Here is the effect of Jesus’ miracle. Jesus did miracles as a sign so that we believe.
(11) This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. (12) After this he went down to Capernaum, he and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days. (John 2:11-12)
Explanation
We see that Jesus miracle had a three fold effect. First, that the miracle manifested forth his glory. The word used here for miracle is σημεῖον which is translated other places as “sign”. Sometimes the word miracles is translated from the word δύναμις which is often translated power. One word speaks more to what the miracle signified, and the other to the supernatural power of the miracle. Here it is clear what John is emphasizing. The miracle was a sign to confirm that He was the Messiah.
Not only did the miracle manifest forth his glory. The second effect is that his disciples believed on him. This sign was a confirmation of what they had already seen and suspected. Jesus Christ really was the messiah.
The last effect is seen in verse 12. His disciples, along with his family continued with him. The disciples were continuing to follow him. Jesus had promised Nathanael that he would see “greater things than these”, and that was soon shown to be the case.
Application
I love what commentator and Pastor, Warren Weirsbe, said about this miracle.
If our Lord had preached a sermon after He turned the water into wine, what might He have said? For one thing, He likely would have told the people that the world’s joy always runs out and cannot be regained, but the joy He gives is ever new and ever satisfying. (In the Scriptures, wine is a symbol of joy. See Jdg 9:13 and Psa 104:15.) The world offers the best at the first, and then, once you are “hooked,” things start to get worse. But Jesus continues to offer that which is best until we one day enjoy the finest blessings in the eternal kingdom (Luk 22:18). But our Lord would certainly have a special message here for His people, Israel. In the Old Testament, the nation is pictured as “married” to God and unfaithful to her marriage covenant (Isa 54:5; Jer 31:32; Hos 2:2). The wine ran out, and all Israel had left were six empty waterpots! They held water for external washings, but they could provide nothing for internal cleaning and joy. In this miracle, our Lord brought fullness where there was emptiness, joy where there was disappointment, and something internal for that which was only external (water for ceremonial washings).
Response
- Do you believe that Jesus Christ is who he said He is?
- Is your walk with the Lord based on empty ritual or a thriving relationship with God through Jesus?