation

The Wedding at Cana

2 The next day[a] there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. 3 The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.”

4 “Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.”

5 But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

6 Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons.[b] 7 Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, 8 he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions.

9 When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. 10 “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!”

11 This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

Our Heavenly Father,

What a wonderful reminder that when You act, You do so with excellence, and when You give, You provide the very best. Forgive us, Lord, for the times we have settled for less, for lowering our expectations when we receive from You. Help us to trust in Your perfect provision and to expect the very best from You.

In response, may we also give our very best—offering all that we do as a reflection of Your goodness and glory. Let our lives mirror the excellence of Your work, just as Jesus turned water into the finest wine.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

a. 2:1 Greek On the third day; see 1:35, 43.

b. 2:6 Greek 2 or 3 measures [75 to 113 liters].

New Living Translation (NLT)