Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 2:3

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

A wedding is always a gala occasion, and in a village like Cana it would be a community celebration. “Refreshments” were provided for all guests. Of these, wine was very important. To fail in providing adequately for the guests would involve social disgrace. In the closely knit communities of Jesus’ day, such an error would never be forgotten and would haunt the newly married couple all their lives. The situation prompted Mary’s urgency when she informed Jesus of the emergency.