Question:  Dear Greg,

            Why did Jesus turn water into wine as his first miracle?

            Gail

Answer:  Dear Gail,

            Good question.  For lack of time I’ll skip an involved commentary about this fascinating miracle.  The answer to your question begins in the last verse of the passage that explains the miracle (verse 11 of John 2:1-11).  The verse says that it was Jesus’ first miraculous sign, and that “He thus revealed his glory…”

            The miracle was changing an abundant liquid for a more precious one, being recognized as expensive and precious (verse 10).  The miracle sets the tome for Jesus’ ministry and “reveals his glory.”  He gave to bring life, to bring new commandments, to bring forgiveness, reconciliation and peace.  He came to bring a new covenant, one that people had not partaken of before.

            The Jews of that day were used to the water of the old covenant, but Jesus transformed the water of the old into the precious wine of the new.  Wine of course is also used as symbolic of his blood, blood poured out to enable all mankind to partake of the new covenant.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht