Matthew Henry Commentary John 2:1-11

"And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: and Jesus also was bidden, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when the wine failed, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. And Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. Now there were six waterpots of stone set there after the Jews` manner of purifying, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the ruler of the feast. And they bare it. And when the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and knew not whence it was (but the servants that had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast calleth the bridegroom, and saith unto him, Every man setteth on first the good wine; and when [men] have drunk freely, [then] that which is worse: thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of his signs did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed on him." — John 2:1-11 (ASV)

It is very desirable when there is a marriage, to have Christ acknowledge and bless it. Those who want Christ with them at their marriage must invite him by prayer, and he will come. While in this world we sometimes find ourselves in hardships, even when we think ourselves in abundance. There was lack at a marriage feast. Those who begin to care for the things of the world must look for trouble and expect disappointment.

In our appeals to Christ, we must humbly present our situation before him, and then entrust ourselves to him to do as he pleases. In Christ's reply to his mother there was no disrespect. He used the same word when speaking to her with affection from the cross; yet it is a standing testimony against the idolatry of later ages, in giving excessive honors to his mother. His hour has come when we do not know what to do.

Delays of mercy are not denials of prayer. Those who expect Christ's favors must observe his orders with prompt obedience. The way of duty is the way to mercy; and Christ's methods must not be objected to. The beginning of Moses' miracles was turning water into blood (Exodus 7:20); the beginning of Christ's miracles was turning water into wine. This may remind us of the difference between the law of Moses and the gospel of Christ. He showed that he improves creature-comforts for all true believers, and makes them comforts indeed. And Christ's works are all for use.

Has he turned your water into wine, given you knowledge and grace? It is for profitable use; therefore draw it out now, and use it. It was the best wine. Christ's works commend themselves even to those who do not know their Author. What was produced by miracles was always the best of its kind.

Though Christ by this allows a right use of wine, he does not in the least diminish his own caution, which is, that our hearts be not at any time overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness (Luke 21:34). Though we need not hesitate to feast with our friends on proper occasions, yet every social gathering should be so conducted that we might invite the Redeemer to join with us, if he were now on earth; and all frivolity, luxury, and excess offend him.