John 2: Bible Study And Devotional: How The Wedding At Cana And Cleansing The Temple Reveal The Identity And Mission Of Yeshua
John 2 from a Messianic Jewish perspective. We'll look at the context, key themes, and significance of this chapter.
Context
The Book of John, written by the Apostle John, focuses on the divinity of Yeshua (Jesus) and His role as the Messiah. John 2 highlights two significant events: the wedding at Cana and Yeshua cleansing the Temple. Both events reveal different aspects of His identity and mission.
John 2:1-12: The Wedding at Cana
Verses 1-2
"On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Yeshua was there. Both Yeshua and His disciples were invited to the wedding."
Context and Significance:
- Third Day: In Jewish tradition, weddings were often held on the third day of the week (Tuesday), considered a day of double blessing because the phrase "it was good" is mentioned twice in the Genesis creation account for this day.
- Cana of Galilee: A small village, emphasizing the humble beginnings of Yeshua’s public ministry.
- Yeshua’s presence: His attendance shows His approval of the institution of marriage and hints at His future role in the Messianic Wedding Feast.
Verses 3-5
"When the wine ran out, the mother of Yeshua said to Him, 'They have no wine.' Yeshua said to her, 'Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come.' His mother said to the servants, 'Whatever He says to you, do it.'"
Context and Significance:
- Wine running out: A social disaster at a Jewish wedding, symbolizing joy and celebration. Running out of wine might symbolize the spiritual dryness of Israel.
- Yeshua’s response: The term "Woman" is respectful. His statement about His hour refers to His ultimate purpose and timing of His messianic mission.
- Mary’s faith:
She trusts Yeshua to address the situation, highlighting her faith in His ability.
Verses 6-10
"Now there were six stone water jars set there for the Jewish custom of purification, containing twenty or thirty gallons each. Yeshua said to them, 'Fill the water jars with water.' So they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, 'Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.' So they took it to him. When the headwaiter tasted the water which had become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom, and said to him, 'Every man serves the good wine first, and when the people have drunk freely, then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now.'"
Context and Significance:
- Stone water jars:
Used for purification, symbolizing ritual cleanliness in Judaism.
- Transformation:
The miracle of turning water into wine symbolizes Yeshua's transformative power and the introduction of the New Covenant, offering superior spiritual blessings.
- Quality of wine:
The superior wine at the end represents the best that Yeshua brings, surpassing the old rituals and practices.
Verse 11
"This beginning of His signs Yeshua did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him."
Context and Significance:
- First sign:
This miracle is the first of many signs in John’s Gospel, revealing Yeshua's glory and prompting faith in His disciples.
- Glory and belief:
The miracle leads to a deeper understanding of Yeshua’s identity and mission among His followers.
John 2:13-25: Cleansing the Temple
Verses 13-17
"The Passover of the Jews was near, and Yeshua went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the Temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the Temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables; and to those who were selling the doves He said, 'Take these things away; stop making My Father’s house a place of business.' His disciples remembered that it was written, 'Zeal for Your house will consume me.'"
Context and Significance:
- Passover: A major Jewish festival, commemorating the Exodus and freedom from Egyptian slavery.
- Temple practices:
The commercialization of Temple activities corrupted its sanctity.
- Yeshua’s actions:
His righteous indignation and cleansing of the Temple demonstrate His authority and zeal for pure worship.
- Scriptural fulfillment:
The disciples recall Psalm 69:9, seeing Yeshua’s actions as fulfilling Scripture.
Verses 18-22
"The Jews then said to Him, 'What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?' Yeshua answered them, 'Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.' The Jews then said, 'It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?' But He was speaking of the temple of His body. So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Yeshua had spoken."
Context and Significance:
- Demand for a sign:
Jewish leaders question Yeshua’s authority.
- Temple metaphor:
Yeshua’s reference to His body as the Temple foreshadows His death and resurrection.
- Post-resurrection understanding:
The disciples' later realization of His words strengthens their faith and understanding of His mission.
Verses 23-25
"Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name, observing His signs which He was doing. But Yeshua, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man."
Context and Significance:
- Belief based on signs:
Many believed in Yeshua due to His miraculous signs, yet He remained cautious about their faith.
- Yeshua’s insight:
His divine knowledge of human nature highlights His wisdom and discernment.
Conclusion
John 2 presents Yeshua’s first public miracle and His cleansing of the Temple, both of which reveal His identity as the Messiah and His commitment to purity and true worship. From a Messianic Jewish perspective, these events emphasize the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy, the introduction of a new covenant, and the transformation that Yeshua brings to both individuals and religious practices.