John 2:11 “This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.” 

Turning water into wine was more than a miracle. It was a sign. It spoke a message to those who knew who did it. Perhaps Jesus didn’t do this miracle with the dramatic flair which would have made everyone at the wedding feast stop and stare at him. But for those who knew he did it, the miracle was intended to attract their attention. 

This simple act of love and power helped his disciples see more than Jesus the man. It gave them a glimpse of his divinity. “He thus revealed his glory,” we are told. What are we looking at when the Prophet from Nazareth transforms H2O into high-quality fermented grape juice full of sugars, red pigments, and alcohol? This miracle worker is more than a clever magician, even more than a caring friend. He is the Son of God, who came to live with men, share their lives, and be their Savior. 

“And his disciples put their faith in him.” That was important for these men. On this day, perhaps, Jesus was providing only a simple earthly need with his quiet power. On another day, this same man would love them so much that he would lay his power aside, lay down his own life for their sins, and so provide forgiveness, freedom, and life that never ends.

On another day this same Jesus would rise from the dead in glorious power, proclaiming to them and us that sin and death are defeated and have no power to condemn us, no power to control us, ever again. His disciples put their faith in him, and so do we. That is his saving purpose.

Why would anyone want to follow our Jesus? Maybe people need someone to help them see his power working through generosity and love, so that they can see that Jesus is the source of every blessing.