John 2:9-11 9And as the head steward tasted the water which had also become wine, he did not know where it came from, but the servants who had drawn the water knew, the head steward called the bridegroom 10and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have become drunk, then the poor wine. You have kept the good wine until now.” 11This was the first of the signs Jesus did at Cana in Galilee and revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
A miracle took place sometime between the drawing of the water and when the head steward tasted it. The only ones who knew how it all happened were the servants who were directed by Jesus to fill the water jars. The miracle is simply put in the phrase the water had become wine. The head steward was not joking around or being ironic. This was a true miracle of transformation. The big problem the groom faced was running out of refreshments before the party was over. The family would have been shamed.
The steward’s surprised statement in verse 10 highlights the miracle of the story. The best practice in the first century was to serve the best wine first. This practice makes the best logical sense because it would be impressive. The poorer stuff might not be needed if people enjoyed and were satisfied with the best. The saying, “Save the best for last,” is illustrated in this miracle. We should be careful not to read any assumptions into this statement. The wine that came through Jesus’ miracle was the best ever and perfect for the occasion.
The story comes to a close with John inserting a short narrative and explanation. This miracle was the first sign or proof of Jesus as the Son of God. John set out his theology in chapter 1, and beginning with chapter 2, he illustrates it with this miracle. In John’s Gospel, Jesus acts out parables rather than teaching them. This story is the first to illustrate and explain the newness Jesus brings. The result of this miracle was that Jesus’ glory (doxan) was revealed and became evident to all. For this to happen, the servants had to have spoken about it. They were the first witnesses of the power of Jesus. Based on their witness, those who were following Jesus believed in him. They had heard John’s testimony, which sent them to Jesus. Moreover, this miracle proved John’s testimony to be true. The unspoken heroes of this story are the servants who were the link between Jesus and the stewards and disciples.
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