Charles Ellicott Commentary John 2:3

"And when the wine failed, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine." — John 2:3 (ASV)

When they wanted wine.—Better, the wine having failed.

They have no wine.—The question “What was the meaning of this remark?” has often been asked, and answered in many different ways. And yet the answer does not seem difficult to find. The next verses establish its meaning as the expectation of an outcome of supernatural power. This is quite in harmony with the mother’s hopes and reflections, without any previous miracle on which to base them (John 2:11).

For many long years she had kept in her heart the Son’s words and deeds (Luke 2:51). She must have heard of John the Baptist’s witness and of the events of the Baptism six weeks ago. On that very day, every hope must have sprung into new life as she heard from those who came with Him how they had become convinced.

To cause the increase of meal and prevent the failure of the jar of oil (1 Kings 17:14) was within the power of the prophet whom they expected as a herald of the Messiah. Here was an unexpected need, caused, perhaps, by the presence of Himself and His followers at that festival. Can He not, will He not, supply the need and prove Himself indeed the Christ?